Full-Time

Senior Software Engineer

Application

Sony Pictures Imageworks

Sony Pictures Imageworks

1,001-5,000 employees

High-end visual effects and animation services

Compensation Overview

CA$104.2k - CA$150k/yr

Vancouver, BC, Canada

In Person

Bachelor's

Category
Software Engineering (1)
Required Skills
Python
Git
OpenGL
C/C++
Linux/Unix

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Requirements
  • A bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or equivalent experience.
  • A minimum of four years of experience in software development, with a focus on developing applications in a production environment.
  • Expertise in developing plugins and tools for artist workflows and supporting creative teams.
  • Proficiency in Python programming, with experience in a UNIX/Linux environment.
  • Strong understanding of UI/UX principles, particularly with Qt/PyQt.
  • Ability to mentor and guide junior team members, with experience in code reviews and technical leadership.
  • Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex issues and propose scalable solutions.
  • Proven experience in integrating software with third-party DCCs such as Maya, Nuke, Houdini, and Katana.
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with both creative and technical teams.
  • A strategic approach to problem-solving: identifying root causes and implementing long-term solutions.
  • Familiarity with version control systems such as Git and open-source projects like OTIO and OCIO.
  • Strong knowledge of C/C++ and OpenGL.
Responsibilities
  • Take ownership of large, complex software projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and with high-quality standards.
  • Mentor and guide intermediate and associate engineers, providing support and feedback to help them grow.
  • Participate in the design and implementation of artist-facing tools, such as playback review tools, asset browsers, and plugins.
  • Write clean, efficient, and scalable code while adhering to best practices.
  • Define initial risks and mitigation strategies for large projects and ensure their successful execution.
  • Lead and participate in code reviews for less experienced team members.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve critical technical issues that impact the production pipeline.
  • Collaborate with senior team members to define architecture and design patterns for new projects.
  • Integrate applications with proprietary and third-party tools and systems.
  • Drive the development of intuitive UI/UX for artist-facing tools and plugins.
  • Analyze complex problems and develop long-term solutions that address root causes.
  • Proactively research and solve technical challenges, staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technologies.
  • Contribute to the strategic direction of the team and its projects.
  • Maintain clear documentation for code and technical processes to facilitate knowledge sharing.
  • Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, ensuring alignment with project goals.
  • Foster a collaborative and positive team environment.
Sony Pictures Imageworks

Sony Pictures Imageworks

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Sony Pictures Imageworks is a visual effects and animation studio that creates photorealistic visuals for live-action films and full CG features. The company delivers services for projects from early concept design to final visual effects integration, working on creature and character animation as well as large-scale CG sequences. It differentiates itself with a long track record and its own developed software and tools that help solve industry challenges, which it also licenses to other studios as an additional revenue stream. The business mainly earns money by providing VFX and animation work on a project basis and by licensing technology. The studio serves major film studios and production companies worldwide and aims to help productions achieve high-quality visuals while advancing film technology through its proprietary tools and creative output.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Culver City, California

Founded

1992

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • KPop Demon Hunters became Netflix's most-viewed film, strengthening Imageworks' animation credibility.
  • Project Hail Mary opens March 20, 2026, giving Imageworks another visible tentpole.
  • The Post relocation and Montreal presence improve recruitment, scale, and Canada incentive capture.

What critics are saying

  • Sony shut Pixomondo in March 2026, concentrating VFX work inside Imageworks.
  • Vancouver office moves and Montreal expansion signal cost pressure, not durable demand growth.
  • Streaming and studio consolidation can re-source effects, threatening Imageworks if Sony loses franchise volume.

What makes Sony Pictures Imageworks unique

  • Michelle Grady leads Imageworks from Vancouver after the 2023 promotion.
  • Sony kept proprietary tooling competitive, earning 2026 Sci-Tech Awards for brushing, patching, Superdraw, Kismet.
  • Imageworks handled KPop Demon Hunters, Project Hail Mary, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Vacation

Company News

Animation World Network
May 29th, 2025
Sony Pictures Animation, Sony Pictures Imageworks Release 'This Is Animation' Course

Sony Pictures Animation and Sony Pictures Imageworks have teamed with the educational platform Yellowbrick for "This Is Animation," a free online course that introduces learners of all ages to the art and industry of animated filmmaking.

Business In Vancouver
Jan 8th, 2025
Sony Pictures Imageworks relocating Vancouver office to The Post

Sony Pictures Imageworks is relocating its Vancouver headquarters from CF Pacific Centre to The Post, a coveted downtown location known for its revitalized mid-century architecture and a long-term tenancy by Amazon.com Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN).

IMDb
Aug 13th, 2024
Sony Pictures Entertainment Chief Tony Vinciquerra to Receive the Variety Vanguard Award at Mipcom

Sony Pictures Entertainment chief Tony Vinciquerra to receive the Variety Vanguard Award at Mipcom.

postPerspective
Oct 4th, 2023
Sony Imageworks Promotes Michelle Grady to President

Sony Imageworks promotes michelle Grady to president.

Deadline
Oct 3rd, 2023
Sony Pictures Imageworks Promotes Michelle Grady To President

Sony Pictures Imageworks promotes Michelle Grady to President.