3D Software Developer (Future Opportunity)

2 Months ago • All levels • Research & Development • 3D Art

Job Summary

Job Description

SideFX seeks exceptional software developers for future opportunities in its Toronto R&D team. As a 3D Software Developer, you'll design, develop, and optimize features for 2D and 3D software products (including Houdini Engine plug-ins) using C++, Python, and VEX. Responsibilities include ensuring code quality, debugging, supporting multiple platforms, working on special projects, and staying current with industry techniques. You'll also independently research and prototype ideas to advance procedural technology and potentially assist in product support or marketing. The role requires a Computer Science degree or equivalent experience, strong C++ and 3D graphics knowledge (including OpenGL), excellent problem-solving skills, and effective communication.
Must have:
  • Computer Science degree or equivalent
  • Strong C++ programming skills
  • Extensive 3D graphics knowledge (OpenGL)
  • Excellent problem-solving skills
  • Effective communication
Good to have:
  • Film/game industry experience
  • Large-scale software architecture experience
  • Multi-threaded/platform development
  • UI design experience
  • Python/HOM, OpenCL, CUDA, GLSL proficiency
  • Houdini or related software familiarity
Perks:
  • Hybrid work option
  • Generous paid time off
  • Health insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Retirement plan with matching
  • Long service awards
  • Competitive bonus structure
  • Generous sick time

Job Details

Position Overview


SideFX is continuously seeking out exceptional software developers for future opportunities with a passion for graphics 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 colleagues. You will be right at the heart of a constantly evolving synergy between technology and art.


What you will be working on


  • Designing, developing and optimizing features of the Company’s 2D and 3D software products, including the Houdini Engine plug-ins, using the C++ programming language and other languages as required, such as Python and VEX.
  • Ensuring a high level of quality and performance in the code architecture and features.
  • Debugging and fixing product deficiencies (bugs).
  • Supporting multiple hardware platforms, as assigned.
  • Working on special projects and other strategic and technical opportunities as may be assigned.
  • Maintaining up to date knowledge on techniques and current practices in the area of software development, computer science, computer graphics, networking, visual effects and games.
  • Independently researching and prototyping ideas to push the company’s procedural technology forward.
  • Assisting, as required, in product support or product sales and marketing activities as beneficial to the company and the user community.
  • Other duties as assigned.


What you need to be successful 


  • Computer Science degree or equivalent industry experience, with a record of academic and professional excellence.
  • Ability to learn independently, think fast, and use solid judgement.
  • Strong knowledge of C++ programming.
  • Extensive 3D graphics knowledge, including OpenGL programming.
  • Ability to draw from varied technologies and innovate at a fast rate.
  • Excellent problem solving skills.
  • Ability to work well independently and in a nimble team environment.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication.
  • Other duties as assigned.


Not required but great to have 


  • Experience in the film or game industry.
  • Relevant contribution to large scale software architecture and development.
  • Multi-threaded, multi-platform development and optimization.
  • User interface design (workflow, look, and feel).
  • Experience with lighting and rendering software.
  • Proficient in Python/HOM, OpenCL, CUDA, GLSL.
  • Working knowledge of OS X programming.
  • Familiarity with Houdini or related software.


Sample R&D Projects


  • Physical simulation (rigid and soft bodies, cloth, fluids, hair, fur, and more).
  • Particle dynamics.
  • Modeling, lighting and rendering of volumes and surfaces.
  • Performance optimization.
  • Large dataset management.
  • 3D and 2D user interface design.
  • Character rigging and animation.
  • Advanced crowd simulation.
  • Game engine exploration.
  • Houdini Digital Asset (HDA) architecture.
  • Parallel language and compiler design.
  • Distributed computing.
  • Computational geometry.
  • Systems architecture.


Company Profile


For over thirty 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.

SideFX has been recognized by the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences multiple times, including with an Oscar® for our flagship software product, Houdini, and our breakthrough procedural-based technology.

Used by the world’s top film, TV, and game studios, from the largest AAA to the smallest Indie Studios, Houdini has transformed content creation workflows at hundreds of film and game studios. Contributing to blockbuster movies like Black Panther and Moana, captivating TV shows such as Game of Thrones and The Crown, and hit video games like Horizon Zero Dawn, Spiderman, and Ghost Recon. Our diverse clientele includes industry leaders like Disney Feature Animation, Pixar, Weta Digital, CD Projekt Red, and Rockstar Games, demonstrating Houdini’s transformative impact across multiple entertainment mediums.


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 add to the excitement.
  • 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!


Not the right role for you at this time? Take a look at all of our job postings on our Careers page or join our SideFX Talent Community for future career opportunities! 


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. 

Similar Jobs

Kojima - Shader Artist

Kojima

Minato City, Tokyo, Japan (On-Site)
1 Month ago
Tencent - Funcom - Senior Technical Artist

Tencent - Funcom

Shanghai, China (On-Site)
5 Days ago
Zoic studios - U.S., Houdini TD

Zoic studios

(Remote)
2 Weeks ago
yellow brick games - Technical Artist, Destruction & Interactivity

yellow brick games

Québec City, Quebec, Canada (Remote)
2 Weeks ago
Ubisoft - Technical Artist (MOSAIC)

Ubisoft

Singapore, Singapore (On-Site)
1 Month ago
DNEG - Video Streaming Engineer - Imaging, Playback and Review Tools

DNEG

London, England, United Kingdom (Remote)
1 Month ago
Tesla - Constructor

Tesla

Prüm, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany (On-Site)
3 Months ago
NVIDIA - Physical Design Backend Engineer

NVIDIA

Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tel Aviv District, Israel (On-Site)
3 Months ago
bytedance - Student Researcher (Doubao (Seed) - LLM Foundation Research)

bytedance

San Jose, California, United States (Hybrid)
1 Month ago
Google - Senior Staff Software Engineer, Google Cloud

Google

Pune, Maharashtra, India (On-Site)
1 Month ago

Get notifed when new similar jobs are uploaded

Similar Skill Jobs

Framestore - Previs Artist

Framestore

England, United Kingdom (Hybrid)
2 Months ago
PlayStation Global - Senior Procedural Technical Artist

PlayStation Global

Los Angeles, California, United States (On-Site)
2 Months ago
Scanline VFX - Crowd Artist

Scanline VFX

Seoul, South Korea (Hybrid)
2 Months ago
Keywords Studios - Senior/Lead VFX Artist - 2025 Opportunities (UKI)

Keywords Studios

Ireland (Remote)
2 Months ago
After zvfx studios - FX Artist

After zvfx studios

Kolkata, West Bengal, India (On-Site)
1 Year ago
Epic Games - FX Outsource Artist

Epic Games

(On-Site)
1 Month ago
1920 - Bristol Based CG Generalist

1920

Bristol, England, United Kingdom (Hybrid)
2 Months ago
Alt VFX  - Senior Houdini Lookdev / Lighting Artist

Alt VFX

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (On-Site)
3 Weeks ago
Scanline VFX - Houdini FX Artist

Scanline VFX

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Hybrid)
4 Months ago
Gunzilla - Senior Procedural Technical Artist

Gunzilla

Kyiv, Kyiv City, Ukraine (On-Site)
1 Month ago

Get notifed when new similar jobs are uploaded

Jobs in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

AlphaSense - Technical Support Engineer

AlphaSense

Canada (On-Site)
1 Week ago
Ubisoft - Senior C++ Programmer - Machine Learning

Ubisoft

Montreal, Quebec, Canada (On-Site)
2 Months ago
Epic Games - Fortnite Tech Desktop Platform Programmer

Epic Games

Montreal, Quebec, Canada (On-Site)
1 Month ago
Framestore - Manager - Immigration

Framestore

Montreal, Quebec, Canada (Hybrid)
2 Weeks ago
Epic Games - Senior Desktop Programmer, Fortnite Tech

Epic Games

Montreal, Quebec, Canada (On-Site)
5 Months ago
fortis games - Senior Research Analyst

fortis games

Canada (Remote)
1 Week ago
black bird interactive - IT Manager

black bird interactive

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Hybrid)
2 Weeks ago
Intrepid Studios,  Inc  - Senior Anti-Cheat Engineer

Intrepid Studios, Inc

Canada (On-Site)
9 Months ago
Riyo games - Junior Technical Narrative Designer

Riyo games

Canada (Remote)
1 Month ago
luxsoft - Senior Data Engineer (Python & AWS)

luxsoft

Toronto, Ontario, Canada (On-Site)
3 Weeks ago

Get notifed when new similar jobs are uploaded

Research & Development Jobs

Google - Lead CPU RTL Engineer, Silicon

Google

Poughkeepsie, New York, United States (On-Site)
5 Months ago
Ubisoft - Principal R&D Scientist on Bots & Behaviors

Ubisoft

Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France (Hybrid)
2 Months ago
NVIDIA - Senior VLSI Integration Engineer

NVIDIA

Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tel Aviv District, Israel (Hybrid)
3 Months ago
Cadence - Senior DFT Engineer

Cadence

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India (On-Site)
8 Months ago
Riot Games - Senior Researcher, Wild Rift

Riot Games

Shanghai, Shanghai, China (On-Site)
2 Months ago
NVIDIA - Senior Power Architecture and Optimization Engineer

NVIDIA

Santa Clara, California, United States (On-Site)
4 Months ago
Tesla - Engineering Technician, Drive Unit/Traction Inverter (Powertrain)

Tesla

Brandenburg, Germany (On-Site)
3 Months ago
Meta - Research Scientist Intern, Photorealistic Telepresence (PhD)

Meta

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (On-Site)
6 Months ago
NVIDIA - Physical Design Engineer

NVIDIA

Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tel Aviv District, Israel (On-Site)
3 Months ago
bytedance - Senior Software Engineer - AI for Security Post-Training

bytedance

San Jose, California, United States (On-Site)
2 Months ago

Get notifed when new similar jobs are uploaded

About The Company

SideFX is a world leader in the development of 3D animation and visual effects software for use in film, commercials and video games. SideFX award-winning Houdini software utilizes a node-based procedural approach which provides digital artists with an unprecedented level of power, flexibility and control. 


Houdini’s comprehensive feature set includes modeling, rigging, animation, particle effects, dynamics, compositing, integrated rendering, and more. Houdini is available for the Mac OS X, Linux and Windows operating systems.

Los Angeles, California, United States (Hybrid)

Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Hybrid)

Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Hybrid)

Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Hybrid)

View All Jobs

Get notified when new jobs are added by SideFX Software

Level Up Your Career in Game Development!

Transform Your Passion into Profession with Our Comprehensive Courses for Aspiring Game Developers.

Job Common Plug