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Houdini Technical Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Certain Affinity, Inc

Advanced Technical Artist

Austin, TX · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Advanced Technical Artist Would you like to help push the visual quality of current and future ... Build and deploy tools using Python, Unreal Editor Utility Blueprints, Houdini Digital Assets, or ...

New

Certain Affinity, Inc.

Advanced Technical Artist

Austin, TX · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Advanced Technical Artist Would you like to help push the visual quality of current and future ... Build and deploy tools using Python, Unreal Editor Utility Blueprints, Houdini Digital Assets, or ...

New

Parallel Domain

Principal Technical Artist

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$144K - $173K/yr

We're hiring a Principal Technical Artist to bring the next generation of these workflows into ... You'll move fluently between Unreal Engine, Houdini, Python, shader code, and modern AI tooling ...

Parallel Domain

Principal Technical Artist

Seattle, WA

$144K - $173K/yr

We're hiring a Principal Technical Artist to bring the next generation of these workflows into ... You'll move fluently between Unreal Engine, Houdini, Python, shader code, and modern AI tooling ...

Parallel Domain

Principal Technical Artist

Seattle, WA · Remote

$130K - $155K/yr

We're hiring a Principal Technical Artist to bring the next generation of these workflows into ... You'll move fluently between Unreal Engine, Houdini, Python, shader code, and modern AI tooling ...

Epic Games

Senior Technical Artist

Cary, NC · On-site

$117K - $140K/yr

What You'll Do Epic is looking for a Technical Artist with a strong focus on material creation to ... and Houdini * Develop reusable material frameworks and workflows that enable tech artists and ...

Tower 33 VFX

Houdini Artist - Remote

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

... Artist to join our team and create high-quality simulations using Houdini, bringing creative ... Troubleshoot technical challenges under tight deadlines * What we're looking for: * Strong ...

Tower 33 VFX

Houdini Artist - Remote

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

... Artist to join our team and create high-quality simulations using Houdini, bringing creative ... Troubleshoot technical challenges under tight deadlines * What we're looking for: * Strong ...

Netflix

Principal Technical Artist, Games R&D - Tech Lab

OR · On-site +1

$126K - $151K/yr

The R&D Team Games Principal Technical Artist will be on a small, senior-leaning team of multi ... Houdini, etc. Passion for making video games, especially in a rapid, focused, smaller form vs ...

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All JobsHoudini Technical Artist Jobs

Houdini Technical Artist information

See salary details

$95.5K

$138.7K

$153.5K

How much do houdini technical artist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for houdini technical artist in the United States is $138,713.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,000.00 and $152,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Houdini Technical Artist?

To thrive as a Houdini Technical Artist, you need a strong background in 3D computer graphics, procedural modeling, and visual effects, often supported by a degree in computer graphics, animation, or a related field. Proficiency in SideFX Houdini, scripting languages like Python or VEX, and familiarity with game engines or rendering systems are typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are key soft skills that help in translating artistic visions into technical solutions and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering high-quality visual effects and efficient workflows in animation, gaming, or film production environments.

How does a Houdini Technical Artist typically collaborate with other departments in a production pipeline?

A Houdini Technical Artist works closely with departments such as modeling, lighting, animation, and compositing to develop procedural tools, assets, and effects that integrate seamlessly into the overall pipeline. They often bridge the gap between artists and programmers by translating creative concepts into technical solutions, troubleshooting issues, and optimizing workflows. Clear communication and adaptability are key, as they must ensure their tools and scripts are user-friendly for artists while meeting technical requirements set by production leads.

What is a Houdini Technical Artist?

A Houdini Technical Artist is a professional who specializes in using SideFX Houdini, a powerful 3D animation and visual effects software, to create complex simulations and procedural assets for games, films, and other media. They bridge the gap between art and technology by developing tools, workflows, and effects that help artists achieve visually stunning results efficiently. Their work often involves scripting, problem-solving, and collaborating closely with both artists and programmers to optimize pipelines and meet creative goals.

What is the difference between Houdini Technical Artist vs 3D Generalist?

AspectHoudini Technical Artist3D Generalist
Required SkillsProficiency in Houdini, scripting, procedural workflows, visual effectsModeling, texturing, lighting, rendering across multiple software
Work EnvironmentVFX studios, animation, game development with focus on effects and technical pipelinesVaried industries, flexible roles across multiple 3D disciplines
Common UsageSpecialized in procedural effects, simulations, and technical pipeline supportBroad 3D content creation, including modeling, animation, and rendering

The Houdini Technical Artist specializes in procedural effects, scripting, and technical workflows within VFX and game studios, whereas a 3D Generalist handles a wide range of 3D tasks across multiple disciplines. Both roles require strong 3D software skills, but the Houdini Technical Artist focuses more on effects and pipeline optimization, making it more specialized.

More about Houdini Technical Artist jobs
What cities are hiring for Houdini Technical Artist jobs? Cities with the most Houdini Technical Artist job openings:
What states have the most Houdini Technical Artist jobs? States with the most job openings for Houdini Technical Artist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Houdini Technical Artist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Houdini Technical Artist jobs are:
Houdini Technical Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Houdini Technical Artist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,713 per year, or $66.7 per hour.

Houdini Technical Director

Swaybox Studios

New Orleans, LA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Why join Swaybox Studios?
Swaybox Studios is rewriting the rulebook of visual storytelling. As we collaborate with DC Studios/Warner Bros Pictures Animation and Matt Reeves' 6th and Idaho on a revolutionary new project, you'll help bring bold creative visions to life through hands-on artistry and performance. This is your chance to be a part of a production that's equal parts innovative and unforgettable.
Houdini Technical Director
Location: New Orleans, LA - Onsite
Studio: Swaybox Studios
Department: VFX / Technical Direction
Reports To: VFX Supervisor
Employment Type: Full Time
Why join Swaybox Studios?
At Swaybox Studios is rewriting the rulebook of visual storytelling. As we collaborate with DC Studios/Warner Bros Pictures Animation and Matt Reeves' 6th and Idaho on a revolutionary new project, you'll play a vital role in coordinating the artistry and logistics that bring bold visions to life. This is your chance to help lead a production that's equal parts innovative and unforgettable.
Job Summary:
Swaybox Studios is seeking an experienced Houdini Technical Director to develop, implement, and maintain tools, procedures, and workflows that optimize our Houdini pipeline across VFX, Animation, Unreal, and Technical Direction teams.
Working closely with artists, supervisors, and pipeline developers, you'll create intuitive procedural tools that automate repetitive tasks, improve production efficiency, and solve complex technical challenges. You'll play a critical role in ensuring our artists have reliable, scalable workflows, while helping evolve the studio's overall pipeline architecture to support a hybrid production environment.
This role leans heavily into the technical side, but relies on the creative understanding for the needs of the artists. It's ideal for someone who enjoys solving difficult technical problems, building artist-friendly tools, node graphs, HDA structures, VEX expressions, and collaborating across departments to continually improve how work gets done.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop, maintain, and optimize custom Houdini Digital Assets (HDAs), procedural tools, scripts, and workflows that improve artist efficiency and uphold pipeline best practices.
  • Design scalable procedural systems that support simulation, environments, asset generation, geometry processing, lighting, and other production workflows.
  • Develop and maintain non-destructive scene-graph pipelines and create custom operators for the artists to work from.
  • Implement and maintain naming conventions, asset organization standards, version control practices, and pipeline integrations that align with the studio's production infrastructure.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to Houdini tools, simulations, procedural networks, asset processing, caching, lighting, rendering, and pipeline integration, serving as a primary technical resource for artists.
  • Automate manual production tasks through Python, VEX, and Houdini's procedural framework to improve consistency, efficiency, and reliability.
  • Balance immediate production support with long-term pipeline development, prioritizing critical production needs, while continuing to improve studio workflows.
  • Collaborate closely with Supervisors, Pipeline TDs, Production, and artists to identify workflow challenges and develop practical technical solutions.
  • Create and maintain technical documentation, user guides, training materials, and onboarding resources that encourage successful adoption of new tools and workflows.
  • Continuously evaluate production workflows, artist feedback, and emerging technologies to recommend improvements that enhance efficiency and creative flexibility.
  • Partner with Pipeline, Unreal, Maya, and Nuke Technical Directors to ensure smooth interoperability between applications and maintain a cohesive production pipeline.
  • Collaborate with Pipeline TDs and Render Wranglers to integrate Houdini and Arnold with Deadline in-house and via cloud-based rendering.
  • Use ShotGrid (Flow Production Tracking) API to automatically configure networks within Houdini.
  • Excel in a fast-paced environment, with shifting priorities and tight deadlines, demonstrating exceptional organization and flexibility.
  • Stay current with advances in Houdini, procedural workflows, simulation technologies, and industry best practices, evaluating opportunities to improve the studio's technical capabilities.

Required Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of experience as a Houdini Technical Director, Pipeline TD, or similar technical role in a high-end VFX, Animation, or hybrid production environment.
  • Expert knowledge of Houdini, including procedural modeling, simulations, SOPs, DOPs, LOPs/Solaris, COPs, HDAs, and production pipeline development with a heavy focus/comprehension of lighting and rendering through Arnold.
  • Strong proficiency with Python, VEX, and HScript, with experience developing custom procedural tools, automation, and pipeline integrations.
  • Deep understanding of film production pipelines and how Houdini integrates with FX, animation, lighting, compositing, and rendering workflows.
  • Experience building scalable, production-ready tools that support complex film-quality workflows.
  • Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills with a proven ability to diagnose and resolve production issues quickly and effectively.
  • Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to balance production support alongside ongoing tool development.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical artists.
  • Experience with Git, Rez, and other related version control systems and environment & package managers with collaborative development practices.
  • Use of unittest or similar framework testing to ensure no disruptions in active/current scripts.
  • Experience working with cloud-based rendering, distributed simulations, or scalable compute environments.
  • In-depth knowledge of color management, geometry caching, and asset publishing systems.
  • Experience with ShotGrid (Flow Production Tracking) management software's API
  • Efficiency and experience with Linux systems and shell scripting.
  • An iterative mindset and willingness to receive and implement constructive feedback.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • PySide, PyQT, or QT Designer experience is preferred.
  • Experience developing procedural workflows for environments, destruction, particles, crowds, vegetation, terrain generation, or large-scale simulations is advantageous.
  • C++ and OpenCL experience is great to have.
  • Familiarity with Unreal Engine and developing Houdini workflows using Houdini Engine.
  • Experience with Maya, Nuke, and modern cross-application pipeline development.
  • Understanding of rendering workflows using Karma, RenderMan, Redshift, or similar renderers.
  • Familiarity with motion capture, photogrammetry, Gaussian splatting, or virtual production workflows is a plus.
  • Previous experience collaborating with SideFX on support tickets, feature requests, or beta programs is highly desirable.

At Swaybox Studios, we believe that great storytelling comes from diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, talents, and identities.
We do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Swaybox Studios also complies with applicable Louisiana laws governing non-discrimination in employment. We are dedicated to fostering a creative, inclusive, and respectful environment for all.

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