Hard Surface Modeler - Junior

Image Engine, a world-class VFX studio in Vancouver, BC, is seeking a Junior Hard Surface Modeler. This role involves creating 3D hard surface models for downstream departments, managing time to meet weekly targets, and working within defined pipelines. The artist will collaborate with the Modeling Lead, take feedback for professional development, and troubleshoot problems while maintaining high-quality work. The position is a project contract starting January 2026, requiring candidates to be based in British Columbia and eligible to work in Canada.

Must Have

• Create 3D hard surface models for production
• Process requests from pipeline departments
• Manage time and resources to meet weekly targets
• Work within the defined pipeline
• Produce the highest quality work possible within a given amount of time
• Work closely with other departments in the Asset team
• Ensure all email correspondence and scheduling is up to date
• Act as general support for the modeling team
• Attend and participate in meetings and asset reviews
• Utilize multitasking ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously
• 1+ years’ experience creating high quality hard surface models for visual effects for film
• Demonstrated proficiency in creating photo-realistic assets
• Understanding of traditional art skills (Form, architecture, anatomy, topology, and colour theory)
• Good balance between technical and artistic abilities
• Proficiency in Maya
• Experience with UV Mapping
• Ability to troubleshoot and deal with competing priorities
• Ability to take direction positively
• Work well within a diverse group
• Thrive under the pressure of tight production deadlines
• Ability to adapt quickly to new technologies and applications
• Ability to complete quality control on individual work
• Excellent time management and communication skills
• Eye for detail

Good to Have

• Knowledge in Photoshop
• Knowledge in Zbrush
• Knowledge in Mudbox
• Knowledge in Mari
• Knowledge in LINUX/UNIX

Perks & Benefits

• Extended healthcare from day 1
• Premiums 100% covered by Image Engine
• Up to 8 paid Health and Wellness days per year

Position: Hard Surface Modeler - Junior

Hiring Range: $65,000 to $71,000/year for a 40 hour work week

Project Contract: Start January 2026

Company Benefits: Extended healthcare from day 1, premiums 100% covered by Image Engine, up to 8 paid Health and Wellness days per year.

*Candidates are required to be based in British Columbia and eligible to work in Canada*

ABOUT IMAGE ENGINE

Image Engine is a world-class VFX studio based in Vancouver, BC, that has built a reputation for excellence in the visual effects industry since 1995. We specialize in crafting stunning visual effects for feature films and television with an award-winning portfolio that includes The Book of Boba Fett, The Mandalorian, Game Of Thrones, Lost in Space, Jurassic World, and District 9.

We offer a full range of visual effects services, from concept designs and pre-visualization to CG animation, compositing, and explosive volumetric digital effects. Our crew is passionate about storytelling and pushing the artistic and technical boundaries to deliver the highest quality work on every project. R&D is central to our philosophy of driving creativity through innovation and we're committed to continually evolving our robust production pipelines.

At Image Engine, we value diversity and teamwork, and we're proud to foster a workplace culture that is supportive, respectful, and empowering. We believe that our success is a reflection of our exceptionally talented team, and we're always looking for passionate and dedicated individuals to join us on our mission to create unforgettable visual experiences. Join our team and be part of something extraordinary.

POSITION PURPOSE

The primary focus of the Junior Hard Surface Modeler is to create models for downstream departments. Artists will be required to complete modeling tasks based on Image Engine’s production needs. They will work with the Modeling Lead to identify key strengths and areas of development to maximize their time and to assist in task distribution. Junior artists will complete tasks within the assigned time frame. They will use their listening skills to take on feedback for improvement and professional development. They will begin to quality-check their work to improve standards and develop as an artist. They will troubleshoot problems as necessary; however, will bring questions forward to Leads and Supervisors as soon as possible to ensure effective use of time and resources.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Process requests from pipeline departments
• Manage time and resources to meet weekly targets
• Create 3D hard surface models to be used in production
• Work within the defined pipeline
• Produce the highest quality work possible within a given amount of time
• Work closely with the other departments in the Asset team
• Ensure all email correspondence and scheduling is up to date, responding to emails in a timely manner
• Act as a general support for modeling team
• Attend and participate in meetings and asset reviews as required
• Utilize multitasking ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• 1+ years’ experience creating high quality hard surface models for visual effects for film
• Demonstrated proficiency in creating photo-realistic assets
• Understanding of traditional art skills (Form, architecture, anatomy, topology, and colour theory)
• Good balance between technical and artistic abilities

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Technical skills

• Proficiency in Maya required
• Experience with UV Mapping
• Knowledge in Photoshop, Zbrush, Mudbox, Mari, and LINUX/UNIX desirable

Core skills

• Ability to troubleshoot and deal with competing priorities
• Ability to take direction positively, work well within a diverse group, and thrive under the pressure of tight production deadlines
• Ability to adapt quickly to new technologies and applications
• Ability to complete quality control on individual work
• Excellent time management and communication skills
• Eye for detail