Senior Software Developer – Houdini

DNEG; India; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

DNEG is looking for a Senior Software Developer – Houdini to enhance SideFX Houdini with proprietary software tools. The role involves building artist-facing tools, integrating solutions into CG pipelines, and developing clean code. Candidates should have a degree in Computer Science/Engineering, strong Python and/or C++ skills, and experience with Houdini. Collaboration with artists and developers is key to driving innovation in production workflows.

Qualifications

• 3+ years experience developing in Houdini with HOM, VEX, and/or HDK.
• Experience developing solutions for FX, Simulation, Lighting and/or Crowds.
• Strong Python and/or C++ skills required.

Responsibilities

• Build artist-facing and backend tools for Houdini.
• Develop with HOM, integrate tools into CG pipelines.
• Deliver clean, testable, and maintainable code.

Skills

Python

C++

Houdini

Linux development

Team-based development

Education

Degree in Computer Science/Engineering

Tools

HOM

VEX

USD

Qt

Job description

Senior Software Developer – Houdini

DNEG’s Houdini development team augments SideFX Houdini with bespoke software products to allow artists to create high-end VFX and digital environments, pushing complexity, scalability, and artistic boundaries through procedural workflows.

In this role, you’ll build artist-facing and backend tools to streamline workflows, extend Houdini’s capabilities, and solve production challenges. You’ll primarily develop with HOM, using HDK when needed, and integrate tools into CG pipelines while maintaining a seamless Houdini user experience.

Strong UX awareness, clear documentation, and a focus on usability and adoption are essential. You’ll deliver clean, testable, and maintainable code aligned with Brahma AI standards. While deep Houdini expertise isn’t required, familiarity with SOPs, ROPs, and LOPs is beneficial; CG production domain specialization is a plus.

You’ll collaborate with artists, developers, and project managers, requiring excellent communication skills to plan roadmaps and drive innovation across the full software lifecycle (design, develop, test, deploy and support).

Must Have

• Degree in Computer Science/Engineering or equivalent experience
• Strong Python and/or C++ skills
• 3+ years experience developing in Houdini with HOM, VEX, and/or HDK
• Experience developing solutions for FX, Simulation, Lighting and/or Crowds
• Linux development experience
• Team-based development and source control experience

Nice to Have

• Experience developing machine learning models
• Experience developing AI-based solutions
• Experience with unit/integration testing
• VFX/FX and Houdini workflow knowledge
• Experience with USD, Qt, Pybind11/Boost.Python
• Familiarity with build systems
• Experience with other DCC tools (e.g., Maya, Nuke, Mari, Adobe suite)

DNEG Dedicated Unit (DDU)

The DDU operates within BRAHMA AI and works closely with DNEG to develop technology used directly in production.

The team builds tools, platforms and workflows that support VFX and Feature Animation pipelines across DNEG’s global studios.

Much of the work focuses on artist-facing tools, large production pipelines, simulation and rendering workflows, and systems that need to run reliably across distributed teams.