Environment Lead

This is a Full Time Job

Member Summary:

Quick Summary (full description below):
Sony Pictures Imageworks is seeking a Lead Environment Artist with expertise in Houdini to create detailed 3D environments for VFX and animated projects. The role requires collaboration, leadership, and technical skill in various visual design areas.

• Salary: $50.34 to $64.95/hr
• Workplace Requirements: Vancouver, BC
• Years of Experience Required: 6+ years in VFX or animated feature films
• Education Requirements: Bachelor's degree or higher in Art, Illustration, Architecture, Design, Computer Graphics, or equivalent
• Hard Skills Required: Houdini, VEX, HScript, environment generalist, Python scripting
• Soft Skills Required: Leadership, collaboration, communication, mentoring
• Preferred Skills/Experience: USD pipelines, Unreal Engine, Virtual Production workflows, data capture

---

Full Posting:

Role Purpose:
Sony Pictures Imageworks is looking for a Lead Environment Artist to join the growing Environments team in Vancouver. The role involves creating highly detailed 3D environments using a Houdini-centric generalist workflow for high-end VFX and animated projects.

Responsibilities:
• Collaborate with the Environments Supervisor to meet client expectations and technical requirements
• Create render-ready 3D environment assets and 2.5D backgrounds for downstream consumption
• Participate in team and client reviews, filling in for the Supervisor when needed
• Assist in bidding, asset creation, and managing shot costs
• Support tool and workflow development for the team and the studio
• Help communicate creative and technical expectations and provide constructive feedback
• Lead by example, motivating and mentoring the team while ensuring professional excellence
• Provide regular updates on the team’s progress to the Environments Supervisor

Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Art, Illustration, Architecture, Design, Computer Graphics, or equivalent
• 6+ years of experience in VFX or animated feature films
• Expertise in Houdini as an environment generalist, including VEX and HScript
• Experience with various applications such as Nuke, Katana, Photoshop, Arnold, Speedtree, Maya, Max, Gaea, ZBrush, and Shotgrid
• Strong understanding of visual principles like perspective, composition, and color
• Knowledge in modeling, UVing, texturing, shading, and environment scattering
• Familiarity with photogrammetry and neural radiance field capture

Preferred Skills/Experience:
• Experience with both animated and live-action VFX projects
• USD-based pipelines, Unreal Engine, and Virtual Production workflows
• Location/on-set photography and data capture for environments
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and teaching abilities
• Willingness to learn new skills and mentor others

The anticipated base salary for this position is $50.34 to $64.95/hr. Benefits include healthcare, tuition reimbursement, RRSPs, sick and vacation leave, and standard increases as applicable. The actual base salary depends on various factors, including qualifications, years of experience, and education.

A demo reel illustrating artistic and technical experience relevant to the role is required for application.