Lead Color and Imaging Engineer
Job Summary
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+
11 skills required
Job Details
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.
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