Unreal Engine Developer

Position Overview

SideFX is seeking an exceptional software developer with strong Unreal Engine (UE) development skills to join its Toronto-based R&D team.

As a member of the SideFX Research and Development group, you will be working with some of the brightest minds in the CG industry in developing our new Houdini Engine plugin for UE. Houdini Engine is used extensively in games pipelines today to create large open worlds, FX, and much more. 

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.

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

Key Duties and Responsibilities*

• Designing, developing and optimizing features of the Company’s UE plugin for Houdini using the C++ programming language (and other languages as required, such as C#, Python and VEX).
• Ensuring a high level of quality and performance in the developed code architecture and features.
• Debugging and fixing product deficiencies (bugs).
• Supporting multiple hardware platforms.
• Working on special Houdini and UE 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.
• 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

• Solid working knowledge and development experience with UE.
• Good knowledge of games pipelines and workflows.
• Computer Science degree or equivalent industry experience, with a record of academic and professional excellence.
• Strong knowledge of C++ programming.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Ability to learn independently, think fast, and use solid judgement.
• Ability to draw from varied technologies and innovate at a fast rate.
• Ability to work well independently and in a nimble team environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.

Bonus Skills

• Tool development experience in the game industry.
• Familiarity with Houdini or related software.
• Experience with remote computing, network protocols and API’s.
• 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 Python/HOM.

Company Profile

For over thirty years, SideFX has been providing artists with procedural 3D animation and visual effects tools designed to produce 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 such as Black Panther and Moana, captivating TV shows 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. Locations other than Toronto will be considered within our company’s possibilities.

SideFX is committed to inclusion and diversity. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. Accommodation will be provided to candidates with disabilities, upon request.