Simulation Pipeline Technical Artist - Special Projects (Jeff Lind)

Socket.dev; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Apple is seeking a hardworking 3D Tech Artist to join the Special Projects Simulation group in Cupertino, contributing to world simulations and synthetic data generation for AI/ML initiatives.

The role emphasizes prototyping and iterating tools to speed up artist workflows, with collaboration across cross-functional teams and a focus on USD-based pipelines using Maya/Houdini and custom code.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as Technical Artist in video games, animation, and/or VFX.
• Strong Python skills for data creation and manipulation.
• Experience building pipelines to generate images/outputs across multiple DCCs with custom code.
• Strong experience with USD format, tools and APIs.
• The best candidates will help us use USD tech more effectively.
• Experienced Maya user.
• Experience with Maya, Houdini, or other DCC programming APIs.
• Proven track record of inventing new tools and techniques to speed up artist workflows.
• Strong understanding of shading, lighting, texturing and materials.

Skills

Python scripting

Pipeline tooling

USD tooling

Maya

Houdini

DCC APIs

Shading

Collaboration

Tools

Maya

Houdini

DCC APIs

USD tooling

Job description

Play a role in bringing Apple technology to the world. We are looking for a hardworking, dedicated, and results-oriented 3D Tech Artist. You would join a team building world simulations. Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or Apple Store experience we deliver is the result of us making each other’s ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It’s the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you’ll do more than join something — you’ll add something.

Description

As a Simulation Pipeline Technical Artist in the Special Projects Simulation group, you will have an opportunity to be part of an innovation-focused organization within Apple that is developing simulations and generating synthetic data. You will be able to work on highly ambitious and impactful simulation projects enabling AI/ML-based products and features. Our ideal team member brings experience with video game and film techniques, but is also fearless when it comes to trying new things and is willing to iterate on ideas. We value team members who can quickly prototype, iterating all the way to high-quality implementations that can scale. We always value team members who can collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams across the organization.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience working as a Technical Artist in video games, animation, and/or VFX
• Strong Python skills for data creation and manipulation
• Experience building pipelines and processes to generate images and outputs by marshaling data through multiple DCCs with custom code
• Strong experience with USD format, tools and APIs.
• The best candidates will help us use this key technology in better ways.
• Experienced Maya user
• Experience with Maya, Houdini, or other DCC programming APIs.
• Proven track record of innovating new tools and techniques to speed up artist workflow and efficiency
• Strong understanding of shading, lighting, texturing and materials

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong familiarity with digital sculpting, modeling, and command of mesh topology.
• Experience with lighting: especially procedural systems.
• Experience creating shaders
• Experience with procedural materials, Substance Designer or similar C++ programming experience