Simulation (Houdini) Technical Engineer

Sony Pictures Imageworks; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading visual effects studio located in Vancouver is seeking a Technical Engineer specialized in Houdini to enhance their development team for Creature Effect, Crowds, and FX tools. The role requires over 7 years of experience in a production environment and expertise in Python, VEX, and procedural workflows. Candidates should demonstrate excellent communication skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. The anticipated salary range is CAD 100,000 - 120,000 annually, complemented by attractive benefits.

Benefits

Healthcare

Tuition reimbursement

RRSP

Sick and vacation leave

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional experience in VFX, Animation, or Game production.
• Exceptional knowledge of Houdini including tool creation and optimization.
• Strong grasp of geometry processing and simulation.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement procedural systems and workflows in Houdini.
• Maintain and optimize Houdini Digital Assets (OTLs).
• Collaborate with artists to gather requirements and troubleshoot issues.

Skills

Python

VEX

Houdini

3D math

Linear algebra

Data structures

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Computer Science or related

Tools

Houdini API

Katana

PyQt/PySide

C++

Job description

Simulation (Houdini) - Technical Engineer

Sony Pictures Imageworks is located on the unceded traditional territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. We are committed to respecting traditional lands, and working with communities towards reconciliation.

Sony Pictures Imageworks Canada Inc.

Language in work environment - English

Benefits per company policy: include healthcare, tuition reimbursement, RRSP's, Sick and Vacation leave, standard increases as applicable

Role overview:

Sony Pictures Imageworks is an Academy Award®-winning visual effects and animation studio known for photoreal live‑action visual effects, dynamic creature and character animation, and full‑CG features. We are looking to expand our development team dedicated to enhancing our Creature Effect, Crowds, Environment, and FX tools and workflow. We are looking for a highly proficient Technical Engineer to focus on the development and implementation of robust, high-performance, and domain-specific procedural toolsets using SideFX Houdini. This role requires strong technical leadership and the ability to work effectively with minimal supervision alongside a Lead Software Engineer or Architect. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast‑paced production environment where priorities can shift quickly.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Design, develop, and implement scalable procedural systems and workflows within Houdini for various departments (FX, Creature, Crowds, Environments).
• Create, maintain, and optimize robust Houdini Digital Assets (OTLs), ensuring stability, ease of use, and adherence to production standards.
• Extend the core pipeline by developing, integrating, and supporting tools that manage data flow, asset publishing, and version control.
• Collaborate closely with artists (Creature, FX, Lighting) to gather requirements and troubleshoot technical issues, providing support for both in‑house and commercial tools.
• Partner with engineers across other teams (Shading, Lighting, Rendering) to ensure seamless integration of procedural assets into the overall rendering and compositing pipeline.
• Document tools and workflows thoroughly for use by the wider artistic and engineering teams.

Required Technical Experience & Skills:

• 7+ years of professional experience in developing procedural workflows and tools in a VFX, Animation, or Game production environment.
• Exceptional, demonstrable knowledge of the Houdini environment, including tool creation, optimization, and advanced workflow techniques.
• Expert proficiency in Python and VEX for writing efficient, custom nodes, and tool wrappers.
• Proven experience developing and supporting production pipeline tools and asset delivery.
• Experience leveraging the Houdini API and other DCCs like Katana.
• Strong grasp of 3D math, linear algebra, and data structures as applied to geometry processing and simulation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a collaborative approach to problem‑solving.
• Capable of delivering on multiple competing priorities with little supervision.

Preferred skills:

• Documented experience with desktop application development using PyQt/PySide to create custom user interfaces.
• Experience with C++ for high-performance plugin development.
• Experience with data science, machine learning, or complex simulation techniques (e.g., fluid dynamics, cloth) in a production context.
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Computer Science, Digital Media, or a related technical field.

The anticipated base salary for this position is within the range of $100,000.00/yr - $120,000.00/yr CAD. Benefits are per company policy: which include healthcare, tuition reimbursement, RRSP's, Sick and Vacation leave, standard increases as applicable. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location of the position.

We value unique perspectives, and want diverse, unique talent to work with us. We encourage candidates from all identities to apply.

*Sony Pictures Entertainment is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.