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- Tasks: Develop and enhance cutting-edge physics simulations for 3D character animations.
- Company: Join DNEG, a leader in visual effects and animation for film and TV.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility and competitive salary ranging from $120,000 to $130,000.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team creating realistic digital characters that captivate audiences worldwide.
- Qualifications: Expertise in C++, physics simulation, and 2+ years of relevant experience required.
- Other info: This is a unionised position with additional benefits once the collective agreement is established.
The predicted salary is between 96000 - 104000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Simulation Developer to join our Ziva VFX team. Ziva character tools bring cutting-edge techniques and workflows to professional 3D character artists, empowering them to create realistic and dynamic animated performances. Ziva VFX is our award-winning physics simulator for achieving realistic deformations of anatomical tissues in digital characters. We use sophisticated simulation techniques such as the Finite Element Method to bring physically-plausible characters to life. Our tools are used in world-class film and TV productions delivered by the talented character artists at DNEG.
Key Responsibilities:
- Improve and maintain the core physics simulator of the Ziva VFX software product.
- Deliver robust, performant, cutting-edge new features for high-fidelity soft-body physics.
- Identify opportunities for high-impact contributions from published research or user feedback.
- Steer contributions from experimental prototypes to robust features of stable production software.
- Continuously improve the speed and robustness of the physics calculations.
- Enhance the experience of artists as they set up and run character simulations.
Success in this role requires the ability to seamlessly and efficiently integrate cutting-edge geometric and numerical algorithms into a complex and sophisticated simulation framework.
Job Requirements:
- Expertise in C++ software development.
- Proficiency in Linear Algebra, Numerical Computing, Collision Detection, Finite Element Methods, and other aspects of physics simulation.
- 2 or more years of experience working with physical simulation software, OR equivalent graduate education.
- Proven ability to read, implement, and refine novel techniques from research literature.
- Ability to write highly performant code, familiarity with parallel computing, profiling and optimization.
- Proficiency with GPU programming, e.g. CUDA.
- Experience delivering 3D tools for use by technical artists and animators.
- Collaborative software development with git.
Additional Skills:
- Experience using and developing plugins for Maya and Houdini.
- Previous successful collaborations with professional animators and animation technical artists, in Games and/or Film.
- Experience coding in Python.
- Familiarity with Linux.
- Experience writing and editing technical documentation for implemented tools and features.
- Experience with all aspects of software development lifecycle.
- Working knowledge of software quality control processes, e.g. CI/CD.
About You:
- Critical eye for details.
- Proactive.
- Team oriented.
- Adaptable.
- Calm under pressure.
- Strong communication abilities.
Please note that this is a unionized position and will be covered by a collective agreement between DNEG and IATSE, in the coming months. As a unionized employee, you will be required to join the union and will benefit from the conditions set out in the collective agreement. Union dues will be required once the collective agreement is in place.
The base salary range for this full-time position is $120,000 to $130,000. DNEG salary ranges are determined by function, department, level and location. An individual's pay within a given range is determined by their transferrable or job-related skills and work experience. Salary ranges are modified from time to time based on external market data collected through our third-party surveys.
Simulation Developer, Ziva VFX employer: DNEG
Contact Detail:
DNEG Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Simulation Developer, Ziva VFX
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in physics simulation, particularly in soft-body dynamics. Being able to discuss recent research or techniques during your interview can demonstrate your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience with C++ and GPU programming by preparing examples of past projects. Be ready to explain how you optimised performance and integrated complex algorithms, as this will highlight your technical skills relevant to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Connect with current or former employees of DNEG on professional networking sites. Engaging with them can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your collaborative experiences, especially with animators and technical artists. Highlighting successful teamwork will show that you can effectively contribute to the Ziva VFX team and enhance the user experience for artists.
We think you need these skills to ace Simulation Developer, Ziva VFX
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your expertise in C++ software development and any relevant experience with physical simulation software. Include specific projects or roles that demonstrate your proficiency in Linear Algebra, Numerical Computing, and Finite Element Methods.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for simulation development and how your skills align with the responsibilities of the role. Mention any experience you have with GPU programming, particularly CUDA, and your familiarity with tools like Maya and Houdini.
Showcase Relevant Projects: If you have worked on projects involving physics simulation or 3D tools for animators, be sure to include these in your application. Provide links to your work or a portfolio that demonstrates your ability to deliver high-fidelity soft-body physics.
Highlight Collaboration Skills: Since the role involves working closely with technical artists and animators, emphasise your collaborative experiences. Mention any successful projects where you worked as part of a team, especially in a unionised environment or within the film and animation industry.
How to prepare for a job interview at DNEG
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your expertise in C++ and other relevant programming languages. Highlight specific projects where you've implemented complex algorithms or worked on physics simulations, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the technical demands of the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Ziva VFX
Before the interview, take some time to understand Ziva VFX and its applications in the industry. Being able to discuss how your skills can contribute to improving their physics simulator will show your genuine interest in the position and the company.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect to face technical questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Practice explaining your thought process when tackling complex simulation challenges, as this will help interviewers gauge your analytical skills and approach to real-world problems.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with artists and other developers, be ready to share examples of past collaborations. Discuss how you’ve effectively communicated and worked within a team to deliver successful projects, showcasing your adaptability and teamwork.
