SideFX Hiring for Maya Plugin 3D Software Developer at Toronto, ON Full Time

SideFX is seeking an exceptional software developer with Maya plugin development skills 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 in developing our Houdini Engine plugin for the Maya application. 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 animation. Providing digital artists with the best and most advanced tools for their craft is, and has always been, our singular focus.

Please note that a valid proof of a completed COVID-19 vaccination series is an employment requirement.

Note: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, in order to keep all of our employees and candidates safe, SideFX is hiring and onboarding remotely.

Key Duties and Responsibilities*

Designing, developing, optimizing and maintaining the Company’s Houdini-Maya Plugin and its related ecosystem of software components.

Contributing to other features of the Company’s 2D and 3D animation software products using C++ programming language and other languages as required, such as Python and VEX.

Ensuring a high level of quality and performance in the developed code architecture and features, with an emphasis on long term viability and superior user experience.

Debugging and fixing product deficiencies (bugs).

Supporting multiple hardware platforms.

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, visual effects and games.

Assisting, as required, in product support or product sales and marketing activities as beneficial to the interest of the company.

Traveling on Company business to participate in various events, sales calls, presentations, meetings and other activities (not expected to exceed 15% of the time).

Seeking opportunities to protect the company’s intellectual property through the identification of patentable innovations and through the filing of patents.

Participating in conferences (e.g. Siggraph and GDC) in the form of papers, panels, sketches, courses, etc., to enhance the company’s reputation as a leading innovator in computer graphics, visual effects, and games.

Managing and mentoring of co-op, junior or intermediate software developers.

Ensuring a high level of cooperation and collaboration with peers and managers.

Other duties as assigned.

• Adjustments will be made to enable duties & responsibilities to be met working remotely considering the current Covid-19 pandemic situation.

Required Skills and Experience

Extensive knowledge and experience creating plugins and scripts for Maya

Computer Science degree or equivalent

A record of academic and professional excellence

Strong knowledge of C++ and Python programming

Experience in software architecture and design

Ability to learn independently, think fast, and use solid judgement

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

Bonus Skills

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)

Proficient in HOM, OpenCL, CUDA, GLSL

Familiarity with Houdini or related 3D software

Only candidate with previous experience creating plugins and scripts for Maya will be considered for this role.

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

What we offer:
Hybrid Work option – A great office in Downtown Toronto (right across from Union station) with the flexibility to work from home (most roles). You can help us test out our Hybrid Pilot Project

3 weeks’ vacation to relax and re-energize

Health insurance coverage including a Health Service Spending Account (HSSA only for Canadian employees), for you and your dependents (only permanent employees)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP); because sometimes we need a bit of extra support

Retirement Plan with company matched contributions (only permanent employees)

A highly competitive bonus structure (only permanent employees)

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!

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

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.