Software Engineer - Animation & Rigging

Netflix; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading animation studio in Vancouver is seeking an experienced software engineer to enhance their animation production tools. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in character rigging and animation workflows, combined with proficiency in C++ and Python. You will collaborate on high-end animated features and maintain a state-of-the-art rigging framework. This hybrid role offers a salary range of $150,000 - $200,000 CAD, plus a variety of comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Medical/dental/vision plans

Mental health support

Retirement programs

Paid time off

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience working on character rigging and animation workflows.
• Proficient in C++ and Python development.
• Knowledge of DCC applications and their APIs.

Responsibilities

• Work on high-end animated features, collaborating to solve technical and creative challenges.
• Develop and maintain a rigging framework integrated in a USD pipeline.
• Create user-friendly workflows and intuitive applications.

Skills

C++

Python

Character rigging

Animation workflows

Problem solving

Strong communication

Tools

Maya

Houdini

Unreal

USD

Job description

Netflix Animation Studios is on a mission to entertain the world with bold, immersive animated films that are timeless and impactful. We are paving the way for the future of animation by building a community of amazing artists and talent across three vibrant locations globally. Come join us!

Are you a software engineer with experience working with rigging and animation, or a rigger with extensive development experience? Are you interested in joining a cross‑functional R&D team which focuses on tools that stretch from Rigging and Layout to Final Animation? You will work as a part of the global development team to advance its animation production tools and processes, dedicated to the areas of animation and rigging.

What you’ll do:

• Work on high end animated features, collaborating closely with production to solve technical and creative challenges related to character animation.

• Contribute to the design and development of a state of the art rigging framework tightly integrated in a USD pipeline.

• Maintain and improve our existing tech stack, from geometry algorithms to user‑facing toolsets.

• Develop high quality code with a focus on readability, stability, performance and documentation.

• Work closely with artists to create user‑friendly workflows and intuitive applications.

• Regularly present your work internally to production and tech teams and publicly at conferences.

What you bring:

• 8+ years experience working on character rigging and animation workflows

• Proficient C++ and Python Developer

• Demonstrable knowledge of a DCC application and its API (Maya, Houdini, Unreal, proprietary animation software…)

• Basic knowledge of USD

• Excellent problem solving skills

• A passion for working hand in hand with artists and production staff

• Strong communication skills necessary for working with teams on different sites and time zones (PST/AEDT), with both technical and non‑technical production partners.

Bonus:

• Extensive knowledge of USD

• Experience with rendering, GPU technology

• Experience with ML/AI

Depending on skillset and interest, the position can be generalist within the team touching on the entire tech stack, or have a more dedicated focus on back end or user‑facing libraries.

This role is based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Hybrid Role (Minimum of 3 days a week in the office).

At NAS, we carefully consider a wide range of compensation factors to determine your compensation. We rely on market indicators and consider your specific job family, background, location, skills, and experience. The overall market range for this role is typically $150,000 - $200,000 CAD. This reflects total compensation; we do not have stock options.

NAS benefits can include medical/dental/vision plans, mental health support, retirement programs, and family‑forming benefits, paid leave of absence programs, and paid time away programs to be used for vacation and sick paid time off. See more detail about our benefits here.

Inclusion is a Netflix value and we strive to host a meaningful interview experience for all candidates. If you want an accommodation/adjustment for a disability or any other reason during the hiring process, please send a request to your recruiting partner.

We are an equal‑opportunity employer and celebrate diversity, recognizing that diversity builds stronger teams. We approach diversity and inclusion seriously and thoughtfully. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service.