Modeling Lead

Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada

At Stellar, we aim to build a studio where people actually want to work. We face the inevitable ups and downs of production as a truly supportive and connected team, prioritizing open communication over anyone working in isolation. We value honesty, creativity, and looking out for one another.

The Opportunity: 

We are looking for an exceptional Modeling Lead to be the creative and technical anchor of our modeling team on a premium streaming series for Marvel Animation.

You will act as the crucial technical and creative anchor for the department. Partnering with the Modeling & Surfacing Supervisor and the VFX Supervisor, you will ensure every model that leaves your team is optimized, shot-ready, and built to make the Surfacing and Rigging teams' lives easier. If your superpower is mentoring artists, anticipating pipeline bottlenecks, and setting the standard for flawless 3D topology, this is the perfect role for you.

In this role, success looks like:

Team Leadership & Mentorship:

• Lead, motivate, and support a team of Modeling Artists, ensuring they hit both their creative marks and their delivery deadlines.
• Act as a flexible, inspiring team leader who can help the crew gracefully navigate constant changes and client revisions.
• Act as a supportive, approachable leader. Keep communication clear and focused on solutions, ensuring your artists feel heard and respected even when production deadlines are tight.

Asset Quality & Production Tracking:

• Oversee the modeling process, ensuring all assets (characters, sets, props, vehicles) meet the project's strict aesthetic and technical quality standards.
• Collaborate with Production to establish delivery schedules for the modeling department.
• Track asset creation progress and approvals meticulously using our production tracking software.

Pipeline & Technical Problem Solving:

• Ensure all models have clean, optimized topology so they flow seamlessly into the Surfacing and Rigging departments.
• Collaborate directly with the Pipeline team to ensure a smooth workflow, proactively identifying workflow flaws and championing potential improvements.
• Communicate constantly with the Modeling & Surfacing Supervisor and CG Supervisor to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues before they impact the schedule.

The Requirements

Must-Haves:

• Experience: 3+ years of experience in a Lead position within the asset creation/modeling process.
• Tools: Expert-level proficiency in Maya and a comprehensive understanding of industry-standard modeling workflows.
• Tracking: Mastery of production tracking software; proficiency in ShotGrid (formerly Shotgun) is a must.
• Leadership Style: You are proactive, highly organized, and confident. You enjoy the energy of a fast-paced creative team and can communicate clearly and enthusiastically in person or over video calls.
• Eligibility: Legally eligible to work in British Columbia, Canada.

Nice-to-Haves:

• Deep knowledge of both 3D episodic television and feature film asset workflows.
• Familiarity with ZBrush, Substance, or other asset-creation software.

Why Join Stellar?

• Flexible Environment: We offer a flexible hybrid schedule that will vary with project and team requirements. 
• Comprehensive Benefits: Extended health benefits.
• Growth: Professional development support to help you stay ahead of tech and creative trends.
• Culture: A collaborative, ego-free environment where technical expertise fuels creative magic.

At Stellar Creative Lab, we believe diversity and inclusion are key to creativity and collaboration. We’re committed to building a supportive, open, and diverse community where everyone can thrive. We're always looking for ways to improve accessibility, so feel free to share any feedback or suggestions with us.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, though priority will be given to BC Residents, Canadians and Canadian Permanent Residents.