3D Generalist (Hair)

Onward Search is placing a 3D Generalist (Hair) on a short-term remote engagement based out of Simi Valley, CA. This role sits within a product visualization pipeline, focused on building a photorealistic, mechanically accurate 3D hair extension animation asset for marketing and training deliverables. It suits a CG generalist with deep experience in organic simulation work, specifically someone who has built hair systems from scratch for commercial or advertising production.

About the Role

You will be working directly on a single hero asset, taking it from reference imagery through grooming, simulation, and final render without pre-existing CAD files to lean on. The VFX pipeline here is lean and client-facing, meaning your decisions on shaders, strand density, and movement will go straight into the final deliverable. Expect close collaboration with stakeholders across feedback rounds before locking the production-ready animation.

Key Responsibilities

• Build photorealistic 3D hair models and groomed systems from scratch using product reference imagery and a working understanding of hair extension mechanics.
• Develop hair simulation behavior including flow, density, and strand interaction suited for close-up commercial rendering.
• Construct strand-level grooming rigs with textures and shaders that hold up under tight product visualization framing.
• Translate physical product attributes into motion and animation that communicates benefit without relying on on-screen text.
• Iterate on 3D animation assets through structured stakeholder review cycles to reach a production-ready final output.

What You Bring

• Four or more years of 3D animation, CG generalist, or motion work within advertising, product visualization, gaming, or film production.
• A portfolio that demonstrates photorealistic rendering and organic simulations, specifically hair, fur, or cloth systems.
• Hands-on experience with hair grooming and simulation pipelines, including Maya with XGen or comparable grooming tools.
• Working knowledge of Houdini for simulation alongside Blender, Cinema 4D, or similar software used in commercial CG pipelines.
• Proven ability to produce high-fidelity assets without starting from CAD or pre-built geometry.

Why This Role

Onward Search works as an advocate through the interview process, not just a resume forwarder, which matters on short-term engagements where timeline is tight. Contractors working more than 30 hours per week on assignments of at least 10 weeks are eligible for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k) program, commuter benefits, and education reimbursement. There is no application deadline for this role.

Apply today for the 3D Generalist (Hair) position with Onward Search and get your work in front of a client that needs this specific skill set now.