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Procedural Modeling Houdini Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Procedural Modeling Houdini information

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$21

$39

$75

How much do procedural modeling houdini jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for procedural modeling houdini in California is $39.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.82 and $42.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is procedural modeling in Houdini?

Procedural modeling in Houdini is a technique where artists use a series of rules or algorithms to generate 3D models and environments. Unlike traditional modeling, which is manual and static, procedural modeling allows for flexible, non-destructive workflows where changes can be made quickly by adjusting parameters. Houdini is renowned for its node-based system, enabling artists to create complex structures, terrains, or effects that can be easily modified or replicated. This approach is widely used in visual effects, animation, and game development for creating detailed and varied assets efficiently.

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

To thrive as a Procedural Modeling Houdini Artist, you need a strong grasp of 3D modeling principles, procedural generation techniques, and a solid background in computer graphics or a related field. Mastery of SideFX Houdini software, including its node-based workflow and scripting languages like VEX or Python, is essential, and experience with industry-standard rendering engines is highly beneficial. Creativity, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication distinguish top professionals in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for efficiently delivering high-quality, flexible assets and collaborating within multidisciplinary teams in fast-paced production environments.

What are some common challenges faced by procedural modeling Houdini artists when working on collaborative projects?

Procedural Modeling Houdini artists often encounter challenges related to maintaining consistency and compatibility of assets within a collaborative workflow, especially when multiple artists contribute to the same project. Sharing and updating Houdini Digital Assets (HDAs) can lead to version control issues, and ensuring that procedural setups are flexible and well-documented is crucial for team efficiency. Additionally, artists must frequently communicate with other departments, such as lighting and animation, to make sure their procedural models integrate seamlessly into the production pipeline. Adopting standardized naming conventions and thorough documentation helps overcome these challenges and ensures smooth collaboration.

What is the difference between Procedural Modeling Houdini vs 3D Modeler?

AspectProcedural Modeling Houdini3D Modeler
CredentialsKnowledge of Houdini, scripting, and procedural workflowsDegree in 3D art, design, or related field; proficiency in modeling software
Work EnvironmentVFX studios, animation, game developmentGame studios, animation, advertising agencies
Industry UsageSpecialized in procedural assets, effects, simulationsCreating detailed, handcrafted models

Procedural Modeling Houdini focuses on creating assets through algorithms and procedural workflows, ideal for complex effects and automation. In contrast, a 3D Modeler typically crafts detailed models manually, emphasizing artistic control. Both roles are vital in digital content creation but serve different production needs.

What are popular job titles related to Procedural Modeling Houdini jobs in California?

For Procedural Modeling Houdini jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Procedural Modeling Houdini jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Procedural Modeling Houdini jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Procedural Modeling Houdini jobs?

Cities in California with the most Procedural Modeling Houdini job openings:

Infographic showing various Procedural Modeling Houdini job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,797 per year, or $39.8 per hour.

DreamWorks Feature - Character Effects Artist

Glendale, CA


NBCUniversal

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 133 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 78 rated media

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Company Description

DreamWorks Animation is looking for more adventurous dreamers who shoot for the moon. We tell stories about the journeys our unconventional heroes take to make dreams come true. As a growth-minded studio, we pride ourselves on being one of the world's leading producers of high-quality, award-winning, animated films and series, reaching consumers around the globe. We push to feel more, laugh more, and build immersive new worlds.

DreamWorks creates a diverse array of original content in a variety of formats, delivering compelling stories with unique characters. We place tremendous value on the experiences our talent offers from their own non-traditional paths to success. We believe in frequent communication and that transparency and trust yield the best work. We are a community of artists, technologists, innovators, and creators, who are passionate about animation and also happen to love eating lunch together.

The Character Effects department and CFX Artists at DreamWorks Animation are responsible for both the set up and shot simulation of cloth, fur, hair, foliage, feathers, props, and other simulations as necessary on various projects.

If you are part of the fandom and believe teamwork makes the dream work, join us in #livingthedream and #doingyourdreamwork!

Job Description

"What would you say you do here?"

  • Designs and crafts character effects such as cloth and fur simulations.

  • Develops generalized tools, used in Character FX, to help improve the pipeline.

  • Creates cloth and hair simulations, prop animation and animation cleanup for shot work in production.

  • Creatively solve problems and achieve art direction for a shot.

  • Troubleshoot and solve problems independently.

  • Demonstrate artistic vision and appropriately expand upon the art direction given.

  • Technical Animation for shots in production.

  • Cloth and Fur simulations.

  • Deformations, procedural modeling and animation.

Qualifications

"What do I need to have in order to do this job?"

  • Excellent eye for motion and solid understanding of animation principles.

  • Solid understanding of software such as Maya and Houdini.

  • Scripting proficiency in Mel and Python.

  • Good problem-solving abilities.

  • Strong communication skills.

  • Ability to handle and resolve recurring problems.

  • Ability to prioritize, work independently or within a group, and proceed with objectives without supervision. 

  • Interested candidate must submit a resume/CV through www.nbcunicareers.com to be considered

  • Upon request provide a reel/portfolio of work examples -- if available, include a web address when you submit your resume.

Desired Qualifications: "What can I offer?"

  • Exposure to rigging tools and surface modeling techniques preferred.

  • Dynamic simulation background preferred.

  • Production experience preferred.

Hybrid: This position has been designated as hybrid, generally contributing from the office a minimum of four days per week.

Salary range: $89,752 - $130,000

Additional Information

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, or arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, where applicable.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to [email protected].


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