Simulation Software Engineer

Pixar Animation Studios is an Academy Award ®-winning computer animation studio with the technical, creative and production capabilities to create a new generation of animated feature films, merchandise and other related products. Pixar's objective is to combine proprietary technology and world-class creative talent to develop computer-animated feature films with memorable characters and heartwarming stories that appeal to audiences of all ages.

Pixar’s Software R&D Team is responsible for developing and maintaining Pixar’s in-house, movie production software. As part of this group, the simulation engineering team creates, maintains, and supports the software that production artists use to create character simulation effects (cloth, hair, flesh, skin, etc.). We are looking for a general software engineer with 3D computer graphics experience who will join our small team to help support these artists. In this role, you will be responsible for feature development and bug fixing for proprietary software and pipeline used by concurrent film productions.

This is a front line engineering position that requires collaboration with production users and project managers to support mission critical software. * Primarily responsible for providing software needed to support simulation artists. This includes developing and maintaining software in the simulation pipeline under the guidance of a departmental project lead * Works one-on-one with artists to resolve technical problems and debug high priority issues * Detailed problem analysis and resolution of issues * Ability to triage incoming issues and provide rapid response/resolution

**Qualifications:** * 5+ years of experience engineering in C++ * Solid engineering skills with an appreciation of code craft, code health, and addressing technical debt * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent * Experience with 3D math and computer graphics * Excellent problem solving skills with high attention to detail, balancing quick turnaround with long-term quality **Preferred Skills:** * Scripting skills with expertise in Python, PyQt, and/or Maya MEL * Knowledge of numerical techniques used by simulation (i.e., cloth, hair, rigid bodies) a plus * Experience working with technical and non-technical software user * Knowledge of 3D graphic applications and their APIs is a plus (i.e. Maya, Houdini) * Experience with UNIX / Linux * Demonstrated ability to create positive and effective working relationships with internal and external groups and coworkers * Detail oriented and organized, possess communication skills, and able to handle a variety of tasks in an efficient manner * Demonstrated ability to work with a team to deliver high quality software in a quickly changing, deadline oriented environment