Senior VFX Artist - Lightspeed Studios

NVIDIA Corporation; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 184,000 - 288,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Benefits

Job summary

NVIDIA Corporation in Santa Clara, CA is seeking an outstanding Senior Tools Engineer to join Lightspeed Studios. You will design and develop Python and Qt/PySide tools, implement DCC integrations, and help artists and engineers iterate faster with reliable software.

The role requires 8+ years in tools/pipeline engineering in games or VFX, strong Python, Qt experience, and familiarity with Maya, Houdini, Unreal Engine, and asset pipelines.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in tools, pipeline or technical art engineering for games or real‑time production.
• BS/MS or equivalent in computer science, engineering or related field.
• Strong Python with solid architecture, debugging, testing, and API design.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop Python and Qt/PySide tools, desktop apps, and DCC integrations.
• Collaborate with artists, technical artists, and engineers to solve production challenges.
• Improve usability, reliability, performance, and iteration speed of tools.
• Develop integrations across DCC apps, production systems, and real‑time environments.
• Explore content workflows and AI-assisted automation for repetitive tasks.

Skills

Python

Qt

API design

Debugging

Education

BS in CS or related

MS in CS or related

Tools

Qt/PySide

Maya

Houdini

Substance

Blender

Unreal Engine

Job description

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It’s a unique legacy of innovation that’s fueled by great technology—and amazing people. Today, we’re tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what’s never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world’s best talent. As an NVIDIAN, you’ll be immersed in a diverse, supportive environment where everyone is inspired to do their best work. Come join the team and see how you can make a lasting impact on the world.

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It’s a unique legacy of innovation that’s fueled by great technology—and amazing people.

NVIDIA is seeking an outstanding Senior Tools Engineer to join our Lightspeed Studios team! Lightspeed Studios, the team behind NVIDIA’s next-generation tech demos, is dedicated to developing cutting‑edge visuals using the latest NVIDIA rendering technology. In this role, you’ll help build the tools, pipelines, and workflows that enable artists and developers to create groundbreaking real‑time content efficiently and at the highest quality. At Lightspeed, we work across art and engineering to tackle production problems that emerge while building advanced real‑time experiences. The Senior Tools Engineer will develop production tools across desktop applications, DCCs, and real‑time environments, improve how content moves through production, and help artists and engineers iterate faster with reliable, well‑designed software.

What you'll be doing: Design and develop Python and Qt/PySide tools, desktop applications, and DCC integrations. Work directly with artists, technical artists, and engineers to understand production challenges and turn them into practical software solutions. Improve existing tools and workflows with a focus on usability, reliability, performance, and iteration speed. Develop integrations across DCC applications, production systems, and real‑time environments. Explore new approaches to content creation and workflow automation, including agentic AI systems that can assist with repetitive or multi‑step production tasks.

What we need to see: 8+ years of professional experience in tools engineering, pipeline engineering, technical art engineering, or related software development within games, VFX, animation, or real‑time production. BS, MS, or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related subject area. Strong Python development experience with an understanding of software architecture, debugging, testing, and API design. Strong experience building desktop tools and user interfaces with Qt, PySide, PyQt, or similar frameworks. Experience integrating DCC applications such as Maya, Houdini, Substance, Blender, Photoshop, or similar tools. Experience developing production integrations or tools for real‑time engines such as Unreal Engine. Understanding of asset pipelines, source control, validation, metadata, and publishing workflows. Experience working with artists and translating production requirements into effective technical solutions.

Ways to stand out from the crowd: Background with C++ application or plugin development. Experience building tools and integrations across multiple DCC applications and production systems as well as experience with real‑time rendering or game‑engine tools development. Experience applying machine learning or agentic AI to artist workflows, production automation, or content creation. Background with supporting AAA game development or similarly complex real‑time production environments.

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 184,000 USD - 287,500 USD. You will also be eligible for equity and benefits. Applications for this job will be accepted at least until September 20, 2026. This posting is for an existing vacancy. NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

NVIDIA pioneered accelerated computing. Today, our AI infrastructure powers global intelligence, transforming every industry. Learn more about NVIDIA.