SKILLS
▸ SOFTWARE & PLUG-INS
Houdini
Expert level proficiency in numerous aspects of Houdini including VFX (cloth, hair, pyro, particles, etc.) using Houdini's native solvers as well as various 3rd party plugins, 3D Modeling (procedural asset generation, procedural model processing), rendering with various render engines and automation (HOM, TOPs/PDG).
Unreal Engine
Strong proficiency with various aspects of both Unreal Engine 4 and 5 including lighting, rendering, VFX (Niagara) and Unreal's node-based editor. Good understanding of Houdini Engine for Unreal and of creating HDAs that allow for maximum cross-compatibility between Houdini and Unreal Engine.
Maya
Working proficiency with various aspects of Maya including CFX, 3D modeling, and automation (Maya Commands, PyMel).
NXT for Maya
Strong proficiency with NXT for Maya and with the creation and maintenance of pipeline automation tools for Maya utilizing NXT.
Terragen
Working proficiency with scene and asset creation in Terragen and with using the native hybrid render engine.
Substance Painter/ Designer/ Alchemist
Strong proficiency with the various tools that comprise the Substance Suite.
USD/Solaris
Strong proficiency with Universal Scene Description and with its integration into Houdini in the form of Solaris. Good understanding of USD core concepts and best practices.
PDG/TOPs
Strong proficiency with automation using PDG/TOPs. Very strong understanding of PDG core concepts and best practices, and of creation and maintenance of pipeline automation tools utilizing PDG.
Carbon Physics Solver
Expert level proficiency with Numerion's Carbon Solver for both Maya and Houdini and with building automation tools to interact with Carbon
▸ PROGRAMMING/ SCRIPTING
Python
Strong proficiency with general Python scripting with a heavy focus on task automation and with various DCC specific Python APIs including HOM and Maya Python API.
C++
Working proficiency with C++ and with the development of standalone, user-facing graphical applications. Also proficient with the use of the Dear ImGui library for DirectX based C++ applications.
VEX
Expert level proficiency with VEX for geometry and attribute manipulation.
GLSL/HLSL
Strong proficiency with shader programming in both GLSL and HLSL including the use of DirectCompute. Good understanding of graphics pipelines for both OpenGL and Direct3D11.
▸ ADDITIONAL SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong working knowledge of various 3D file formats including:
- USD | Alembic | FBX | VDB
- Understanding of the use of version control software in production environments.
- Expert level proficiency with building and maintaining Houdini Digital Assets/OTLs in a studio production environment.
- Strong understanding of the methods and best practices regarding data transfer between various 3D DCCs.
- Hands-on knowledge and experience with traditional VFX/CFX shot production and workflow from an artistic standpoint.
- Experience building datasets for and training machine learning models for CG related tasks.
- 6+ years of industry experience
- Strong generalist background
- Very strong work ethic
- Quick learner
- Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills
- Dedicated team player
- Experience supervising small teams of VFX/CFX artists
- Strong passion and ability to learn new skills independently
- Able to write clear and concise documentation for new tools and workflows
- Able to quickly adapt to new technology and workflows
- Passionate about teaching and helping others improve their skill set
- Able to independently identify and correct inefficiencies in production
REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
