Technical Artist, AI Workflows

Position Overview

We‌ ‌are‌ ‌seeking‌ an‌ exceptional‌ individual‌ to‌ join‌ our‌ talented‌‌ Strategic Partnership Team,‌ ‌ reporting to‌ the‌‌ VP Strategic Partnerships.‌‌‌ This is a newly created and active role.

You are a Houdini Technical Artist who has been keeping an open mind about how AI might affect the ways that visual effects are created-and have actively sought to educate yourself and experiment with emerging AI tools.

You are always striving to innovate improved workflows that support artists to achieve their creative vision-and you prefer to do that in Houdini.

You will be participating in the Procedural AI Workflows Project at SideFX where you will be exploring and demonstrating how AI tools and workflows can meaningfully support and integrate with Houdini's traditional procedural paradigm. As a part of the Strategic Partnerships team, you will work alongside external partner technology providers and SideFX customers, as well as other internal SideFX teams including Technical Consulting, Marketing and R&D.

What you will be working on

• Prototype Houdini hybrid Procedural AI workflows that put the artist in control of when and how they choose to create with AI
• Learn about how prospective and existing customers are using AI in their work
• Solicit feedback from customers about the Procedural AI Workflows in development at SideFX
• Play an active role in any public channels that might be created to support the Procedural AI Workflows Project
• Work alongside developers to learn, test and provide feedback on new ML tools under internal development
• Learn and create with 3rd party AI tools as needed to support workflow development in Houdini
• Work with partners to test and refine workflows involving non-SideFX technology as needed.
• Share the results of experimental and proof of concept workflows with our R&D and Technical Consulting team.
• Occasionally educate SideFX staff on AI tools and workflows
• Be a champion of our company and, on occasion, represent SideFX at public events
• Other duties as assigned

What you need to be successful

• 3 + years experience creating visual content in a media & entertainment industry (film, tv, advertising or similar), or related industry experience
• 3 + years experience with Houdini with demonstrated competency in production settings
• 1+ years demonstrated experience (via portfolio, video, social posts etc) exploring and creating with visual AI tools and workflow engines (e.g. Comfy UI) and the ability to discuss relative strengths and weaknesses of various models.
• Skilled in production Research and Development, general technical art, tool development, including facility in VEX, Python, and other scripting languages
• Strong interaction skills with the ability to connect with others in person and online

Company Profile

For over thirty years, SideFX has been at the forefront of providing artists with procedural 3D animation and visual effects tools designed to produce the highest-quality cinematic results. Rooted in production as both artists and pioneering technical innovators, we are passionate about supporting our customers' creative visions.

SideFX has been recognized by the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences multiple times, including with an Oscar for our flagship software product, Houdini, and our breakthrough procedural-based technology.

Used by the world's top film, TV, and game studios, from the largest AAA to the smallest Indie Studios, Houdini has transformed content creation workflows at hundreds of film and game studios. Contributing to blockbuster movies like Black Panther and Moana, captivating TV shows such as Game of Thrones and The Crown, and hit video games like Horizon Zero Dawn, Spiderman, and Ghost Recon. Our diverse clientele includes industry leaders like Disney Feature Animation, Pixar, Weta Digital, CD Projekt Red, and Rockstar Games, demonstrating Houdini's transformative impact across multiple entertainment mediums.

What We Value Most:

• Decency: We treat everyone with honesty, kindness and empathy. We give generously of our time and knowledge.
• Relationships: We build collaborative bonds—with our co-workers and clients—based on trust and respect. Our diverse team gives us broader perspectives.
• Dedication: We take pride and ownership in our work, always trying to do our best. We are devoted to the well-being and success of each other and our clients.
• Excellence: We continually improve ourselves, our work and our company, striving towards excellence in all that we do.

Our Employees Receive:

• Hybrid Work option - Combining time spent collaborating in person at our offices with remote work for added flexibility.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation and floater days to relax and re-energize (starting at 4 weeks).
• Year-End Company Shutdown and Long Weekend Early departures to support a healthy work-life balance.
• Health insurance coverage: Robust Health insurance coverage for you and your dependents.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP); because sometimes we need a bit of extra support.
• Retirement Plan with company matched contributions.
• Comprehensive Long Service Award program, providing both a monetary reward and additional days off.
• A highly competitive bonus structure.
• A generous sick time entitlement to care for yourself and your loved ones.

Why Join SideFX?

• Because you want to be part of a unique experience and winning team that has won an Oscar and an Emmy (Cool, right?)
• Because you want to grow with one of Canada's Best Managed Companies
• Because you want to be part of an industry-leading company that is constantly mindfully growing.
• Because you want to work with some of the most talented people in the industry on a ground-breaking product.
• Because you want to work with people from all around the world.
• Because you want to be part of an exciting and fun industry.
• Because you want to join and add to a positive, supportive and respected company culture.
• Because you want your job to be GREAT

Not the right role for you at this time? Take a look at all of our job postings on our Careerspage or join our SideFX Talent Community for future career opportunities

Location

This role is primarily based in our Toronto office; candidates in other locations may be considered.

SideFX is committed to inclusion and diversity. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. Accommodation will be provided to candidates with disabilities upon request.

Our hiring process does not involve the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess or select applicants.