Description

Position Overview

SideFX is seeking an intermediate to senior software developer with experience in real-time game engines and cloud computing.  This role involves working with a team well versed in development of real-time game engines, plugins and tools that integrate with 3rd party engines such as Unreal and Unity, and exploring the use of cloud computing in the games and film pipelines. 

As a member of the SideFX Research and Development group, you would be working with the brightest minds in the CG industry. Our R&D team has received many prestigious industry awards, including four Technical Achievement Awards from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, an Academy Award of Merit (Oscarä), a Technology and Engineering Emmyä Award from NATAS, and four back-to-back Editor's Choice Innovation Awards from CG World Magazine. Movies using our toolset have received the Oscarä for Best Visual Effects every year in the past two decades.

Key Duties and Responsibilities*

• Develop, maintain, and provide support for the Houdini Engine API (HAPI) used by studios and users across both the games and film industry
• Research and develop technologies for cloud and distributed computing with Houdini and procedural generation workflow as the basis
• Develop and maintain the Houdini Engine for Unity plugin
• Keep up to date with the latest industry breakthroughs in real-time game engines and cloud computing
• Collaborate with other R&D staff, technical directors and artists to produce best-in-class frameworks and next-generation workflows
• Other duties as assigned

*Adjustments will be made to enable duties & responsibilities to be met working remotely considering the current Covid-19 pandemic situation.

Required Skills and Experience

• Computer Science degree or equivalent industry experience, with a record of academic and professional excellence
• Strong, modern C++ programming skills and knowledge
• Experience developing within a large existing codebase, collaborating with a large team
• Ability to work independently and within a large team
• Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly convey complex technical information
• Passion for graphics and for interacting with end-user clients and artistic staff
• Experience with real-time game engines such as Unreal or Unity
• Excellent problem-solving skills

Desired Skills

• Working knowledge of current cloud computing technologies, containers, and distributed computing
• Experience with cross-platform development
• Working Python knowledge
• Familiarity with Houdini or related software

Company Profile

For over thirty years, SideFX has been providing artists with procedural 3D animation and visual effects tools designed to produce the highest-quality cinematic results. We are passionate about what our customers do because our roots are in production, both as artists and as pioneering technical innovators. SideFX has been recognized by the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Science several times for its flagship software product Houdini and its seminal procedural-based technology.

Houdini is used by the world’s top film, TV, and game studios to create blockbuster movies such as Black Panther and Moana, captivating TV shows like American Gods and Games of Thrones, and hit video games like Horizon Zero Dawn and Mafia III. Our customers include Disney Feature Animation, Pixar, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Weta Digital, Blue Sky, Electronic Arts, Microsoft Game Studios, Blizzard Entertainment, and many more.

Location

Our transit-friendly head office location, directly adjacent to Union Station in the heart of downtown Toronto, is open-concept with a relaxed style that includes, casual dress, and wraparound views from the 14th floor.

SideFX is committed to inclusion and diversity. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. Accommodation will be provided to candidates with disabilities, upon request.