Senior In-House Technical Director (Future opportunity)

Company Profile

For over thirty years, SideFX has been providing artists with procedural 3D animation and visual effects tools designed to create 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 multiple times - including with an Oscar® - for the development of our Houdini software, and its breakthrough procedural-based technology. Houdini is used by the world’s top film, TV, and game studios to create blockbuster movies like Spider-Man, 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. Our customers include Disney Feature Animation, Pixar, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Weta Digital, Electronic Arts, Microsoft Game Studios, and many more. 

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 - A great office in Downtown Toronto (right across from Union Station) with the flexibility for most roles to work from home. You can help us test out our Hybrid Pilot Project
• 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 (including a Health Service Spending Account for Canadian employees), 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!

Position Overview 

SideFX is seeking an exceptional, seasoned Technical Director with sharp, up-to-date Houdini skills and broad industry knowledge to join its Toronto-based R&D team., reporting directly to the VP of R&D.

As a member of the Research and Development group you will have the opportunity to work alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry and interact with an outstanding artist community. We see this position as a career-defining opportunity in which to grow professionally and contribute to Houdini and its user community. As a uniquely qualified production experience specialist, you will be right at the heart of a constantly evolving synergy between technology and art and we need you to be the best.

What you will be working on 

• Provide production insight into R&D feature development
• Design, develop and test Houdini tools (HDA's, shelves, shaders, rigs, etc) using Houdini and Python
• Help adapt partner technologies for seamless use in Houdini
• Help steer the direction of the product with an emphasis on workflow, production readiness and completeness
• Work directly with the C++ programmers and interact with sales and production consulting staff as well as the user community
• Broaden and deepen your knowledge of Houdini while maintaining close contacts with industry and anticipating trends
• Occasionally represent R&D at Houdini events and on client visits
• Occasionally mentor junior TD's and interns
• Other duties as assigned

What you need to be successful 

• 7+ years of production experience, preferably in film
• Up-to-date, well-rounded knowledge of Houdini – a true Houdini master
• A record of professional excellence and outstanding innovation
• Visionary thinking with broad and insightful knowledge of the industry
• Ability to learn independently, think fast, and use solid judgement
• Ability to draw from varied technologies and innovate rapidly
• Ability to deliver elegant, practical, and complete solutions to diverse areas of the product
• Knowledge of HOM/Python programming and software development skills (C++ not required)
• Ability to work well independently and in a nimble team environment
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Positive, professional demeanour

Not required but great to have 

• Solid familiarity with a wide range of physical simulation environments
• Fluids, soft-body, crowds, long hair expertise
• Advanced shader writing experience with a deep understanding of various lighting and rendering software
• Hands-on exposure to pipeline development
• Some working knowledge of OpenCL, CUDA, GLSL, C++
• User interface design (workflow, look, and feel)
• Familiarity with game development environments

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. Please advise if you require accommodation and it will be provided.