Houdini Technical Director

About the Role

We are seeking a talented Houdini Technical Director with strong expertise in procedural workflows, FX simulation, and technical problem-solving to join our live-action VFX team. 

The ideal candidate combines an artistic eye with deep technical knowledge of Houdini and programming, ensuring the seamless integration of high-end live action VFX into feature films, & episodic’s.

• Design and execute complex FX simulations (water, fire, explosions, transformations, particles, lightning, ash, and debris) for live-action and CG integration

• Develop and maintain procedural Houdini workflows for environments, scattering, and large-scale simulations.
  Collaborate with supervisors and other departments to deliver photorealistic effects that meet creative direction.
  Optimize simulation setups for efficiency in production pipelines.

• Build and support tools and digital assets (HDAs) in Houdini using Python and VEX.

• Work with Unreal Engine for real-time FX, Niagara systems, and Houdini Engine integration.

• Debug and enhance FX setups to achieve desired results under tight deadlines.

• Mentor and support junior artists with Houdini and FX techniques.

• Contribute to pipeline development, ensuring scalability and consistency across shows.

• Proven production experience in Houdini FX across feature films, episodic’s, or games.

• Strong knowledge of SOPs, DOPs, and SHOPs in Houdini.

• Expertise in fluid/flip, pyro, vellum, RBD, particles, and procedural modeling.

• Proficiency in Python, VEX, HScript; ability to develop Houdini tools and automation scripts.

• Experience with Unreal Engine (Niagara, blueprints, material building).

• Familiarity with rendering workflows (Maya, Katana, Arnold, Redshift, V-Ray).

• Knowledge of production tracking and collaboration tools (Shotgun, Jira)

• A strong eye for detail, timing, realism, and physical accuracy in simulations.