Job Title: Lead Houdini Artist (Motion Design / VFX)Reporting to: Creative Director / Head of Production
Role OverviewWe are seeking a Lead Houdini Artist to join a high-performing, agile creative team in the UAE. This role is positioned as a senior, hands-on specialist, focused on delivering exceptional Houdini-based work across motion design, VFX, and real-time pipelines.
This is not a traditional team management role. Instead, the Lead will act as a right hand to leadership, bringing strong ownership, technical depth, and the ability to drive projects end-to-end. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable working directly with clients, guiding internal teams, and executing complex Houdini work themselves.
Key ResponsibilitiesCreative & Technical ExecutionLead the creation of high-quality Houdini-based simulations, procedural systems, and visual effectsDeliver hands-on work across motion design, VFX, and real-time environmentsEnsure creative output aligns with client expectations and project briefsTroubleshoot and optimize complex scenes, simulations, and workflowsProject Ownership & DeliveryTake full ownership of projects from brief through to final deliveryManage feedback loops between clients and internal teams, ensuring clarity and efficiencyOversee project flow using task management systems and production pipelinesEnsure deadlines, quality standards, and deliverables are consistently metClient & Stakeholder EngagementAct as a confident, client-facing representative during key stages of deliveryTranslate client requirements into actionable creative and technical directionBridge the gap between creative output and client expectationsTeam Collaboration & GuidanceBrief, guide, and support team members to ensure strong executionProvide mentorship and technical input without formal line management responsibilityStep in to support operational delivery when needed, ensuring continuity across projects
Target Background / Ideal ExperienceWe are particularly interested in candidates coming from:Motion design studios with strong use of Houdini in their pipelinesVFX houses, particularly within commercial and advertising environmentsSelect game development studios where Houdini is embedded in the production pipelineCandidates should be experienced in fast-paced, client-driven environments with a strong balance of creativity and technical skill.diKey Requirements5+ years of experience working with Houdini in motion design, VFX, or related fieldsStrong portfolio demonstrating procedural workflows, simulations, and high-end visual outputProven ability to work in client-facing roles and manage feedback effectivelyExperience with production pipelines, task management systems, and collaborative workflowsStrong understanding of rendering workflows (Redshift, Arnold, Karma, or similar)