Head of Effects

Netflix Animation Studios is on a mission to entertain the world with bold, immersive animated films that are timeless and impactful. We are paving the way for the future of animation by building a community of amazing artists and talent across three vibrant locations globally. Come join us! Job Summary: We are seeking a Head of Effects to support our upcoming animated feature film. The Head of Effects works inside of NAS as the show-based leader for all Effects work on the production, including water, fire, smoke, atmospherics, destruction, debris, and magical or abstract effects. They will partner closely with the Director, Production Designer, Art Directors, and other department heads to define the look, behavior, and storytelling role of Effects on the show. The Head of Effects will oversee Effects look development, tool and workflow design, and shot production. They will review and give notes on Effects assets and shots to ensure the work is of the highest quality, integrates seamlessly with environments, characters, lighting, and compositing, and fulfills the Director’s vision. This may involve developing prototypes, helping define Effects approaches for complex sequences, writing or guiding the creation of tools, and setting up the Effects side of the project for success. This position is essential in bridging creative intent and technical execution, ensuring that Effects enhances the emotional and visual impact of the film. The Head of Effects will work closely with production, technical, and creative partners, demonstrating strong diplomatic and interpersonal skills to balance artistic ambition with schedule, budget, and pipeline constraints. What You’ll Do: Lead and supervise Effects across the show, from look development through to final shot delivery Define the creative and technical approach for key Effects (water, fire, smoke, atmospherics, destruction, magical/abstract) in collaboration with Directors and Art Directors Review Effects work, providing clear, actionable notes to artists and TAs on both artistic quality and technical reliability Collaborate with Layout, Animation, CFX, Environments, Lighting, and Compositing to ensure Effects supports performance, readability, and story Partner with Technical Supervisors, Production Technology, and R&D to develop and maintain robust, efficient Effects tools and workflows Anticipate and solve complex creative and technical challenges in Effects, offering pragmatic, innovative solutions Work with Production Management on bids, schedules, and milestones to deliver high-quality Effects on time and within scope Mentor and support Effects Supervisors, Leads, Artists, and TAs, fostering growth, clarity, and a positive team culture Promote knowledge sharing and consistent practices across the Effects department and related teams Collaborate with grace, humility, inclusion, and open-mindedness What You’ll Need: At least 10 years of Effects experience within film, TV, or games, including 5–7 years in leadership or supervisory roles on large-scale animated features or high-end VFX films Proven, production-level expertise in Houdini (SOPs/DOPs/POPs), with a strong understanding of fluids, pyro, rigid bodies, particles, and volumes; familiarity with other DCC tools (e.g., Maya) is a plus Experience contributing to or guiding the development of Effects tools, techniques, and pipeline methodologies, including scripting (e.g., Python, VEX) A strong eye for physics, motion, and visual design, and the ability to give clear, constructive notes that improve performance and appeal Deep understanding of how Effects integrates into the broader 3D animation pipeline, including Layout, Animation, CFX, Environments, Lighting, and Compositing Excellent leadership, communication, and mentoring skills, with the ability to build trust and enthusiasm across a cross-site team Comfort balancing quick turnaround needs with long-term quality and technical stability This role i ... (truncated, view full listing at source)