Cross-platform C++ UI/UX Software Developer

Position Overview 

SideFX is seeking an exceptional UI/UX Software Developer to join its Toronto-based R&D team.   

As a member of the SideFX Research and Development team, you will be working with some of the brightest minds in the CG industry to develop an array of user experience frameworks, features and workflows. You will also be identifying and improving bottlenecks in our software’s UI/UX architecture, and enhancing our 2D and 3D user interface. 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 for over two decades.

What you will be working on

• Design, develop, and extend a wide range of user experience frameworks, features and workflows with an emphasis on ease of use, intuitiveness and customizability.
• Identify and optimize bottlenecks in Houdini’s C++, Qt and Python UI/UX architecture.
• Keep up to date with the latest academic and industry breakthroughs; independently research and develop ideas to continuously push our procedural technology forward.
• Collaborate with other R&D staff, technical directors and artists to produce best-in-class frameworks and next-generation workflows.
• Other duties as assigned.

What you need to be successful 

• Relevant higher-level education in Computer Science or equivalent industry experience, and user interaction design, with a record of academic and professional excellence.
• Extensive experience as a UI/UX software developer.
• Expert knowledge of best practices in user interaction design, visual representation of complex data, and information architecture as applied to complex CG applications.
• Strong, modern C++ programming skills and knowledge.
• 2+ years of working experience with OpenGL, Qt and Python.
• Ability to take positive initiative, work independently and within a large team.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly convey complex technical information.
• Familiarity with performance optimization and parallel programming techniques.
• Passion for graphics and for interacting with end-user clients and artistic staff.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.

Not required but great to have 

• Extensive experience developing 3D GUI and usability software, with a strong appreciation of design aesthetics.
• Demonstrable knowledge of a professional DCC or GameEngine application (e.g. Houdini, Maya, Softimage, Cinema 4D, UE4, Unity).
• Experience with cross-platform development.

Company Profile

For over thirty years, SideFX has been providing artists with procedural 3D animation, VFX and World Building tools designed to create the highest-quality 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 our flagship software product Houdini, and our breakthrough procedurally-based technology.
                                                                                                       
Long used by the world’s top film and TV studios, in recent years Houdini has transformed content creation workflows at hundreds of game studios, from the largest AAA to the smallest Indie. Our customers include CD Projekt Red, Rockstar Games, Electronic Arts and many more. Houdini has played a vital part in hit video games like Horizon Zero Dawn, Spiderman, Control and the Ghost Recon series.

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 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.