Let’s get started
By clicking ‘Next’, I agree to the Terms of Service
and Privacy Policy
Jobs / Job page
Staff Game Specialist (Houdini) image - Rise Careers
Job details

Staff Game Specialist (Houdini)

Company Description

We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our theme parks and consumer experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, USA Network, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Universal Studio Group, and have world-renowned theme parks and attractions through Universal Destinations & Experiences. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

Comcast NBCUniversal has announced its intent to create a new publicly traded company ('SpinCo') comprised of most of NBCUniversal's cable television networks, including USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and Golf Channel along with complementary digital assets Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, GolfPass, and SportsEngine. The well-capitalized company will have significant scale as a pure-play set of assets anchored by leading news, sports and entertainment content. The spin-off is expected to be completed during 2025.

As a company uniquely positioned to educate, entertain and empower through our platforms, Comcast NBCUniversal stands for including everyone. Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, coupled with our Corporate Social Responsibility work, is informed by our employees, audiences, park guests and the communities in which we live. We strive to foster a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture where our employees feel supported, embraced and heard. Together, we'll continue to create and deliver content that reflects the current and ever-changing face of the world.

Job Description

In this role, you’ll create software that automatically generates 3D environments or objects. Instead of random designs, your software will use real-world data, such as maps or object details, to make these environments look more realistic. The output from your work will be compatible with popular 3D platforms like Unreal and Unity, or as standalone 3D models. 

You’ll work closely with the Pipeline and AI/ML teams to plan and improve the way this 3D data flows through our production process, helping it fit well with game environments. 

  • Develop procedural generation techniques and software that are compatible with Unreal, Unity, and/or raw mesh output, fed by semantic data about the real world instead of random numbers. 
  • Solve technical challenges to balance visual quality, realism, and performance in modern game engines, on commodity hardware. 
  • Contribute to the Pipeline and AI/ML teams’ design and road mapping process to fine-tune a game environment-compatible data pipeline. 
  • Partner closely with leadership to understand the high-level product vision. 

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field 
  • Minimum of 5+ years of relevant industry experience, ideally within a fast-paced, high-growth tech environment, demonstrating a proven track record of success and leadership in the gaming industry. 
  • Experience with Houdini, Unreal Engine, Unity, or other similar game engines, including proficiency in developing interactive applications, optimizing performance, and implementing real-time 3D graphics and gameplay features. 
  • Extensive experience with procedural generation tools such as Houdini and/or Unreal Engine's PCG (Procedural Content Generation), and/or Blender. 
  • Proficient in C++, with a solid understanding of their respective ecosystems and the ability to leverage these languages for software development, scripting, and automation tasks. 

Desired Characteristics: 

  • Enthusiasm for automated development processes and systems. 
  • Team-oriented and collaborative approach with a demonstrated aptitude, enthusiasm and willingness to learn new methods, tools, practices and skills 

This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks. Learn more about the benefits offered by NBCUniversal by visiting the Benefits page of the Careers website. Salary range: $140,000 - $165,000 (bonus eligible). 

We are accepting applications for this position on an ongoing basis. 

Additional Information

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to [email protected].

For LA County and City Residents Only:  NBCUniversal will consider for employment
qualified applicants with criminal histories, or arrest or conviction records, in a manner
consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance
Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles' County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, where applicable.

NBCUniversal Glassdoor Company Review
4.0 Glassdoor star iconGlassdoor star iconGlassdoor star iconGlassdoor star icon Glassdoor star icon
NBCUniversal DE&I Review
No rating Glassdoor star iconGlassdoor star iconGlassdoor star iconGlassdoor star iconGlassdoor star icon
CEO of NBCUniversal
NBCUniversal CEO photo
Jeff Shell
Approve of CEO

Average salary estimate

$152500 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$140000K
$165000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Staff Game Specialist (Houdini), NBCUniversal

Join NBCUniversal as a Staff Game Specialist (Houdini) and become part of a creative team that brings adventure and excitement to life! Based at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in the heart of New York City, you'll be crafting advanced software that automatically generates stunning 3D environments and objects using real-world data. Say goodbye to generic designs, as you'll harness semantic data to create unique and immersive experiences that sync seamlessly with leading developmental platforms like Unreal and Unity. Your role isn't just about generating content; it's about solving technical challenges to maintain high visual quality and performance, ensuring each game environment captivates its audience while performing efficiently on standard hardware. Collaboration is key here, as you'll work hand-in-hand with our Pipeline and AI/ML teams to refine our production process, aligning with leadership to ensure that your creations resonate with our high-level product vision. If you have over five years of experience in the gaming industry, possess strong skills in Houdini and other game engines, and are excited about the world of procedural generation, we want to hear from you! In addition to a competitive salary between $140,000 - $165,000, you'll enjoy a range of benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan, and opportunities for personal growth and development. Come help us shape the future of entertainment at NBCUniversal!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Staff Game Specialist (Houdini) Role at NBCUniversal
What are the main responsibilities of the Staff Game Specialist (Houdini) at NBCUniversal?

As the Staff Game Specialist (Houdini) at NBCUniversal, you'll be responsible for creating software that generates detailed 3D environments using real-world data. This includes developing procedural generation techniques compatible with various platforms such as Unreal and Unity. You will also tackle technical challenges related to visual quality and performance, while collaborating with AI/ML teams to enhance the game's data pipeline, ensuring it aligns with our overall product vision.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What qualifications do I need to become a Staff Game Specialist (Houdini) at NBCUniversal?

To qualify for the Staff Game Specialist (Houdini) position at NBCUniversal, you should have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of industry experience, preferably within a fast-paced gaming environment, is required. Proficiency in Houdini, Unreal Engine, and C++ will also be vital to your success in this role.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How does NBCUniversal support the ongoing development of its Staff Game Specialist (Houdini)?

At NBCUniversal, we prioritize employee development through various initiatives. As a Staff Game Specialist (Houdini), you'll have access to a range of training resources, workshops, and mentorship programs that cultivate your skills in procedural generation and game development. We believe in encouraging our team's growth and are committed to helping you learn new methods, tools, and practices to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving gaming industry.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What is the workplace culture like for Staff Game Specialists at NBCUniversal?

The workplace culture at NBCUniversal is inclusive and collaborative, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and included. As a Staff Game Specialist (Houdini), you'll be encouraged to share your ideas and work with cross-functional teams. Our commitment to diversity and equity ensures that we celebrate unique perspectives, which we believe is crucial to creating compelling and authentic content.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What benefits do Staff Game Specialists (Houdini) receive at NBCUniversal?

Staff Game Specialists (Houdini) at NBCUniversal enjoy a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and various employee discounts and perks. We strive to support the well-being and work-life balance of all our employees, ensuring you have the resources you need to thrive.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Common Interview Questions for Staff Game Specialist (Houdini)
What experience do you have with Houdini and how have you used it in your projects?

When answering this question, focus on specific projects where you've applied Houdini for procedural generation. Discuss the challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and the results of your work. Highlight your familiarity with the software's features and any innovative techniques you've developed.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Can you explain procedural generation and its importance in game design?

In your response, clarify what procedural generation is and how it allows for the creation of complex environments or assets algorithmically rather than manually. Emphasize its role in increasing efficiency, enhancing diversity in game content, and how it can enhance player experiences by providing unique gameplay elements.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you ensure the compatibility of your 3D environments with platforms like Unreal and Unity?

Discuss your process for developing environments that meet the standards and technical requirements of Unreal and Unity. Mention specific tools or methods you use to guarantee compatibility, and how you test and refine assets for performance in these engines to ensure high-quality outcomes.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Describe a challenging technical problem you solved in your previous role.

Share a specific example of a technical issue you've encountered, detailing the context and your thought process in addressing it. Highlight the solutions you implemented and any collaborative efforts that contributed to overcoming the challenge, showcasing your problem-solving skills and teamwork.

Join Rise to see the full answer
How do you manage your time to meet deadlines, especially in a fast-paced environment?

Talk about your time management strategies, such as setting priorities, using project management tools, and breaking down tasks into manageable chunks. Explain how you stay adaptable to changes in project scopes while keeping an eye on deadlines.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What do you think are the key components of delivering high visual quality in game environments?

Enumerate aspects like texture quality, lighting, detail levels, and realism that contribute to visual quality. Discuss how you balance these components with performance, especially on consumer-grade hardware, and your experience with optimizations that retain quality while enhancing speed.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Can you describe your collaboration experience with AI/ML teams?

Share how you have worked with AI or Machine Learning teams in your previous roles. Discuss the projects you've collaborated on, the goals of your partnerships, and how such collaborations have positively impacted production processes or game development outcomes.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What methods do you use to break down complex artistic concepts for technical implementation?

Illustrate your ability to bridge the gap between artistic vision and technical execution by discussing your communication style and techniques you use to work with artists, designers, and engineers. The use of visual aids and regular checkpoint meetings can be effective tools to illustrate complex ideas.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Why are you passionate about game development and procedural generation?

In your answer, express your enthusiasm for creating interactive experiences and how procedural generation allows for innovation and creativity within games. Share personal anecdotes or projects that sparked your interest and demonstrate your commitment to the field.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What do you consider your greatest strength as a game developer?

Identify a specific strength related to the Staff Game Specialist (Houdini) role, such as your technical skills, creativity, or problem-solving abilities. Provide examples of how this strength has benefited your previous teams and how it could positively impact NBCUniversal.

Join Rise to see the full answer
Similar Jobs
Photo of the Rise User
NBCUniversal Hybrid 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CALIFORNIA
Posted 14 days ago
Photo of the Rise User
NBCUniversal Remote 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NEW YORK
Posted 14 days ago
Photo of the Rise User
Posted 10 days ago
Inclusive & Diverse
Collaboration over Competition
Fast-Paced
Growth & Learning
Medical Insurance
Mental Health Resources
Maternity Leave
Paternity Leave
Child Care stipend
Equity
Life insurance
Disability Insurance
Photo of the Rise User
Pear VC Hybrid No location specified
Posted 6 days ago
Nooks Hybrid San Francisco
Posted 13 days ago
Photo of the Rise User
Posted 8 days ago
Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Mental Health Resources
Learning & Development
Equity
Paid Holidays
Paid Time-Off
WFH Reimbursements
Child Care stipend
Maternity Leave
Paternity Leave
Photo of the Rise User
Granicus Remote Costa Rica (Remote)
Posted 8 days ago
Photo of the Rise User
Weekday Remote No location specified
Posted 3 days ago
DEPT® Remote Zagreb, Split, Skopje
Posted 8 days ago
Photo of the Rise User
Posted 11 days ago

We are in business to create and deliver content so compelling it entertains, informs and shapes our world. We believe that the talent, creativity and diversity of our people are our greatest resources. We take our business seriously, but do no...

1433 jobs
MATCH
Calculating your matching score...
FUNDING
SENIORITY LEVEL REQUIREMENT
TEAM SIZE
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
March 1, 2025

Subscribe to Rise newsletter

Risa star 🔮 Hi, I'm Risa! Your AI
Career Copilot
Want to see a list of jobs tailored to
you, just ask me below!
LATEST ACTIVITY
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Mason just viewed Marketing & Communications Intern at Per Scholas
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Lakewood just viewed Recruiter (Talent Sourcing), 6 month contract at Jerry
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Westerville just viewed Director Change Management at Discover
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Dublin just viewed Applied AI Engineer – Computer Vision at Kodiak
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Dublin just viewed Computer Vision Engineer at Near Space Labs
Photo of the Rise User
20 people applied to Software Engineer Intern at Rain
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cleveland just viewed Accounting Co-Op (Part-Time) at Avery Dennison
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Euclid just viewed Lighting Intern, DreamWorks, Summer 2025 at NBCUniversal
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Cincinnati just viewed Saw Operator I at Eriez
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Burton just viewed Creative Director at Webster University
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Lewis Center just viewed Risk Analytics Manager at Jobber
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Lewis Center just viewed Risk Analyst II at GoFundMe
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Lewis Center just viewed Senior Risk Analyst at GoFundMe
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Lewis Center just viewed Manager, Fraud Operations at Twilio
Y
Someone from OH, Lewis Center just viewed Fraud Manager at Yellow Social Interactive
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Lewis Center just viewed Senior Associate, Fraud Strategy and Analytics at Wealthsimple
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Lewis Center just viewed Consulting Manager Fraud Practice at Visa
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Mansfield just viewed 12 Hour Shift- Food Production Supervisor at Shearer's Foods
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Lewis Center just viewed Fraud Detection Specialist – Payment Detection (Hybrid) at Zopa
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Lewis Center just viewed Fraud Operations Specialist - Banking Operations (Hybrid) at Zopa
Photo of the Rise User
Someone from OH, Lewis Center just viewed Senior Third-Party Risk Analyst at Fenergo