Core Assets Technical Director

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Netflix Animation Studios is on a mission to entertain the world with bold, immersive animated films that are timeless and impactful. We are paving the way for the future of animation by building a community of amazing artists and talent across 3 vibrant locations globally. Come join us! 

Job Summary:

The Core Assets TD is responsible for supporting creative and visual objectives through pipeline troubleshooting, user support, technical direction, and tool development. The Core Assets TD is considered a technical expert and exhibits expert technical understanding of processes, technology, and tools within Modelling, Rigging & lookdev for Characters and Environments. The Core Assets TD contributes technical expertise to the design and development of artist workflows and tools (across modelling Rigging and lookdev). The Core Assets TD often advises Lead TD’s and Supervising TDs on future technical direction of key projects, and they work closely with their craft group and R&D teams to enable high quality technical outcomes and a standardised approach. 

What You’ll Do:

Technical Responsibilities: 

• Understand the visual requirements for productions, and suggest new technologies, or design procedures, techniques, and tools that will enable these to be met.

• Provide technical expertise and guidance for all technology within the Core Assets department 

• Lead the direction, evolution & maintenance of the technology within the Core Assets Department.

• Designs, develops and writes well maintainable and consistently high quality code. 

• Track and resolve the most complex technical issues within Core Assets in partnership with Lead TDs, Supervising TDs & R&D.

• Work closely with other TD’s within Core Assets to drive the technical success of key development initiatives.

• Ensure that technology, tools and procedures within the Core Assets Craft Group support the creative process.

• Provide solutions to visual problems through existing tools or by leading the implementation of new tools.

• Take responsibility for the troubleshooting & optimization of the Modelling, Rigging, and Look Development tools, software, and workflows.

• Actively drive the QA, technical testing, and validation of new technology, tool releases, or pipeline changes, such that artist workflow is not impacted.

• Understand the processes of adjoining departments, provide input where required to maximise pipeline efficiency and quality.

• Actively participate in brainstorming and problem-solving, contributing technical expertise and insight, to create and maintain technology within the canonical production pipeline.

• Support the organisation’s overall technical goals as required.

Bidding & Scheduling Responsibilities: 

• Be aware of the deadlines for own development initiatives (both show-based, and facility) and actively engage in keeping these on track.

• Continuously monitor the scope of the most technically challenging development initiatives within the Core Assets department and help to ensure scope adjustments have additional estimates, etc..

• Prioritise and break down technical projects into organised parts.

• Work with the Supervising TD to prepare estimates and pitches as required

Talent & Performance Management Responsibilities: 

• Work with Supervising TD for Core Assets to provide technical guidance to Core Assets TD’s with day-to-day issues and escalation through the right channels when necessary.

• Work with Technology Talent Management and Supervising TDs to help further develop the skills and abilities of mid level TDs within the Core Assets Craft Group.

• Mentor mid level TDs within the team and assist in orientation with senior new starters.

• Create synergies between different work groups to promote efficiency and optimization and to generate innovative ideas and approaches to how we do things.

Communication Collaboration & Relationship Development Responsibilities: 

• Able to communicate with Program Managers to contribute to scheduling and planning of complex technology initiatives.

• Able to discuss complex issues with Senior Software engineers, developers and supervisors.

• Able to present to small teams (tool demos, Show Contract process, Support Dashboards, etc.).

What You’ll Need:

• Relevant education in software engineering and/or film creation process.

• 5+ years of proven pipeline TD experience in large-scale animated features, animated TV series, and/or VFX feature films.

• Proven technical achievements within feature animation or VFX.

• An understanding of traditional techniques appropriate to the Core Assets craft group.

• Comprehensive experience using and troubleshooting in Maya, Houdini, Nuke, and/or other similar software in the animation domain.

• Comprehensive understanding of technical details within the Core Assets department 

• Ability to code review and troubleshoot problems as they arise.

• Expert knowledge in Python as well as PyQt or another GUI toolkit.

• Knowledge of concepts like data flow, data dependencies, metadata, publishing, and retrieval.

• Solid understanding of C++ a plus.

• A strong understanding of USD and its general concepts.

• Knowledge of Flow Production Tracking (shotgrid).

• Knowledge of code management software such as git and github and code review processes.

• Knowledge of software development practices such as Agile and how to apply them in software such as Jira.

• Degree in Animation, Film, Computer Science, Design, Engineering, Math or Physics, or equivalent combination of education & work experience in animation/VFX.

This role is based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Hybrid Role (Minimum of 2 days a week in the office). 

At NAS, we carefully consider a wide range of compensation factors to determine your compensation. We rely on market indicators and consider your specific job family, background, location, skills, and experience.  The overall market range for this role is typically $105-185K CAD.  This reflects total compensation; we do not have stock options.

NAS benefits can include medical/dental/vision plans, mental health support, retirement programs, and family-forming benefits, paid leave of absence programs, and paid time away programs to be used for vacation and sick paid time off. See more detail about our benefits .

is a Netflix value and we strive to host a meaningful interview experience for all candidates. If you want an accommodation/adjustment for a disability or any other reason during the hiring process, please send a request to your recruiting partner.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and celebrate diversity, recognizing that diversity builds stronger teams. We approach diversity and inclusion seriously and thoughtfully. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service.

Job is open for no less than 7 days and will be removed when the position is filled.