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Houdini Vex Jobs (NOW HIRING)

COSA VFX INC

FX Houdini Artist

Sherman Oaks, CA · On-site

... range of FX in Houdini, including fire, smoke, fluids, electricity, explosions, supernatural ... VEX experience a plus · Procedural shader creation and USD-based FX workflows · X concept art ...

COSA VFX INC

FX Houdini Artist

Sherman Oaks, CA · On-site

... range of FX in Houdini, including fire, smoke, fluids, electricity, explosions, supernatural ... VEX experience a plus · Procedural shader creation and USD-based FX workflows · X concept art ...

MFI Technologies Incorporated

$67K - $85K/yr

Experience with Maya or Houdini is required * A reel demonstrating character or creature effects ... Knowledge of Linux as well as coding/scripting knowledge (Python, Me, or VEX) a plus Full-time ...

Studio Wildcard

Sr. VFX Artist

Bellevue, WA · On-site

Houdini Knowledge * Scripting (Python, Vex, Mel, etc.) Required Application Materials: * Resume * Demo reel with breakdown/explanation of what you did About Studio Wildcard Studio Wildcard was ...

Studio Wildcard

Sr. VFX Artist

Bellevue, WA · On-site

Houdini Knowledge * Scripting (Python, Vex, Mel, etc.) Required Application Materials: * Resume * Demo reel with breakdown/explanation of what you did About Studio Wildcard Studio Wildcard was ...

studiowildcard.com

Sr. VFX Artist

Bellevue, WA · On-site

Houdini Knowledge * Scripting (Python, Vex, Mel, etc.) Required Application Materials: * Resume * Demo reel with breakdown/explanation of what you did About Studio Wildcard Studio Wildcard was ...

Studio Wildcard

Sr. VFX Artist

Bellevue, WA · Remote

Houdini Knowledge * Scripting (Python, Vex, Mel, etc.) Required Application Materials: * Resume * Demo reel with breakdown/explanation of what you did About Studio Wildcard Studio Wildcard was ...

Parallel Domain

Principal Technical Artist

Seattle, WA · On-site

$144K - $173K/yr

You'll move fluently between Unreal Engine, Houdini, Python, shader code, and modern AI tooling ... Productive across some combination of Python, C++, HLSL, VEX, and shell. You reach for code rather ...

Parallel Domain

Principal Technical Artist

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$144K - $173K/yr

You'll move fluently between Unreal Engine, Houdini, Python, shader code, and modern AI tooling ... Productive across some combination of Python, C++, HLSL, VEX, and shell. You reach for code rather ...

Parallel Domain

Principal Technical Artist

Seattle, WA · Remote

$130K - $155K/yr

You'll move fluently between Unreal Engine, Houdini, Python, shader code, and modern AI tooling ... Productive across some combination of Python, C++, HLSL, VEX, and shell. You reach for code rather ...

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Houdini Vex information

What is Houdini VEX?

Houdini VEX (Vector Expression) is a high-performance, C-like scripting language used in SideFX Houdini for creating custom visual effects, shaders, and procedural modeling operations. VEX allows artists and technical directors to manipulate geometry, particles, volumes, and more at a granular level, enabling advanced procedural workflows. It's widely used for developing complex effects that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with standard Houdini tools alone.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Houdini VEX artist?

To thrive as a Houdini VEX Artist, you need a strong grasp of procedural 3D modeling, animation concepts, and advanced programming skills using VEX within SideFX Houdini. Experience with Houdini's node-based workflow, VEX coding, and familiarity with rendering engines like Mantra or Redshift are commonly required. Creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with other artists and technical teams are crucial soft skills. Mastering these skills enables the efficient creation of complex visual effects and procedural assets, which are essential for high-quality visual storytelling in film, games, and advertising.

What are some common challenges Houdini VEX artists face when collaborating with other departments in a studio environment?

Houdini VEX artists often work closely with departments such as lighting, compositing, and modeling, and a frequent challenge is ensuring that the procedural setups and scripts they create integrate smoothly with the broader production pipeline. Clear communication is crucial to avoid misalignment on technical requirements and artistic expectations. Additionally, VEX code can be highly specialized, so providing thorough documentation and user-friendly controls for non-technical team members helps prevent workflow bottlenecks. Successful collaboration requires adaptability and a willingness to iterate based on feedback from other departments.

Are Houdini Vex artists in demand?

Houdini Vex artists are in demand within the visual effects and animation industries, especially for roles involving procedural modeling, shading, and simulation work. Employers seek candidates with strong scripting skills in Vex and experience with Houdini's node-based environment, making these skills valuable for specialized technical positions.

What other helpful pages are available for Houdini Vex?

Other pages related to Houdini Vex:

Infographic showing various Houdini Vex job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution.

Houdini Technical Director

New Orleans, LA • On-site

Swaybox Studios
See more jobs at Swaybox Studiosexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Develop, maintain, and optimize custom Houdini Digital Assets, procedural tools, scripts, and workflows to improve artist efficiency and support pipeline standards.

  • Design and implement scalable procedural systems for simulation, environments, asset generation, geometry processing, and other production workflows.

  • Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to Houdini tools, simulations, procedural networks, asset processing, caching, lighting, rendering, and pipeline integration.

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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