Lead FX Artist (Contract)
Read straight from Cause and FX Ltd's careers page, verified 13h ago.Seekless can tailor your résumé to it.
Seekless can write your résumé for this posting first.
Before you apply
LocationAuckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Typecontract
SeniorityLead
Experience5+ yrs
DepartmentProduction
Company size1+ people
PostedJan 23, 2026 · 9mo ago
Verified live13h ago
May no longer be actively hiring
Posted by the company on Jan 23, 2026
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
5+ years experience as an FX Artist in the VFX industry
At least 2 years of proven experience leading teams and mentoring artists in a Lead Artist role within the VFX industry
Mastery of Houdini
Solid experience in Maya
Solid experience in Nuke
Experience building procedural templates and reusable setups
Strong lookdev chops - shaders, materials, and defining FX aesthetics
Deep knowledge of simulation types: fire, smoke, fluids, destruction, etc.
Strong artistic sensibility and technical know‑how
Excellent communication - you can guide, instruct, and collaborate with clarity
A passion for VFX that shines through in your work
An eye for lighting; bonus points if you’ve worked with Karma or volumetric workflows
Experience with scripting languages (Python, VEX, MEL) to enhance workflows and automate tasks
Knowledge of real-time engines such as Unreal or Unity for interactive VFX
Previous experience working in a fast-paced studio environment with tight deadlines
Skills
Houdini
Maya
Nuke
Karma
Python
VEX
MEL
Unreal
Unity
WELCOME TO CAUSE & FX!
Our studio is celebrated for its dynamic atmosphere and a team of committed artists known for consistently delivering exceptional work. We embrace innovation and state-of-the-art technologies while nurturing the growth and potential of our team. Our mutual commitment fuels our motivation, and we warmly welcome individuals who share the same level of passion and dedication.
THIS OPPORTUNITY:
Are you the kind of person who gets oddly excited about simulating explosions, swirling smoke, crashing waves, and magical particles? Do you love crafting FX that make people say, “HOW did they do that?!”
We’re looking for a Lead FX Artist to take charge of complex effects work, guide an enthusiastic team, and help shape unforgettable visuals across our high-end productions. You’ll collaborate across departments, lead lookdev, optimise simulations, and help build smarter pipelines, all while keeping the fun alive in the studio.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
•
Lead the creation of high-end FX; explosions, fire, water, smoke, destruction, magic and anything else we dream up
•
Work closely with Supervisors, Leads and other departments to seamlessly blend FX into live-action and CG environments
•
Build procedural templates and reusable tools that keep workflows sharp and efficient
•
Use your lookdev superpowers to define FX style, mood and wow-factor
•
Mentor and provide feedback to fellow artists, fostering growth, collaboration and craft excellence
•
Troubleshoot simulations, optimise setups and keep everything running smoothly
•
Deliver stunning work on time across multiple shots and sequences
•
Stay ahead of industry trends and contribute to R&D that pushes boundaries
Requirements
•
5+ years experience as an FX Artist in the VFX industry, with a proven track record in high-quality feature films, commercials, or games
•
At least 2 years of proven experience leading teams and mentoring artists in a Lead Artist role within the VFX industry
•
Mastery of Houdini, and solid experience in Maya and Nuke
•
An eye for lighting; bonus points if you’ve worked with Karma or volumetric workflows
•
Experience building procedural templates and reusable setups
•
Strong lookdev chops - shaders, materials, and defining FX aesthetics
•
Deep knowledge of simulation types: fire, smoke, fluids, destruction, etc.
•
Strong artistic sensibility and technical know‑how
•
Excellent communication - you can guide, instruct, and collaborate with clarity
•
A passion for VFX that shines through in your work
Preferred Skills:
•
Experience with scripting languages (Python, VEX, MEL) to enhance workflows and automate tasks
•
Knowledge of real-time engines such as Unreal or Unity for interactive VFX
•
Previous experience working in a fast-paced studio environment with tight deadlines
Benefits
•
Join a company that values kindness, curiosity, teamwork, and creativity! Our Values aren’t just words on a wall.
•
Interesting, exciting, and varied role within the film and TV industry
•
Social events: Weekly quiz, Fromage Friday and regular team events.
At Cause & FX we promote a culture that celebrates diversity and inclusiveness, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes us stronger, more creative and ultimately better at what we do. At Cause and FX everybody’s welcome.