Senior 3D Pipeline Developer – Houdini

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Canada.

📋 Description

• Create and sustain 3D workflows in Maya and Houdini, placing a strong focus on Houdini-based automation, scene assembly systems, and template-driven pipelines that enable artists to begin with a functional scene instead of starting from scratch.

• Design and develop tools that automate the creation of shots and sequences, incorporating procedural scene assembly, asset management, and reusable Houdini templates and HDAs that can scale across various projects.

• Ensure smooth integration with other software tools and APIs, utilizing USD as a foundational element for asset interchange and scene composition.

• Collaborate with stakeholders at all levels (owners, supervisors, and artists) to ensure alignment on ongoing projects, priorities, and challenges.

• Create custom tools for Houdini using Python (C++ knowledge is advantageous), focusing on workflow automation and artist-focused tools that minimize repetitive setup tasks. Familiarity with Maya is a plus.

• Enhance pipeline performance and stability by addressing performance, security, and scalability challenges as they arise.

• Maintain and troubleshoot pipeline tools and workflows, offering support and guidance to artists and technical directors.

• Mentor junior pipeline developers, aiding their technical advancement and professional growth.

• Stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies, recommending and implementing enhancements to the pipeline.

⛳️ Requirements

• Strong expertise in Houdini, with a comprehensive understanding of its role within a production pipeline. Familiarity with Maya is a plus.

• Proven experience in developing automation tools in Houdini, including HDAs, procedural scene assembly, template systems, and tools that programmatically create or update scenes based on published assets.

• Experience with software API integration throughout the VFX stack, including Nuke, Arnold, Redshift, Deadline, and ShotGrid.

• Solid understanding of software development best practices, encompassing agile methodologies, code optimization, and refactoring.

• Knowledge of cloud rendering pipelines for VFX.

• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a strong grasp of VFX production workflows.

• Experience with remote work and collaboration tools such as Slack, Bitbucket, and Jira.

• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the capability to articulate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a dynamic production environment.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or four years of experience in VFX as a pipeline developer or technical director.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance plan

• Retirement savings

• Paid time off