We are seeking a Senior Technical Artist to drive the development of photorealistic 3D environments that challenge and improve our purpose-built robotaxi. This role focuses on fully procedural world creation using Houdini, helping expand our autonomous vehicle's ability to navigate new geofences and scenarios.
The ideal candidate has deep experience in AAA games, VFX, or simulation, with a strong foundation in procedural content generation and technical artistry. They will enhance our Houdini-based world generators, leveraging real-world data and artist-created content to create dynamic, high-fidelity simulation environments.
In this role, you will:
- Develop large-scale procedural environments in Houdini to simulate real-world driving conditions.
- Expand the capabilities of our custom Houdini world generators, supporting new locations and simulation features.
- Work with real-world data (e.g., LIDAR, photogrammetry) to build accurate urban landscapes.
- Create procedural assets that dynamically adjust based on geospatial data and simulation needs.
- Optimize environments for real-time performance in high-fidelity simulation environments.
- Procedurally build synthetic datasets leveraging Houdin with 3D content.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in AAA gaming, VFX, or simulation.
- Expert-level Houdini and VEX knowledge (5+ years).
- Strong Python scripting skills for automation and tool development.
- Proven experience in procedural content generation (terrain, cityscapes, road networks, or similar).
- Solid understanding of 3D math related to procedural environment creation.
- Strong problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving technical challenges.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, working cross-functionally with teams in simulation, AI, and engineering.
Bonus Qualifications
- Experience with virtual city generation and large-scale procedural environments.
- Knowledge of C++.
- Familiarity with Maya/MEL scripting.
- Real-time experience in game engines (Unreal, Unity, or custom rendering solutions).
- Experience leading cross-functional projects across art, engineering, and simulation teams.
Compensation
There are three major components to compensation for this position: salary, Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights. The salary will range from $164,000 - $233,000. A sign-on bonus may be part of a compensation package. Compensation will vary based on geographic location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Zoox also offers a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (e.g. sick leave, vacation, bereavement), unpaid time off, Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights, Amazon RSUs, health insurance, long-term care insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, and life insurance.
About Zoox
Zoox is developing the first ground-up, fully autonomous vehicle fleet and the supporting ecosystem required to bring this technology to market. Sitting at the intersection of robotics, machine learning, and design, Zoox aims to provide the next generation of mobility-as-a-service in urban environments. We’re looking for top talent that shares our passion and wants to be part of a fast-moving and highly execution-oriented team.
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Accommodations
If you need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process please reach out to [email protected] or your assigned recruiter.
A Final Note:
You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Zoox, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.
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What We Do
Zoox is an autonomous mobility company that was founded to provide a safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable future on the road. To achieve that goal, the company has spent the past 10 years creating a purpose-built robotaxi that gives the world a better way to ride.
Why Work With Us
At Zoox, we are working to solve one of the greatest technological challenges of our generation.
From the beginning, we have been focused on our goal of reimagining transportation from the ground up. We are a mission-driven community of innovators working together to create a safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable future on the road.
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