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Lead Color and Imaging Engineer

California, United States (Hybrid)

Lead Color and Imaging Engineer

2 Months ago • 8 Years + • Animation • $170,000 PA - $185,000 PA

About the job

12 skills required for this role

Add these skills to join the top 1% applicants for this job

maya

cpp

open-cv

algorithms

houdini

python

opencv

nuke

adobe-creative-suite

rendering

color-grading

cross-functional

Job Description

Lead Color and Imaging Engineer responsible for designing, developing, and implementing color management systems and tools for animation productions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams (artists, technical directors, engineers, production staff) to ensure aesthetic quality and consistency across projects. Responsibilities include developing studio color standards, integrating color management features into the animation pipeline, addressing color-related challenges, developing workflow-enhancing tools, integrating next-gen image formats, advising on OCIO configurations, staying updated on industry trends, and communicating technical information effectively. The role requires expertise in color science, image processing, rendering, and proficiency in various software and programming languages (Python, C++).

Must have:

8+ years animation production experience focusing on color management
Expertise in color science principles
Proficiency in OpenEXR, OCIO, and relevant libraries
C++ and Python programming skills
Experience with HDR and wide color gamut workflows

Good to have:

Familiarity with animation software (Maya, Houdini)
Experience with Dolby Vision and HDR10+

As the Color Science and Imaging Engineer, you will be responsible for leading the design, development, and implementation of color management systems and tools for our animation productions. Working closely with cross-functional teams of artists, technical directors, engineers, and production staff, you will define and execute strategies to achieve the desired aesthetic quality and consistency across our projects. You will also play a key role in researching and integrating emerging color technologies to enhance our animation pipeline and workflows.

Responsibilities

Take ownership of developing and evolving studio color standards and the processes for applying these to productions while also enabling productions to address specific show creative goals.
Work closely with software developers, technical directors and media engineers to integrate color management features through our animation pipeline, ensuring robustness, compatibility, and efficiency.
Collaborate with production teams to identify and address color-related challenges and opportunities throughout the production process, from concept to final delivery.
Develop tools and templates to enhance color workflows, expand creativity and solve problems.
Integrate next-gen image formats and video codecs into pipeline tools.
Work with productions to advise and establish OCIO color configurations and tone mapping early in production to ensure that artists and creative leadership are evaluating a consistent product at all stages of production.
Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in color science and animation, and advocate for their adoption and implementation within the studio.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree or higher in Computer Science, Color Science, Computer Graphics, Engineering, or a related field.
Extensive experience (8+ years) in animation production or related fields, with a focus on color management, image processing, and rendering.
Expertise in color science principles, including color spaces, color models, spectral imaging, and color perception.
Working knowledge of Nuke, Resolve or Baselight color grading tools.
Expert knowledge of OpenEXR format, OCIO, and familiarity with various compression algorithms.
Proficiency in integrating OpenEXR and Quicktime libraries into C++ and Python tools.
Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or similar, with experience in developing color processing algorithms and tools.
Strong familiarity with industry-standard color management and tools and libraries, such as OIIO, OpenCV, OCIO and the OCIO V2 API, ACES, and ICC.
Experience with HDR and wide color gamut workflows in animation, including Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
Familiarity with animation software and workflows, such as Maya, Houdini, and Adobe Creative Suite.
A strong portfolio demonstrating technical expertise, creative problem-solving skills, and attention to detail in color engineering and rendering.
Encourages open communication and keeps the team informed by transmitting new ideas in presentations or in writing to clearly articulate strategic ideas.
Strive to deliver beyond expectations with the highest level of professionalism, commitment, and ownership.
Explain technical topics clearly and accurately to both technical and non-technical audiences, including production leadership and studio executives.

The annual salary range for this position in Los Angeles, CA is $170,000 – $185,000. The salary offered may vary based on the candidate’s location, qualifications, experience and relevant expertise, among other factors. The range indicated is for base salary only and does not reflect the total compensation package, including bonus, benefits, etc.

View Full Job Description

$170.0K - $185.0K/yr (Outscal est.)

$177.5K/yr avg.

Los Angeles, California, United States

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About The Company

SKYDANCE

20 Active Jobs

About Skydance Media

Skydance is a diversified media company founded by David Ellison in 2010 to create high quality, event-level entertainment for global audiences. The Company brings to life stories of immersive worlds across its feature film, television, and interactive platforms. Its feature films include Mission: Impossible - Fallout, Annihilation, LIFE, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, Star Trek Beyond, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, Terminator Genisys, World War Z, Star Trek Into Darkness, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Jack Reacher, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, and True Grit. Skydance’s upcoming film releases include Top Gun: Maverick, Gemini Man, The Old Guard, 6 Underground and the nwe untitled Terminator film. In 2017, Skydance formed an animation division to develop and produce a slate of high-end feature films and television series in partnership with Spain’s Ilion Animation Studios. Skydance Television launched in 2013. Its current slate includes Emmy-nominated Grace and Frankie on Netflix, Altered Carbon on Netflix, Jack Ryan on Amazon, and Condor on AT&T Audience Network. Skydance Interactive launched in 2016 to create and publish original and IP-based virtual reality experiences and video games. Skydance Interactive recently debuted its first original title – Archangel, a story-driven VR shooter.

About Skydance Interactive

Skydance Interactive creates and publishes original and IP-based virtual reality games. The division of Skydance Media was launched in 2016 through the acquisition of The Workshop Entertainment. Skydance Interactive’s first VR offering is Archangel, launched on July 18th 2017. Skydance Interactive in 2017 partnered with Skybound Entertainment to develop a number of original virtual reality video games based on the expansive world of The Walking Dead universe. The Walking Dead VR game will be the inaugural co-developed title from both companies. The studio is located in Marina del Rey, CA.

About Animation

In 2017, Skydance formed an animation division to develop and produce a slate of high-end feature films and television series in partnership with Spain’s Ilion Animation Studios. Skydance’s first three animated features are Luck, Split (working title), and Powerless (working title). Luck, directed by Alessandro Carloni (Kung Fu Panda 3) and written by Jonathan Aibel & Glenn Berger, is a comedy that pulls back the curtain on the millennia-old battle between the organizations of good luck and bad luck that secretly affects our daily lives. Split, directed by Vicky Jenson (Shrek) and written by Linda Woolverton, tells the story of Elian, a teenager who comes of age using her magical powers to defend her family when the opposing forces of light and darkness threaten to divide her kingdom. Nathan Greno (Tangled) is set to direct Powerless. The studio is located in Los Angeles, CA.