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.

About Us

We are DNEG, one of the world’s leading visual effects and animation companies for the creation of award-winning feature film, television, and multiplatform content. We employ more than 9,000 people with worldwide offices and studios across North America (Los Angeles, Montréal, Toronto, Vancouver), Europe (London), Asia (Bangalore, Mohali, Chennai, Mumbai) and Australia (Sydney).

At DNEG, we fundamentally believe that embracing our differences is a vital component of our collective success. We are committed to creating an equitable, diverse and inclusive work environment for our global teams, where everyone feels they matter and belong. We welcome and encourage applications from all, regardless of background, experience or disability. Please let us know if you need any adjustments or support during the application process, we will do our best to accommodate your needs. We look forward to meeting you!