Specialiste UX

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Spécialiste UX (UX Specialist)

Company: Rodeo FX

Location: Montreal, Québec, Canada

Job Type: Full-time, Contract (with possibility of extension)

Category: Technology / Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: September 9, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years (Mid-Senior Level)

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in-office required)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive significant improvements in the user experience of creative tools and production pipelines for visual effects (VFX) artists.

• Conduct in-depth user research, including workflow analysis, interviews, and observational studies, to deeply understand artist needs and pain points.

• Design and advocate for intuitive, efficient, and reliable user interfaces and workflows that enhance artist productivity and satisfaction.

• Implement and leverage telemetry and data analytics to measure tool usage, adoption, performance, and user behavior, informing continuous UX improvements.

• Foster strong cross-functional collaboration between creative teams, technical directors, pipeline developers, and IT to translate user insights into actionable product requirements and process enhancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title "Spécialiste UX" is provided, the core responsibilities and required skills strongly indicate a role focused on the intersection of User Experience (UX) and Production Technology within the VFX industry. The emphasis on pipeline, artist tools, and technical collaboration positions this as a specialized UX role crucial for operational efficiency in a creative technology environment. The hybrid work arrangement and specific in-office requirements are critical for understanding the team dynamics and collaboration expectations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Artist Experience & User Research:

  • Lead comprehensive user research initiatives, including workflow studies, interviews, and observational research, to map artist interactions with existing tools, pipelines, and infrastructure.
  • Develop a profound understanding of the unique needs, challenges, and workflows of VFX artists, supervisors, and technical directors.
  • Identify critical friction points, inefficiencies, and usability issues within current production processes through rigorous qualitative and quantitative analysis.
  • Synthesize user feedback and research findings into actionable recommendations for concrete UX improvements and tool enhancements.
  • Act as a strong advocate for artist needs throughout the lifecycle of internal tool and process development.

• Tools & Workflow Experience:

  • Design user-centered interfaces, interactions, and streamlined workflows that are intuitive and effective for both creative artists and technical users.
  • Translate complex technical processes into clear, efficient, and user-friendly experiences.
  • Collaborate closely with the Pipeline team to enhance the usability, accessibility, and overall effectiveness of internal tools and applications.
  • Lead or support the creation of prototypes, conduct usability testing, and facilitate iterative validation of new and existing tools.
  • Proactively identify opportunities to simplify workflows, reduce repetitive tasks, and eliminate unnecessary steps in the production process.

• Data, Telemetry & UX Metrics:

  • Establish and manage telemetry systems and usage analytics for internal tools and applications to track adoption, performance, and user behavior patterns.
  • Define key UX metrics and benchmarks to objectively evaluate tool usability, workflow efficiency, adoption rates, and overall artist satisfaction.
  • Integrate quantitative usage data with qualitative research findings to identify emerging trends and measure the impact of UX improvement initiatives.
  • Develop and maintain dashboards and reports to provide clear visibility into UX performance and the outcomes of various UX projects.
  • Utilize data-driven insights and research results to validate design decisions and drive continuous improvement in the user experience.

• Cross-functional Collaboration:

  • Partner effectively with Pipeline, Systems, Production, and Creative teams to translate user research and feedback into concrete requirements for products and workflows.

  • Engage with developers, Pipeline TDs, and other technical specialists throughout the product development lifecycle, ensuring user needs are integrated.

  • Facilitate workshops, feedback sessions, and usability testing with a diverse range of users from both creative and technical departments.

  • Clearly communicate UX findings, recommendations, and priorities to stakeholders across technical, production, and leadership teams.

  • Champion user-centered design principles and practices within the broader context of technology development and pipeline operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are extensive, covering the full spectrum of UX research and design within a specialized technical context. The emphasis on data, telemetry, and cross-functional collaboration highlights the operational and strategic importance of this role. The requirement to work 4 days in the studio underscores the need for active participation in team activities and direct artist engagement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A technical background in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Technical Art, Pipeline Development, or a related field is required.

• This technical foundation should be complemented by formal training in UX or demonstrable, extensive experience in UX design and research. Experience:

• Over 5 years of dedicated experience in UX research and/or UX design, specifically within the VFX, animation, video game, or content creation software industries.

• Proven experience in workflow analysis, usability testing, software instrumentation, telemetry implementation, and user data analysis.

• Demonstrated ability to translate artist feedback and research findings into tangible UX improvements, efficient workflows, and clear software requirements. Required Skills:

• User Experience (UX) Research: Expertise in conducting user interviews, observational studies, workflow analysis, and usability testing in a production environment.

• UX Design: Proficiency in designing intuitive user interfaces, interaction models, and streamlined workflows for complex technical applications.

• VFX Production Pipeline: Solid understanding of VFX production processes, common workflows, and the technical challenges faced by artists.

• DCC Software Knowledge: Familiarity with Digital Content Creation (DCC) software such as Maya, Houdini, Nuke, or Katana is essential for understanding the artist's toolset.

• Data Analysis & Telemetry: Experience with setting up and utilizing telemetry systems and analyzing user data to measure adoption, performance, and identify improvement areas.

• Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills: Strong ability to dissect complex problems, identify root causes, and develop effective, user-centric solutions.

• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to effectively collaborate with diverse creative and technical teams.

• Prototyping & Iteration: Experience in creating prototypes and facilitating iterative design validation.

Preferred Skills:

• UX/Product Design Tools: Experience with tools such as Figma, Miro, or Jira for design, collaboration, and project management.

• Scripting & Development: Knowledge of Python, APIs, data analysis tools, or software development practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level and specific industry knowledge (VFX, DCC software) indicate a need for a candidate who can immediately contribute and understand the nuances of the creative technology environment. The preference for specific tools like Figma and Python suggests areas where candidates can differentiate themselves.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies in UX Improvement: Showcase detailed case studies demonstrating your process from problem identification (e.g., artist pain points, workflow inefficiencies) through research, design, testing, and implementation of UX solutions.

• Workflow Optimization Examples: Provide examples of how you have analyzed, redesigned, or simplified complex technical workflows to improve efficiency and user satisfaction. Quantify the impact where possible (e.g., time saved, reduction in errors).

• Tool Design & Usability: Present examples of interfaces or tools you have designed, highlighting your approach to user-centered design principles and how you ensured intuitiveness and ease of use.

• Data-Driven Insights: Include examples of how you have used data, telemetry, or user analytics to inform design decisions, measure success, and drive iterative improvements.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Briefly describe projects where you collaborated effectively with technical teams (e.g., pipeline developers, engineers) to bring UX solutions to fruition.

Process Documentation:

• Research Methodology: Clearly articulate your approach to user research, including methods for data collection (interviews, observations, surveys) and synthesis.

• Design Process: Outline your design process, from wireframing and prototyping to user testing and final design specifications.

• Metrics & Reporting: Demonstrate how you define, track, and report on key UX metrics and the impact of your work.

• Tool & Pipeline Integration: Explain how you have integrated UX considerations into the development lifecycle of software tools or production pipelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, the portfolio is crucial. It should not just showcase designs but demonstrate a robust process for understanding user needs in a technical, production-driven environment, validating solutions, and measuring their impact. The ability to articulate this process clearly is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for experienced UX Specialists in Montreal, Canada, with over 5 years of relevant experience in VFX or similar creative technology fields, the estimated annual salary range is CAD $85,000 - $120,000. This range is influenced by the specific depth of technical knowledge, the scope of responsibilities, and the candidate's proven track record in driving significant UX improvements within a production environment.

Benefits:

• Contract Duration: One-year contract with the possibility of extension, offering stability and potential for long-term engagement.

• Paid Leave: Comprehensive paid sick and personal leave to support employee well-being.

• Health & Wellness:

  • Group insurance plan providing medical and dental coverage.
  • Access to Dialogue online service for convenient health consultations.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential support services.

• Retirement Savings: RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan) with employer contribution, supporting long-term financial planning.

• Local Perks & Discounts:

  • Discounts on public transportation passes.

  • Reduced rates for various local services including spas, sports classes, art centers, cafes, and furniture retailers. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, estimated at 40 hours per week.

• Hybrid Work Arrangement: A requirement to work from the studio at least four days per week, with one day flexible for remote work. This structure is designed to foster collaboration and maintain strong team cohesion while allowing for some work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on general market data for UX professionals in Montreal. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. The contract nature and specific benefits package are detailed, with emphasis on the hybrid work model and its in-office requirements.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Visual Effects (VFX), Advertising, and Experiential Services. Rodeo FX is a high-end creative company renowned for its work on major film and television productions, as well as advertising campaigns.

Company Size: Nearly 800 artists globally, with studios in Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Paris. This indicates a large, established, yet artist-centric organization.

Founded: Founded and led by artists, emphasizing creativity at its core. Recognized as one of Montreal's best employers and a recipient of the 2022 Mercuriades award for Employer of the Year.

Team Structure:

• Operations & Technology Focus: The UX Specialist will be part of the technology or pipeline department, working closely with Technical Directors, Pipeline Engineers, and IT support.

• Cross-functional Integration: This role requires significant collaboration with creative departments (VFX artists, supervisors, directors) and production teams to understand and address their needs.

• Hybrid Model Impact: The requirement for 4 days in-studio for support functions like IT and pipeline suggests a culture that values in-person collaboration, mentorship, and maintaining a strong studio community.

Methodology:

• Artist-Centric Approach: The company's mission is to provide talent with the freedom, resources, and environment to produce high-quality work and thrive. This translates to a focus on supporting artists' needs.

• Data-Informed Decisions: The role of the UX Specialist emphasizes using data, telemetry, and user research to drive improvements, indicating a move towards more data-driven operational decisions within technology development.

• Iterative Improvement: The focus on prototypes, user testing, and continuous feedback loops highlights a commitment to iterative development and refinement of tools and processes.

Company Website: https://www.rodeofx.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Rodeo FX's reputation for excellence, artist focus, and growth (indicated by multiple locations and awards) provides a strong backdrop. The hybrid work policy for support functions is a key cultural indicator, suggesting a blend of collaborative in-office work with potential for focused remote tasks.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level specialist, requiring significant prior experience (5+ years) and the ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy in research, design, and advocacy. It's a crucial role within the technology and pipeline operations, directly impacting the efficiency and effectiveness of the creative workforce.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly stated, a UX Specialist focused on production tools typically reports into a Head of Pipeline, Director of Technology, or a similar senior technology leadership role. They would work closely with Technical Directors and Pipeline Supervisors.

Operations Impact: The UX Specialist's impact is direct and significant:

• Efficiency Gains: By improving tools and workflows, they directly reduce the time artists spend on non-creative tasks, leading to increased throughput and project delivery speed.

• Artist Satisfaction & Retention: A better user experience can lead to higher job satisfaction, reduced frustration, and improved retention rates for valuable creative talent.

• Quality of Work: By providing artists with more intuitive and powerful tools, the UX Specialist indirectly contributes to the higher quality of visual effects produced.

• Technology Adoption: Effective UX design encourages the adoption and efficient use of new and existing technologies, maximizing ROI on software and infrastructure investments.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX for technical domains, potentially focusing on specific areas like real-time rendering pipelines, AI-driven creative tools, or complex simulation software interfaces.

• Team Leadership: As the UX function matures within Rodeo FX, opportunities may arise to lead a team of UX designers or researchers focused on different aspects of the production pipeline.

• Strategic Influence: Contribute to the strategic roadmap for technology development by providing data-backed insights into artist needs and workflow bottlenecks, influencing future tool investments and development priorities.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain deeper insights into the technical intricacies of VFX production, pipeline development, and software engineering through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for impact and growth within a leading VFX studio. The emphasis on data and user advocacy positions the individual to influence strategic technology decisions, moving beyond pure design execution to become a key operational advisor.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Rodeo FX operates physical studios in multiple international locations. The Montreal studio is likely a modern, well-equipped facility designed to support a large creative and technical workforce.

Office Location(s): Montreal, Quebec, Canada. This location is a major hub for the VFX industry, offering a vibrant professional community.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The requirement for 4 days in-studio for this role emphasizes a collaborative environment where spontaneous discussions, whiteboarding sessions, and direct interaction with artists and technical teams are encouraged.

• Technology-Rich: As a leading VFX company, the studios are expected to be equipped with cutting-edge technology, high-performance computing resources, and advanced software infrastructure necessary for complex visual effects production.

• Artist-Focused Amenities: Given the company's culture, expect a workspace that supports creativity, potentially including comfortable common areas, screening rooms, and facilities conducive to focused creative work.

Work Schedule:

• The hybrid model (4 days in-studio, 1 day remote) provides a structured approach to work. While the remote day offers flexibility, the in-office days are crucial for team synergy, direct user engagement, and participation in studio culture. This schedule requires strong time management and communication skills to ensure productivity across both environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a defining feature of this role's work environment. Candidates should be prepared for consistent in-office presence to facilitate the hands-on, collaborative nature of UX work within a production pipeline.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the required experience and skills.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Head of Pipeline or Director of Technology) to delve into your experience, understanding of VFX workflows, and approach to UX in technical environments.

3. Technical/Team Interview: An interview with members of the Pipeline or Technical Art team, potentially including supervisors or senior artists. This stage will assess your technical knowledge, collaboration style, and ability to articulate UX concepts to technical audiences.

4. Portfolio Presentation & Case Study: You will likely be asked to present one or two key projects from your portfolio, detailing your process, challenges, solutions, and outcomes. This is a critical opportunity to showcase your problem-solving skills and impact.

5. Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or HR, focusing on cultural fit, long-term career aspirations, and final alignment with the company's values and operational needs.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• VFX/Creative Tech Focus: Prioritize projects that demonstrate your experience within VFX, animation, gaming, or similar creative technology fields. Highlight how you've tackled challenges specific to these industries.

• Process Over Polish: While visual design is important, emphasize your UX process: how you identified problems, conducted research, iterated on designs, and measured success. Use clear diagrams and narratives.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics that demonstrate the positive impact of your work (e.g., "reduced task completion time by X%", "increased tool adoption by Y%", "decreased user errors by Z%").

• Showcase Collaboration: Briefly explain how you worked with engineers, TD's, and artists to bring your designs to life.

• Tailor Your Presentation: Be prepared to discuss projects that are most relevant to Rodeo FX's work and the specific challenges outlined in the job description.

Challenge Preparation:

• Workflow Analysis Exercise: Be ready to analyze a hypothetical VFX workflow, identify potential UX pain points, and propose solutions.

• Tool Design Scenario: You might be given a brief to design a user flow or interface for a specific VFX tool or process.

• Data Interpretation: Prepare to discuss how you would use telemetry data or user feedback to prioritize UX improvements for a given tool.

• Technical Acumen: Brush up on your understanding of common VFX software and pipeline concepts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to assess both UX expertise and technical/cultural fit within the demanding VFX industry. The portfolio presentation is a key evaluation point, so candidates should prepare meticulously.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Design & Prototyping: Figma (preferred), Miro (for collaboration/whiteboarding), potentially Adobe Creative Suite.

• Project Management & Tracking: Jira (or similar issue tracking/project management software) is highly probable for managing development tasks and bug tracking.

• User Research Tools: Survey platforms (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform), potentially specialized UX research platforms.

• Collaboration Tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams, or similar for daily communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Telemetry & Data Platforms: Experience with implementing and utilizing telemetry systems for application usage tracking. This could involve custom solutions or specialized analytics platforms.

• Data Visualization: Tools for creating dashboards and reports (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, or internal tools) to communicate UX performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable for this specific UX role, but understanding how user data might flow into broader CRM or business intelligence systems could be beneficial. VFX Specific Software (Familiarity Required):

• 3D DCC: Maya, Houdini

• Compositing: Nuke

• Look Development/Rendering: Katana, Arnold, RenderMan, V-Ray (understanding the context of these is key)

• Pipeline Scripting: Python is explicitly mentioned as a plus, indicating its importance in the pipeline.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in modern UX design tools like Figma is essential. The ability to work with and interpret data from telemetry systems is a critical differentiator. Familiarity with the specific DCC software used in VFX is non-negotiable for understanding the artist's environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: As a company founded by artists, Rodeo FX likely values creative problem-solving and pushing the boundaries of visual effects.

• Excellence & Quality: The numerous awards and high-profile projects underscore a commitment to delivering exceptional quality in every aspect of their work, including technology.

• Collaboration & Community: The emphasis on in-studio presence for support roles suggests a culture that values teamwork, mentorship, and a strong sense of community.

• User-Centricity: The very existence of this role highlights a growing value placed on understanding and serving the needs of their internal users (artists and technical staff).

• Efficiency & Optimization: While creative, the company operates on project deadlines and budgets, implying a need for efficient processes and optimized workflows, which this role directly supports.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnerships: Expect a highly collaborative environment where artists, technical directors, pipeline developers, and UX specialists work hand-in-hand.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that encourages open feedback, constructive criticism, and iterative development is essential for success in this role.

• Knowledge Sharing: The studio likely fosters an environment where knowledge and best practices are shared across teams, particularly within the technology and pipeline departments.

• Pragmatic Approach: Balancing creative ambition with technical feasibility and production realities is key, suggesting a pragmatic and results-oriented approach to problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Rodeo FX's artist-first ethos is crucial. The UX Specialist must integrate user-centric principles within a culture that prioritizes creative output and technical innovation, fostering strong collaborative relationships.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Creative & Technical Divides: Effectively translating the needs of highly creative artists into technical requirements for developers, and vice-versa, can be challenging.

• Legacy Systems & Technical Debt: Working within an established pipeline may involve addressing legacy systems or technical debt that impacts user experience.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: The VFX industry is constantly evolving; staying current with new tools, software, and workflows requires continuous learning.

• Balancing Diverse User Needs: Juggling the varied requirements and preferences of different artist roles (e.g., modelers, animators, compositors) and technical staff.

• Measuring Intangibles: Quantifying the impact of UX improvements on creativity and artist satisfaction can be difficult, requiring robust data collection and interpretation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into VFX Pipelines: Gain unparalleled insight into the end-to-end VFX production pipeline and the specific technologies that power it.

• Advanced UX Methodologies: Develop expertise in applying UX principles to highly specialized technical domains and complex software environments.

• Data Analytics & Telemetry: Enhance skills in implementing and utilizing telemetry for user behavior analysis and performance measurement.

• Cross-Disciplinary Skill Development: Learn scripting languages like Python and gain a deeper understanding of software development lifecycles and technical art practices.

• Industry Exposure: Work on award-winning projects and collaborate with some of the industry's top talent, building a strong professional network and portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a specialized UX role in a fast-paced, technology-driven creative industry. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering deep domain expertise and strategic influence.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to advocate for a UX improvement that faced resistance from technical or creative teams. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses persuasion, stakeholder management, and data-driven advocacy)

• "Walk us through your process for identifying and prioritizing UX issues within a complex software pipeline. How do you balance user needs with technical constraints and business objectives?" (Evaluates systematic problem-solving and strategic thinking)

• "How would you go about measuring the success of a new tool or workflow enhancement for VFX artists? What key metrics would you track, and what data sources would you use?" (Tests understanding of UX metrics, data analysis, and impact measurement) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Rodeo FX's work and culture, what do you see as the biggest UX challenges for our artists, and how would you address them?" (Demonstrates research and strategic application of UX principles)

• "How do you see the hybrid work model (4 days in-studio) impacting your ability to collaborate and gather user insights effectively?" (Assesses adaptability and understanding of collaborative work environments)

• "Describe your experience working with Technical Directors or Pipeline Developers. How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration between UX and technical teams?" (Probes cross-functional collaboration skills) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your end-to-end UX process, focus on technical/production environments, and demonstrate measurable impact.

• Storytelling: Structure your presentation as a narrative: the problem, your research and discovery, the proposed solution (designs, prototypes), the implementation challenges and how you overcame them, and the final results/impact.

• Visuals: Use clear, concise visuals – wireframes, mockups, user flow diagrams, data charts – to support your narrative. Avoid overwhelming slides with text.

• Technical Context: Be prepared to explain the technical context of your projects and how your UX solutions integrated with specific software or pipelines.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, research methodology, and how you handled trade-offs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of the UX process within a technical and creative context, backed by concrete examples and a proactive, collaborative approach.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Spécialiste UX position:

• Submit your application: Utilize the provided application link on SmartRecruiters.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight your experience in VFX, animation, or gaming, emphasizing your UX research, design, and workflow analysis skills. Quantify your achievements with specific metrics where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select projects that best demonstrate your UX process, technical understanding, and impact on artist workflows. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., via a link to your personal website or a well-organized PDF).

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting 1-2 key portfolio projects, focusing on your process, collaboration, and the results achieved. Be ready to discuss your approach to data and telemetry.

• Research Rodeo FX: Familiarize yourself with their recent projects, company values, and the VFX industry landscape to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.