Simulation Developer, Ziva VFX

Overview

Join to apply for the Simulation Developer, Ziva VFX role at DNEG.

We are looking for a Simulation Developer to join our Ziva VFX team. Ziva character tools bring cutting-edge techniques and workflows to professional 3D character artists, enabling realistic and dynamic animated performances. Ziva VFX is an award-winning physics simulator used to achieve realistic deformations of anatomical tissues in digital characters, employing methods such as the Finite Element Method (FEM) for physically plausible results. Our tools are used in world-class film and TV productions by DNEG's talented character artists.

Responsibilities

As a Simulation Developer, you will work to improve and maintain the core physics simulator of the Ziva VFX software product. You will deliver robust, high-performance features for high-fidelity soft-body physics, identify high-impact improvement opportunities (from published research or user feedback), and develop them from experimental prototypes to stable production features. In collaboration with your team, you will continually improve the speed and robustness of physics calculations and enhance the artist experience when configuring and running simulations. Success requires effectively integrating cutting-edge geometric and numerical algorithms into a complex simulation framework.

Job Requirements

• Expertise in C++ software development
• Proficiency in linear algebra, numerical computing, collision detection, finite element methods, and other aspects of physics simulation
• 2+ years of experience with physical simulation software, OR equivalent university education
• Proven ability to read, implement, and refine techniques from research literature
• Ability to write highly performant code, familiarity with parallel computing, profiling, and optimization
• Proficiency with GPU programming, e.g., CUDA
• Experience delivering 3D tools for use by technical artists and animators
• Collaborative software development with Git

Additional Skills

• Experience developing plugins for Maya and Houdini
• Experience collaborating with professional animators and animation technical artists in games and/or film
• Experience coding in Python
• Familiarity with Linux
• Experience writing and updating technical documentation for tools and features
• Experience with all aspects of the software development lifecycle
• Knowledge of software quality control processes, e.g., CI/CD

About You

• Attention to detail
• Proactive
• Team player
• Adaptable
• Calm under pressure
• Strong communication abilities

Please note that this is a unionized position and will be covered by a collective agreement between DNEG and IATSE in the coming months. Union dues will be required once the collective agreement is in place.

The base salary range for this full-time position is $120,000 to $130,000. Salary ranges are determined by function, department, level, and location, and individual pay within a range is based on transferable skills and work experience. Salary ranges may be revised based on external market data.

About Us

We are DNEG, a leading visual effects and animation company for award-winning feature film, television, and multiplatform content. We employ more than 9,000 people with offices worldwide. We are committed to creating an equitable, diverse and inclusive work environment and welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you need adjustments or support during the application process, we will endeavor to accommodate your needs.

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