CG Matte Painter

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Atomic Cartoons is hiring a CG Matte Painter for a full-time onsite Vancouver position starting February 2026, with BC remote or hybrid options. You will create matte paintings that match production aesthetics, collaborate with layout, modeling, lighting and compositing, and translate art direction into imagery while hitting deadlines. We’re looking for painterly, stylized cartoon work with strong 2D lighting and compositing skills, knowledge of Nuke, Maya, Photoshop, and Renderman, Vray or Arnold. Bonus if you know Katana or Houdini, or 2.5D pipelines. Applicants must be BC residents by end of 2025 and eligible to work in Canada. Submit a reel showing CG environments or 2.5D DMP plus a concise resume; highlight collaboration, reliability, and willingness to learn. Accommodations available; no calls.

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This is an excellent opportunity for a talented CG Matte Painter to join the crew one of our new CG projects!

Atomic Cartoons, a Thunderbird Entertainment Group company, is an award-winning, internationally renowned animation studio with teams in Vancouver, Ottawa, and Los Angeles. Known for an artist-driven culture that attracts, retains and promotes the best talent in the business, Atomic develops and produces high-end animated content that spans preschool, comedy, action-adventure, adult and commercial genres, and everything in between. The animation studio has developed a stellar global reputation for its ability to translate big brands like LEGO, Star Wars, My Little Pony, CoComelon, and many more into top-notch animation, while also developing high-quality original Atomic productions like The Last Kids on Earth,Rocket Saves the Day, and Mermicorno: Starfall. Atomic is B Corp certified and a BC Benefit Company.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Create matte paintings for elements and visuals to match the look of the production.
• Share ideas, collaborate and work closely with other members of the production, including layout, modeling, lighting, compositing and design.
• Work with Modeling/Texturing Supervisors and the Art Director to create the aesthetic vision of the production. 
• Work with the Matte Painting team on Art Director and Client revisions.
• Meet deadlines as assigned by production management.
  
  

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

• Able to communicate creative and technical thoughts and ideas.
• Excellent visual skills and attention to detail.
• Painterly skills, with stylized cartoon work.
• Strong understanding of 2D lighting and compositing.
• Strong knowledge of matte painting techniques, including digital painting, modelling, and colour space.
• Extensive knowledge of Nuke, Maya, and Photoshop.
• Knowledge of various renderers like Renderman, Vray and Arnold.
• Able to keep up to date with and apply new techniques, tools or other related software.
• Industry experience (CG and/or Visual Effects) is an asset.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of a CG Environment scene or 2.5D DMP painting in a demo reel is an asset. 
• Knowledge of Katana, Houdini is an asset.
• 2.5D projections and asset-modeling with a basic understanding of UVs is an asset.
• Previous experience using Autodesk Flow Production Tracking, FKA Shotgrid is an asset.
• Currently legally eligible to work in Canada.
  
  

START DATE: February 2026

- Applicants must have resided within BC as of December 31, 2025 and be able to provide the appropriate supporting documents.
- All Atomic employees in this role have the opportunity to work remotely within BC, artists within Vancouver and the Lower Mainland can also choose hybrid and in-studio options. 

At Atomic Cartoons and Thunderbird Entertainment, we take into consideration a wide range of compensation factors including background, skills, location, and experience to determine competitive pay. In addition to competitive pay, this position is eligible for company-sponsored benefits including medical, GRSP, vacation pay, paid holiday break, paid leave, and a variety of other discounts and perks. Please note: This expected pay range is for British Columbia and is not applicable to locations outside of the province of British Columbia.

Wage ranges are based on a weekly rate.

Vancouver Pay Range$1,200—$1,500 CAD

INTERESTED?

Atomic Cartoons Inc. and Thunderbird Entertainment welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you are contacted for an interview and require any accommodations please email [email protected]

We thank you for your submission; only short-listed candidates will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

Atomic Cartoons Inc. and Thunderbird Entertainment are an equal opportunity employer and employ personnel without regard to race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, language, citizenship, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, physical and/or mental handicap or financial ability.

While remaining sensitive, fair, and providing equitable treatment for all, Atomic Cartoons Inc. and Thunderbird Entertainment work to increase participation and advancement to reflect all personnel – including Women, Indigenous People, Visible Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities, who are all qualified members. Thus, it helps identify and remove barriers that prevent the full participation of members of designated groups in the workplace.