FX Artist

Company DescriptionStep One Studios is a visual effects studio based in Ho Chi Minh City, specializing in high-quality VFX for feature films, television, and digital media.Guided by our philosophy “Connecting Dots, Drawing Lines, Filling Knowledge” we bring together artistic vision, technical expertise, and continuous learning to create compelling visual experiences.Our artists work closely across departments and with filmmakers to solve creative and technical challenges, developing efficient workflows while delivering effects that support both the visual language and storytelling of each project.Role DescriptionWe are looking for a FX Artist to join our team full-time, on-site in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.As an FX Artist at Step One Studios, you will be responsible for creating and integrating dynamic effects for production shots, including particles, smoke, fire, fluids, destruction, debris, atmospheric effects, and other procedural simulations.You will work closely with VFX Supervisors, CG Leads, Animators, Lighting Artists, and other members of the production team to ensure effects are visually compelling, technically efficient, and seamlessly integrated into the final shot.The role involves both artistic problem-solving and technical execution, from interpreting references and developing FX setups to simulation, optimization, rendering, troubleshooting, and final delivery.ResponsibilitiesDesign and create production-ready FX using SideFX Houdini.Build simulations for effects such as Pyro, FLIP, RBD, particles, destruction, debris, dust, smoke, fire, water, and environmental effects.Develop procedural and reusable FX setups where appropriate.Match FX behavior to real-world references, creative direction, and the visual requirements of each shot.Collaborate with other departments to ensure FX elements integrate naturally into the scene.Prepare simulations, caches, attributes, and render data for downstream production.Optimize simulations and scenes for production efficiency while maintaining visual quality.Troubleshoot technical issues related to simulations, caches, rendering, and shot integration.Take ownership of assigned shots from initial setup through final delivery.Contribute to improving FX workflows, tools, and production pipelines.QualificationsStrong working knowledge of SideFX Houdini for procedural FX and simulation.Good understanding of one or more areas such as Pyro, FLIP, RBD, particles, Vellum, or procedural geometry workflows.Strong observation skills and a good understanding of physics, scale, timing, motion, and real-world behavior.Good artistic eye for composition, shape, movement, detail, and realism.Understanding of the VFX production pipeline and how FX interacts with other production departments.Familiarity with rendering workflows, preferably Redshift.Ability to analyze references and translate creative direction into technically achievable solutions.Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.Ability to work collaboratively, receive feedback, and iterate efficiently in a production environment.Ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines across multiple shots.Nice to HaveExperience developing procedural Houdini Digital Assets (HDAs) or reusable FX tools.Basic scripting knowledge in Python, VEX, or other pipeline-related languages.Experience with real-time or procedural workflows is a plus.Previous experience working on feature films, episodic content, commercials, or other professional VFX productions.Understanding of color management, render passes, AOVs, and production rendering workflows.A relevant degree in VFX, animation, computer graphics, or a related field is welcome, but professional ability, problem-solving skills, and portfolio quality are more important than formal education.