Proceduralism Specialist (Groom/CFX TD)

Autodesk Research is seeking a Proceduralism Specialist (Groom/CFX TD) to re-imagine parametric grooming and environment simulation for the AI era in Entertainment & Media Solutions. This role involves understanding and evaluating techniques to empower artists, focusing on hair grooming and simulation. The specialist will create high-quality parametric setups in Maya, develop performant simulation methods, collaborate with research scientists, and ensure natural-looking procedural setups. The ideal candidate balances technical skills with artistic acumen and has a passion for innovation in character setups.

Must Have

• Create high-quality parametric setups for hair grooming in Maya
• Author performant and controllable simulation methods for varying groom styles
• Collaborate with research scientists on model capabilities
• Develop commonly used setups for consistent application
• Document and ensure repeatability for character system evolution
• Create basic automation and low-code/no-code solutions for data processing
• Ensure procedural setups and simulations appear natural or appropriate
• Debug and optimize technical issues in groom modeling and simulation pipelines
• Communicate effectively with character, science, and machine learning teams
• Understand and work within project requirements to leverage best techniques
• 5+ years of experience in film/tv/game production (Modelers, Riggers, Animators, Effects TD)
• Deep experience in Maya hair grooming, texture mapping, simulation, and hair shading techniques
• Intimate understanding of character setups
• Driven to develop AI/ML solutions and tools for artists
• Proven ability to work within cross-functional teams
• Inclusive with superior collaboration skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities
• Understanding and experience with professional content production pipelines

Good to Have

• Maya Xgen in addition to other hair authoring pipelines
• Environmental effects and simulation techniques
• Best practices of check-pointing and re-generating work reliably
• Solid technical skills to manage artefact creation and management
• Passion for innovation and improving the procedural production process

Position Overview

We are seeking an Proceduralism Specialst to join our team at Autodesk Research, specifically focusing on re-imagining parametric grooming and, environment simulation and effects setups for the AI era of our Entertainment & Media Solutions (EMS). This role is crucial in understanding and evaluating techniques and models that empower artists to bring worlds to life. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in a wide variety of procedural methods, specifically for hair grooming and simulation, balancing technical skills with artistic acumen, as well as a passion for innovation in character setups.

When applying please provide a reel or a link to your portfolio to showcase your work in industry.

Responsibilities

• Create high-quality parametric setups for hair grooming in maya using established and novel features
• Prove out setups through authoring performant and controllable simulation methods for the varying groom styles
• Collaborate with research scientists to iterate on model capabilities and evaluate creative potential
• Develop commonly used setups for consistent application in different deployment scenarios
• Document and ensure repeatability for continuing evolution of the character system
• Create basic automation and low-code/no-code solutions that will facilitate automation of data processing
• Ensure all procedural setups and simulations appear natural or appropriate for specific styles
• Debug and optimize technical issues in groom modeling and simulation pipelines
• Communicate effectively with the character, science and machine learning team members to ensure the successful integration of new models into the game or film workflows
• Understand and work within project requirements to create workflows that leverage best techniques

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in film/tv/game production working as or closely with Modelers, Riggers, Animators and Effects Technical Directors
• Deep experience in Maya hair grooming, texture mapping, simulation and hair shading techniques
• Intimate understanding of character setups
• Driven to develop solutions and tools that put artists at the center of the production using AI/ML capabilities
• Proven ability to work within cross-functional teams on productions and/or projects
• Inclusive with superior collaboration skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities
• Understanding and experience with professional content production pipelines

Preferred Qualifications

• Maya Xgen in addition to other hair authoring pipelines
• Environmental effects and simulation techniques
• Best practices of check-pointing and re-generating work reliably
• Solid technical skills to manage artefact creation and management
• Passion for innovation and improving the procedural production process

The Ideal Candidate

• Has worked within the film/tv/game production industries at the leading edge of animation for game, vfx or animation production
• Strong desire to advance the procedural production process for a re-imagined entertainment industry
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of the importance of integrity of animation system to create elegant workflows
• Passion for adopting new technologies and techniques to enhance the character setup experience