Simulation Intern - Visiting Researcher
Wētā FX · United States
- Hybrid
- Contract
- NZ$60,000 / year
- United States
Job highlights
- Develop simulation software for VFX.
- Adapt research into production code.
- Optimize algorithms for performance and scalability.
- Collaborate with VFX artists.
- Internship in a world-class VFX environment.
About the role
Simulation Intern Visiting Researcher at Wētā FX
Wētā FX is seeking a Simulation Intern to join our Simulation team as a Visiting Researcher. The Simulation department develops novel, physically based solvers that enable artists to create a wide range of phenomena, including water, combustion, hair, cloth, plants, and more. The team works closely with production to turn research into robust, artist‑friendly tools used across feature film projects.
You would be joining a friendly and collaborative team of around 15 researchers and engineers with backgrounds spanning computer science, physics, mathematics, and artistic production. This is a hands‑on opportunity to contribute to real production challenges while learning from experienced simulation specialists in a world‑class VFX environment.
About the Role
We are seeking highly motivated candidates who can fulfill the following requirements:
- Work within a team of leading experts to develop state-of-the-art simulation software for visual effects like water, fire, fluids, muscle, cloth, hair, and plants.
- Adapt the latest research results into practical, production-quality code.
- Build and prototype computational algorithms with a focus on high performance, multi-threading, distributed computing, large scalability and robustness.
- Engage with VFX artists to understand their workflows and production needs.
- Design and implement practical simulation tools that offer both physical fidelity and artistic control.
Required Qualifications
- Pursuing a Masters or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Graphics, Physics, Applied Mathematics or related field.
- Solid understanding of, and experience with, numerical techniques for solving PDEs and linear systems.
- Experience in C++ software engineering.
- Proven simulation research expertise.
- Experience in performance analysis and optimization of highly parallel, scalable systems.
- Ability to work well on a self-directed team in a rapidly changing, deadline-oriented environment.
- A basic understanding of computer graphics and physics-based animation/simulation.
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience in software development for visual effects or video games.
- Experience with using and/or writing plugins for Maya, Houdini, or similar software products for 3D applications.
- Experience in designing algorithms for MPI based applications.
- Experience applying machine learning techniques for simulation problems.
- Familiarity with developer tools and libraries such as Valgrind, tbb, boost, OpenVDB, Vtune, git, JIRA etc.
- GPU compute programming expertise and experience with interactive simulation algorithms.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
At Wētā FX we celebrate our diversity and believe in creating an environment where all our crew feel welcomed, respected, supported and appreciated. We define ourselves by the quality of our work, and we’re striving to build a workplace experience that’s second to none. Here at Wētā FX we value open minds and encourage our crew to be themselves.
We aim to provide a discrimination-free experience, beginning from the moment you apply for a role with us. If there is anything we can do to make the recruitment process easier, please let us know at recruitment@wetafx.co.nz.
If this sounds like you, please get in touch, we would love to hear from you!
Key skills/competency
- Simulation Software Development
- C++ Software Engineering
- Numerical Techniques
- PDE Solvers
- High Performance Computing
- Parallel Systems Optimization
- Computer Graphics
- Physics-Based Animation
- Algorithm Design
- Research and Development
Skills & topics
- Simulation Intern
- Visiting Researcher
- Wētā FX
- Simulation Software
- VFX
- Computer Graphics
- C++
- Physics Simulation
- Applied Mathematics
- Research Engineer
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight C++ experience, numerical methods, and simulation research.
- Showcase your projects: Include details of personal or academic simulation projects.
- Demonstrate passion: Emphasize your interest in VFX and Wētā FX's work.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Brush up on PDEs, linear systems, and C++ optimization.
- Network if possible: Connect with Wētā FX employees on professional platforms.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What specific simulation areas does Wētā FX focus on for this Simulation Intern role?
- Wētā FX's Simulation Intern, Visiting Researcher role focuses on developing physically based solvers for phenomena such as water, combustion, hair, cloth, plants, fluids, and muscle. You'll be working on state-of-the-art simulation software for visual effects.
- What are the core technical skills required for the Simulation Intern position at Wētā FX?
- The core technical skills for this role include a strong understanding of numerical techniques for solving PDEs and linear systems, C++ software engineering expertise, and experience with performance analysis and optimization of parallel, scalable systems. A basic understanding of computer graphics and physics-based animation is also required.
- What academic background is preferred for the Simulation Intern at Wētā FX?
- Candidates for the Simulation Intern, Visiting Researcher position should be pursuing a Masters or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computer Graphics, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related field. Proven simulation research expertise is also a key requirement.
- How does Wētā FX integrate research into production for its simulation tools?
- Wētā FX bridges the gap between research and production by adapting the latest research results into practical, production-quality code. Interns will contribute to building and prototyping computational algorithms with a focus on robustness and scalability, and engage with VFX artists to ensure tools meet production needs.
- What kind of team environment can I expect as a Simulation Intern at Wētā FX?
- As a Simulation Intern, you will join a friendly and collaborative team of approximately 15 researchers and engineers. The environment fosters a self-directed approach within a rapidly changing, deadline-oriented setting, offering a chance to learn from experienced simulation specialists.
- Does Wētā FX offer support for candidates needing accommodations during the application process?
- Yes, Wētā FX is committed to providing a discrimination-free experience and encourages candidates to reach out if they require any assistance to make the recruitment process easier. Please contact recruitment@wetafx.co.nz for support.
- What desirable qualifications would make a candidate stand out for the Simulation Intern role?
- Desirable qualifications include experience in software development for visual effects or video games, familiarity with 3D software plugins (Maya, Houdini), MPI-based applications, machine learning for simulation, and GPU compute programming. Experience with tools like Valgrind, git, and JIRA is also beneficial.