Technical Artist Intern (SideFX Labs)

Position Overview

As a Technical Artist Intern (SideFX Labs) your main role is to use, explore, debug and develop tools designed to streamline workflows and solve complex, technical challenges for real-time environments.

As an out of the box thinker, you are comfortable exploring new workflows that solve problems. You are an excellent listener who takes the time to understand what requirements need to be met for the assigned project.

Throughout the internship, you will have the opportunity to boost your Houdini skills and potential to strengthen your industry knowledge and exposure.

As part of the SideFX Labs Team, you will also work closely with R&D, Sales, Marketing and Education.                             

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Identify, document, and develop tools and workflows 
• Build demo projects demonstrating the capabilities of SideFX Labs tools
• Learn existing tools and workflows in Houdini
• Be a champion of our company and represent SideFX to the larger game community
• Participate as needed in public channels where Houdini tools are discussed
• Other duties as assigned
  

Required Skills and Experience

• A demonstrated passion for procedural processes and tools
• Fluency in using Houdini for creating tools/HDAs
• Experience using a game engine such as Unreal, Unity, or Godot
• Basic knowledge of VEX and Python
• Must be able to create and present content in Houdini fluently
• Ability to work and operate collaboratively in a small team

Not required but great to have:

• Basic understanding of runtime performance requirements for created assets
• Knowledge of visual arts theory, color, composition, and layout
• Familiarity with UI/UX design principles
• Experience creating learning material or teaching production software
• Knowledge of game development pipelines
• A keen eye for visual and technical details

A demo reel or URL to an online portfolio along with your resume must be provided when applying in order to be considered for this role. 

Company Profile

For over thirty years, SideFX has been providing artists with procedural 3D animation, VFX and World Building tools designed to create the highest-quality results.

We are passionate about what our customers do because our roots are in production, both as artists and as pioneering technical innovators. SideFX has been recognized by the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Science several times for our flagship software product Houdini, and our breakthrough procedurally-based technology.

Long used by the world’s top film and TV studios, in recent years Houdini has transformed content creation workflows at hundreds of game studios, from the largest AAA to the smallest Indie. Our customers include CD Projekt Red, Rockstar Games, Electronic Arts and many more. Houdini has played a vital part in hit video games like Horizon Zero Dawn, Spiderman, Control and the Ghost Recon series.

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

Location 

This is an on-site role in our head office located in the heart of downtown Toronto.

Our transit-friendly office is open-concept with a relaxed style that includes casual dress, and wraparound views from the 14th floor.