Software Engineer, AI/ML Character Animation

The ideal candidate will have an understanding of building tools that utilise machine learning for character animation. Past work in a visual effects or gaming environment is a plus. This position will support and improve Digital Domain's award winning facial capture and animation workflow, Masquerade, which includes a set of tools and algorithms based on machine learning and traditional approaches in facial motion capture, retargeting, and facial rigging. You will work closely with the facial rigging supervisor, take ownership of the toolset and workflows, and help with new technological advancements in the facial development team. Past work in a visual effects or gaming environment is a plus.

Core Responsibilities:

● Build rigging and animation tools like advanced deformers, muscle and skin simulation, multi-dimensional interpolation, blend-shape tools, simulation and more…

● Design, implement, and support C++ and Python tools, either stand-alone or for Maya or Houdini, that relate to character animation.

● The developer will be expected to: gather requirements from the artists, research and develop a plan of attack, implement a stand-alone program or plug-in (using C++ or Python), document the code and produce a user manual, and release and support the tool.

● 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

● Experience with any or all of character animation, real-time processing and/or GPU programming is not required but would be a plus

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, and motion capture principles.

● 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).