3D Software Developer

Position Overview

SideFX is seeking an exceptional software developer with strong programming skills and a talent for producing high performance, robust software to join its Toronto-based R&D team.

As a member of the SideFX Research and Development group, you would be working with some of 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 (Oscar®), a Technology and Engineering Emmy® Award from NATAS, and four back-to-back Editor's Choice Innovation Awards from CG World Magazine. Movies using our toolset have received the Oscar® for Best Visual Effects every year in the past two decades.  We share a passion for innovation in computer graphics and a drive for excellence in procedural animation. Providing digital artists with the most advanced tools for their craft is, and has always been, our single focus.

Whether you are research-oriented or development-oriented, we have a great number of exciting projects to choose from. You will have ample opportunity to grow professionally and make significant contributions to the success of our products. You will be constantly in touch with our users in the entertainment industry and with our industry partners. You will be right at the heart of a constantly evolving synergy between technology and art.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design, develop and optimize features in the Company’s 2D and 3D software products, including Houdini and Houdini Engine plug-ins.
• Enhance and maintain Houdini’s glTF importer and exporter.
• Support R&D Pipeline Team development areas upon request, including Procedural Dependency Graph (PDG), Houdini Engine API (HAPI) and games tools.
• Ensure a high level of quality and performance in the code architecture and features.
• Debug and fix product deficiencies (bugs).
• Support multiple hardware platforms.
• Work on special projects and other strategic and technical opportunities as may be assigned.
• Maintain up to date knowledge on techniques and current practices in the area of software development, computer science, computer graphics, networking, visual effects and games.
• Assist, as required, in product support or product sales and marketing activities as beneficial to the company and the user community.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Experience

• Proven professional software development experience using modern C++ and Python.
• Computer Science degree, with a record of academic and professional excellence.
• Extensive 3D graphics knowledge.
• Ability to learn independently, think fast, and use solid judgment.
• Ability to work well independently and in a nimble team environment.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Positive, professional and flexible demeanor.
• Eagerness to learn and take on new challenges.

Bonus Skills

• Working knowledge of Houdini, Blender or other 3D digital content creation software.
• Cross-platform development experience.
• Game or film industry experience.
• Relevant contribution to large scale software architecture and development.
• User interface design (workflow, look, and feel).

Company Profile

For almost forty years, SideFX has been at the forefront of providing artists with procedural 3D animation and visual effects tools designed to produce the highest-quality cinematic results. Rooted in production as both artists and pioneering technical innovators, we are passionate about supporting our customers' creative visions.

Used by the world's top film, TV and game studios, Houdini has transformed content creation pipelines with its procedural node-based workflow. Contributing to blockbuster movies such as Frankenstein, Spider-Man, Oppenheimer, The Lion King and Godzilla vs. Kong, TV shows like The Crown, Game of Thrones and S.W.A.T., and video games like Ghost Recon, Far Cry, and Age of Empires. Customers include Disney Feature Animation, Pixar, Sega, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Weta Digital, Electronic Arts, Microsoft Game Studios, and many more, demonstrating Houdini's transformative impact across multiple entertainment mediums. Houdini is also being used in industries such as motion graphics, visualization, additive manufacturing and the generation of synthetic data for use in Machine Learning.

Visit https://www.sidefx.com/careers/ for a full list of our current job openings.

What We Value Most:

• Decency: We treat everyone with honesty, kindness and empathy. We give generously of our time and knowledge.
• Relationships: We build collaborative bonds—with our co-workers and clients—based on trust and respect. Our diverse team gives us broader perspectives.
• Dedication: We take pride and ownership in our work, always trying to do our best. We are devoted to the well-being and success of each other and our clients.
• Excellence: We continually improve ourselves, our work and our company, striving towards excellence in all that we do.

Our Employees Receive:

• Hybrid Work option - Combining time spent collaborating in person at our offices with remote work for added flexibility.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation and floater days to relax and re-energize (starting at 4 weeks).
• Year-End Company Shutdown and Long Weekend Early departures to support a healthy work-life balance.
• Health insurance coverage: Robust Health insurance coverage for you and your dependents.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP); because sometimes we need a bit of extra support.
• Retirement Plan with company matched contributions.
• Comprehensive Long Service Award program, providing both a monetary reward and additional days off.
• A highly competitive bonus structure.
• A generous sick time entitlement to care for yourself and your loved ones.

Why Join SideFX?

• Because you want to be part of a unique experience and winning team that has won an Oscar and an Emmy (Cool, right?)
• Because you want to grow with one of Canada's Best Managed Companies®
  
• Because you want to be part of an industry-leading company that is constantly mindfully growing.
• Because you want to work with some of the most talented people in the industry on a ground-breaking product.
• Because you want to work with people from all around the world.
• Because you want to be part of an exciting and fun industry.
• Because you want to join and add to a positive, supportive and respected company culture.
• Because you want your job to be GREAT!

Location 

This role is based in our Toronto office.

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. 

Our hiring process does not involve the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess or select applicants.