Senior 3D FX Supervisor: PAW Patrol & Paw Specials

Guru Studio is a creative-driven entertainment company and an industry leader in animated storytelling. For over twenty years, our studio has brought to life some of the most recognizable and beloved children’s properties in the world.

We’re always looking for passionate and committed talent, so come join our dynamic and growing team!

Are you ready to take the world's #1 smash hit animated series to the next level? The award-winning, action-packed and loved-by-every-child-on-Earth series PAW Patrol is entering its second decade of production, with BIG plans ahead!

We're looking for a talented Senior 3D FX Supervisor to join the production of “Paw Patrol” and “Paw Specials” based on the world-wide hit “Paw Patrol”.

As a Senior 3D FX Supervisor at Guru Studio, you will lead the FX department across one or more animated productions—overseeing the development and execution of stylized, story-driven FX that enhance character performance, support world-building, and elevate the narrative. You will guide the creative and technical direction of the FX pipeline, working closely with Directors, Production, and fellow Department Supervisors to ensure that FX work aligns with the storytelling vision while remaining achievable within schedule and budget.

This is a key leadership role responsible for team growth, pipeline evolution, and ensuring a collaborative and inspiring environment for FX artists to thrive.

Responsibilities:

• Define and drive the artistic vision and technical strategy for FX on animated features or episodic projects. Establish visual language and standards for stylized effects in alignment with the Director’s vision.
• Manage and mentor the FX team, including FX Leads, artists, and technical directors. Set clear goals, provide regular feedback, and foster an environment of creative exploration and continuous learning.
• Work closely with Layout, Animation, Character FX, Lighting, Compositing, and Pipeline teams to design FX that integrate seamlessly into the production pipeline and enhance the overall visual storytelling.
• Oversee the design and lookdev of key FX elements such as magic, smoke, fire, water, environmental effects, and abstract phenomena—often with a strong stylized or art-directed component.
• Partner with Pipeline and R&D to ensure the FX pipeline is robust, scalable, and tailored for animation needs—balancing artist control with automation and consistency.
• Collaborate with Producers and CG Supervisors to scope FX work, allocate resources, create schedules, and manage the delivery of FX across all production stages.
• Lead and participate in FX reviews with Directors and Production. Interpret feedback, translate notes into actionable direction, and ensure creative continuity throughout the project.
• Identify emerging tools, technologies, and workflows relevant to animated FX. Champion initiatives that improve department efficiency, quality, and artistic expression.
• Anticipate and troubleshoot production bottlenecks. Lead cross-department efforts to resolve challenges quickly while maintaining creative intent.
• Suggest alternative or simplified methods to achieve needed fx elements in a cost and time effective manner.
• Help establish an FX library for established and reusable elements.

Qualifications:

• 7+ years of professional experience in FX for feature animation and animated TV series.
• 3+ years in a Supervisory or Lead role within an animation studio.
• Advanced knowledge of Houdini, Solaris, Maya, Nuke, USD, Gaffer, Karma and various studio FX pipelines.
• Deep understanding of procedural workflows, particle systems, simulations, and scripting.
• Experience crafting stylized, narrative-driven FX in a highly art-directed environment.
• Proven ability to breakdown complex effects, ability to bid fx work from both scripts and boards, assess artistic capabilities, and manage task distribution.
• Strong aesthetic sensibility and the ability to bridge creative direction with technical solutions.
• Proven success in managing teams, schedules, and multi-department collaboration.
• Experience with Tractor, Deadline, Qube or other farm management software.
• Clear, confident communication skills—comfortable presenting to directors and executives.
• Experience with asset and shot production tracking tools (e.g., ShotGrid).

Bonus Skills:

• Scripting proficiency (Python, VEX, MEL, Hscript, C++, PyQt or others) for pipeline customization and tool creation
• Experience with real-time or hybrid pipelines (e.g., Unreal Engine) is a plus.
• Experience with Flipfluids is a plus.
• Familiarity with CFX, Lighting, or Compositing workflows.
• Passion for animated storytelling and a deep appreciation for the medium.

Why Join Guru?

• We create a collaborative and creatively fulfilling work environment by promoting courage, purpose, inspiration, integrity, transparency, and empowerment as our core values
• We take great pride in our work and we always ensure it reflects a high standard of quality and creativity
• We encourage individuals to grow with us by offering learning opportunities that encourage skill development and growth
• We are proud to support philanthropic initiatives that support our local and global community through our charity committee Guru Gives
• We offer health and wellness support through an extensive benefits plan and extended mental health services and initiatives
• We allow the flexibility to work remotely while making our downtown studio available for in-person team building and collaboration

Guru is committed to providing an inclusive work environment that celebrates the diversity of its employees. We are dedicated to employment equity and welcome applications from people from all Indigenous groups, races, religions, genders and people with disabilities.

We are committed to providing an accessible candidate experience during our recruitment process and are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible ‎environment where candidates and ‎employees feel valued and respected. Guru strives to respect the dignity and ‎independence of people with disabilities and is committed to giving them the same ‎‎opportunity to succeed in the recruitment process as all other candidates. If you have a disability, you may request ‎to be accommodated at any time. Guru will work with all candidates to accommodate individual accessibility needs to the point of undue hardship.

Guru Studio would like to thank all applicants for your interest, however only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Guru Studio is an equal opportunity employer.

Please note this is an In-Studio/ Hybrid position