Software Engineer, AI/ML Character Animation
About Digital Domain
At Digital Domain, we are developing industry-leading character technology and tools. In works such as Fantastic Four, Supergirl, Avengers, She-Hulk, and Godzilla vs Kong. We have created photorealistic digital actors that have stood alongside real actors. We are looking for software developers to help us further this technology. Our DNA comprises equal parts innovation, technology, and storytelling. That philosophy has driven the creation of stunning visuals for hundreds of features, commercials, episodic and streaming programs, music videos, and mixed-reality projects. The company has been at the forefront of research, development, and innovation for more than three decades. These initiatives are infused into the fabric of the studio’s diverse services and operations.
Role
The ideal candidate will have experience in games or visual effects and a deep understanding of both character rigging and machine learning (development, training, inference and deployment). You will work closely with the product manager and artist stakeholders to support and develop our character animation technologies. You will take ownership of the toolset and workflows to constantly improve our internal animation products and help design new technological advancements for production.
Core Responsibilities
- Build rigging and animation tools like advanced deformers, muscle and skin simulation, animation synthesis,
blend-shape tools, animation retargeting and more, using traditional and machine learning based approaches.
- Design, implement, and support complete end-to-end products as stand-alone applications or integrated Maya
or Houdini tools.
- Communicate with technology managers and artists to: gather requirements, research and develop proposals,
implement stand-alone programs or plug-ins (using C++ or Python), write documentation, produce user guides, and release and support tools.
- Develop and maintain automated unit and integration tests.
- Keep abreast of the latest research and industry trends to inform future design decisions and quickly adapt
new technologies to improve our systems.
Qualifications
- Degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or equivalent industry experience.
- Advanced proficiency in C++ and Python development.
- Minimum 4 years of R&D or tools development experience within the VFX, animation, or gaming industries.
- Strong theoretical and practical background in computer vision, computer graphics, character rigging and
motion capture principles.
- The ability to interact with non-technical people and both understand what they want, and get them to
understand what you are doing, is necessary.
- Proven ability to work autonomously and manage complex technical tasks with strong communication skills.
- Technical expertise or strong familiarity with:
○ Machine Learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, scikit-learn, NumPy). ○ Geometry processing, multi-view reconstruction, and sparse data interpolation. ○ Industry standard APIs (e.g., OpenCV, Maya API, Houdini API). Work-Life Balance
- This position offers the flexibility of being fully remote. However, you need to reside full-time in British
Columbia. For those who prefer an in-office environment, we have locations in Vancouver and can accommodate those preferences.
- At Digital Domain, we prioritize the well-being of our software engineers and believe in maintaining a healthy
work-life balance.
- Standard work hours range from 40 to 50 hours per week. While there may be occasional requirements for
additional hours in the evenings or on weekends to perform maintenance outside of production hours, these instances are typically planned during scheduled downtime. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities associated with it. Digital Domain 3.0, Inc management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs. Compensation Range: $80,000 annually to $150,000 annually. The posted range describes the minimum to maximum range for this job description in the state of California and the provinces of British Columbia and Quebec. The range is posted in accordance with applicable law. The range for this same position may be lower or higher in markets outside of California or the provinces of British Columbia and Quebec. Offered base pay is contingent on internal equity, as well as the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other factors. As an equal employment opportunity employer, Digital Domain commits to a work environment free from unlawful discrimination where all employees are treated equally with dignity, respect and on the basis of individual experience and potential, without regard to any personal classifications protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. Diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of DD's values as a company. Our goal is to increase the attraction, retention, and advancement of women, persons of color, indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, individuals who identify as LGBTQ2S and all under-represented groups in skilled occupations within the entertainment and technology sectors. Building a diverse and inclusive workplace is critical to the success of our business and the well-being of our people. It drives innovation, new ideas, and most importantly, a safe and collaborative environment for you. We invite you to join us on this journey to help us better represent the world we live in, at the places we work, and to create a space where each individual feels comfortable bringing their whole self to work.