Software Engineer - Procedural Geometry & Simulation

Netflix Animation Studios is on a mission to entertain the world with bold, immersive animated films that are timeless and impactful. We are paving the way for the future of animation by building a community of amazing artists and talent across three vibrant locations globally. Come join us!

Netflix Animation Studios is on a mission to entertain the world with bold, immersive animated films that are timeless and impactful. We are paving the way for the future of animation by building a community of amazing artists and talent across 3 vibrant locations globally. Come join us!

Job Summary:

Could you be the motivated Software Engineer we are seeking to join our core R&D group, based in our Sydney studio? If so, you would help continue the evolution of our visual effects production tools and processes, especially in the areas of natural phenomena simulation, procedural geometry generation/amplification, and creature effects. The role will involve the development and support of tools and techniques in collaboration with our artistic staff.

You may have a background in film, animation, television, visualization or games fields. An interest in mathematics and/or physics would be beneficial.

What You’ll Do:

• Experience working with our procedural tools for fur/hair/feathers, cloth, vegetation and stylized effects. Work on our new simulation toolset for Character FX artists to bring dynamic motion to these procedural effects.

• Experience a variety of challenges with every show/project to cater to the look and style of the film.

• Work alongside some of the best artists and developers in the world.

• Integrate those tools and techniques into both established and new artist workflows.

• Collaborate directly with the artists who will be utilizing the tools you develop.  

• Collaborate with grace, humility, inclusion, and open-mindedness.

What You’ll Need:

• A tertiary qualification in Computer Science or Engineering or Math/Geometry.

• 5 or more years of experience in a VFX/animation/game field, specifically working with procedural geometry and/or physical simulation.

• Software development experience using C++.

• Working knowledge of relevant applications such as Houdini and Maya, including their APIs.

• Ability to develop tools and UIs for creative users.

• Experience with UNIX / LINUX.

• Willingness to work in a fast-paced production environment.

• Ability to work as part of a team, as well as independently for some tasks.

• Experience writing high-performance code: profiling tools, optimization, multi-threading and SIMD.

• Mathematical skills and familiarity with algorithms for numerical simulation of cloth and hair.

• Some experience with GPU programming (e.g. CUDA).

• Working knowledge of other relevant APIs or extension languages, such as OpenGL,OpenVDB, CUDA, Boost, TBB, USD, or Eigen.

• An appreciation of design aesthetics.

• Excellent verbal, written, and e-social communication skills.

This role is based out of Sydney, Australia. Hybrid Role (Minimum of 3 days a week in the office).

NAS benefits can include medical/dental/vision plans, mental health support, retirement programs, and family-forming benefits, paid leave of absence programs, and paid time away programs to be used for vacation and sick paid time off. See more detail about our benefits . 

is a Netflix value and we strive to host a meaningful interview experience for all candidates. If you want an accommodation/adjustment for a disability or any other reason during the hiring process, please send a request to your recruiting partner.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and celebrate diversity, recognizing that diversity builds stronger teams. We approach diversity and inclusion seriously and thoughtfully. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service.