Mikros Animation Montreal is seeking a talented and technically-minded Junior Groom Artist to join our Assets department for an exciting, undisclosed feature film project . This role is a perfect fit for a burgeoning CG artist with a deep passion for character creation and specialized expertise in Blender . At Mikros Animation Montreal , we don’t just “process” assets; we breathe life into them. As a Junior Groom Artist, you will be responsible for defining the tactile identity of our characters—from the soft fur of a creature to the complex styling of a lead character’s hair. Working under the mentorship of industry-leading Supervisors, you will utilize cutting‑edge workflows, including Blender’s Geometry Nodes , to push the boundaries of stylized feature animation. Job Overview & Quick Reference Category Details Company Name Mikros Animation Project Undisclosed (High-Profile Feature Animation) Job Title Junior Groom Artist Department Assets – Character Team Location Montreal, QC, Canada Employment Type Full-time Work Environment Bilingual (French/English) & International Collaboration Compensation & Estimated Benefits as Junior Groom Artist Mikros Animation Montreal offers a competitive package aimed at nurturing junior talent while providing the security and benefits of a global studio. Component Estimated Range / Details Annual Salary Range $52,000 – $68,000 CAD (Commensurate with experience/portfolio) Health & Wellness Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance Career Growth Internal training, mentorship programs, and upward mobility Paid Time Off Competitive vacation days, sick leave, and statutory holidays Environment Creative-first studio culture in the heart of Montreal’s tech hub Company Description: Crafting Authentic Connections Mikros Animation Montreal is a global CGI powerhouse with creative hubs in Paris, Montreal, Los Angeles, Bangalore, and London. We are a studio built on the belief that great animation is about making real, emotional connections with audiences. Our portfolio includes ten released feature films and a vast array of high-quality episodic content for the world’s most renowned studios. Whether acting as a creative partner or a line producer, Mikros puts “stylized craft” at the center of every frame. By joining our Montreal studio, you are joining a team of artists who have contributed to some of the most visually innovative stories of the last decade. Detailed Job Description for Junior Groom Artist The Junior Groom Artist is a specialized role within the Assets department. Under the guidance of the Character Supervisor and Groom Lead , you will be the architect of “hair descriptions” for production assets. This goes beyond simple aesthetic choices; it involves creating a technical framework that allows hair and fur to react realistically (or stylistically) to character movement and lighting. You will be expected to work within a highly collaborative pipeline, ensuring that the visual intent of the Concept Art is perfectly translated into a functional 3D asset that can be passed down to Rigging, Simulation, and Lighting. Key Responsibilities & Missions as Junior Groom Artist 1. Grooming & Asset Creation Tactile Execution: Create high-quality hair, fur, and feather effects on 3D characters, animals, and props. Artistic Alignment: Refer strictly to concept art and model sheets to ensure the character’s “silhouette” and “feel” match the Director’s vision. Stylized Craft: Apply grooming techniques that support the unique, stylized look of the project, moving beyond generic “out-of-the-box” solutions. 2. Technical Integration & Pipeline Geometry Nodes Mastery: Utilize Blender’s Geometry Nodes to build procedural, efficient, and scalable groom setups. Compliance: Ensure all delivered assets are “pipeline-ready,” meaning they are optimized for performance and free of technical errors that could break downstream departments. Tool Development: Be an active voice in the department by helping to develop and refine the grooming tools and scripts used by the whole team. Cross-Department Synergy: Work closely with the Modeling team to ensure proper topology for hair growth, the Rigging team for deformation needs, and the Surfacing team for integrated shading and texture. Feedback & Iteration: Present your work regularly for approval and execute corrections requested by the Supervisor and Director with speed and precision. Deadline Management: Maintain production quotas provided by the Production Coordinator, ensuring that the “undisclosed project” stays on schedule. Profile: The Qualifications You Bring Required Technical Skills Blender Expert: You must have a strong, demonstrable knowledge of Blender . While experience in other packages (Houdini/XGen) is valued, Blender is the primary tool for this specific workflow. Nodes Proficiency: Advanced understanding of Geometry Nodes for procedural asset creation. Grooming Systems: Solid experience with Particle Systems , grooming, surfacing, and shading within a 3D environment. OS Fluency: Comfortable working in a Linux/Unix environment, which is the backbone of our feature film pipeline. Soft Skills & Attributes Problem Solver: You don’t just follow instructions; you find creative ways to overcome technical hurdles. Communication: You seek out information proactively and can clearly present your technical setups to non-technical stakeholders. The “Stand Out” Bonus (Optional) Generalist Knowledge: Skills in Modeling or Rigging will help you understand the needs of your colleagues better. Scripting: Experience with Python for automating Blender tasks or creating custom UI tools is a major plus. Bilingualism: While the project is international, the ability to work in a bilingual (French/English) environment is a significant asset for our Montreal/Paris collaboration. Joining Mikros Animation Montreal means becoming part of an international network of talent. Global Reach: You will interact with stakeholders across our global studios, promoting the technical and creative strengths of our Montreal team. Inclusive Environment: Mikros Animation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race, religion, gender identity, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Artistic Diversity: Because we work on a variety of stories—from comedy to epic adventure—your portfolio will grow in diversity and sophistication. How to Apply If you are a Blender enthusiast ready to launch your career in feature animation, we want to see what you can do!1. A Professional Resume: Detailing your training and technical skills.2. A Demo Reel: We are looking for specialized “Groom” reels. Please include breakdowns that show your Blender Geometry Nodes setups and the final rendered results.3. Portolio/Stills: Close‑up shots of hair/fur detail are highly encouraged.Mikros Animation: Creating connections through craftsmanship. #J-18808-Ljbffr