Pipeline Technical Director

Autodesk

5-8 Years | Spain (Remote) | Full Time | 1 day ago

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Job Summary

Autodesk is seeking a Pipeline Technical Director for its Media & Entertainment team, focusing on AI solutions for Autodesk Flow Studio, an AI-powered VFX platform. This role involves leading the architecture, design, development, deployment, and maintenance of production-pipeline infrastructure supporting VFX, animation, real-time/Unreal workflows, AI-enabled tooling, and asset/shot management. The director will bridge artists, production supervisors, software engineers, and product teams to ensure a robust, scalable pipeline aligned with creative and business goals globally.

Must Have

Architect and evolve production pipeline infrastructure (asset ingestion, shot/sequence management, versioning, rendering, compositing, real-time, AI/ML integration, delivery).
Lead design and implementation of tools, plug-ins, automation scripts to boost artist productivity.
Collaborate with production and technical stakeholders to identify workflow pain-points and propose solutions.
Integrate third-party tools and services (Autodesk Maya, Houdini, Nuke, Unreal Engine, USD/Alembic/OpenEXR pipelines).
Define and maintain documentation, coding standards, version control, unit/integration testing for pipeline tools.
Stay abreast of emerging technologies relevant to production pipelines.
Work closely with product/engineering teams to align pipeline work with strategic goals.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Visual Effects, Animation Technology or equivalent experience.
Minimum 5–8 years of experience in pipeline development, technical directing or production tool engineering.
Strong proficiency in Python and experience with C++/Qt.
Hands-on experience with Maya, Houdini, Nuke, Unreal Engine and their scripting/SDKs.
Deep understanding of production pipelines in VFX/animation.
Knowledge of asset/data-management formats and workflows: USD, Alembic, OpenEXR, OCIO, version control systems (Git, Perforce, etc.), Linux/Windows.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Self-motivated, strong problem-solver.

Good to Have

Previous experience integrating AI/ML workflows into production pipelines.
Experience with show-specific pipelines and hybrid workflows.
Strong organisational and leadership skills.
Experience managing projects in a large organization and working in Agile/SCRUM environments.
Experience with web development on industry-scale cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure).
Familiarity with 3D graphics, rendering pipelines, or real-time engines.

Perks & Benefits

Competitive compensation package
Annual cash bonuses
Commissions for sales roles
Stock grants
Comprehensive benefits package

Job Description

Job Requisition ID #

25WD93307

Autodesk is a global leader in digital content creation software, empowering creators in the entertainment industry to inspire, educate, and entertain. Our platforms, tools, and community resources drive innovation and productivity for artists, studios, and developers worldwide.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Pipeline Technical Director to join our Media & Entertainment team, focusing on next-generation AI solutions for Autodesk Flow Studio (formerly Wonder Studio), our state-of-the-art AI-powered VFX platform. This role will report into the software development team.

As the Pipeline Technical Director, you will lead the architecture, design, development, deployment and maintenance of our production-pipeline infrastructure that supports VFX, animation, real-time/Unreal workflows, AI-enabled tooling, and overall asset & shot management. You will act as a bridge between artists, production supervisors, software engineers and product teams to ensure the pipeline is robust, scalable and aligned with our creative and business ambitions in Europe and globally.

Key Responsibilities

Architect and evolve the production pipeline infrastructure: asset ingestion, shot/sequence management, versioning, rendering, compositing, real-time, AI/ML integration and delivery.
Lead the design and implementation of tools, plug-ins, automation scripts to boost artist productivity, enforce pipeline standards and reduce bottlenecks.
Collaborate with production and technical stakeholders (rigging, animation, lighting/FX, real-time, compositing) to identify workflow pain-points, propose technical solutions, and drive adoption.
Integrate third-party tools and services (e.g., Autodesk Maya, Houdini, Nuke, Unreal Engine, USD/Alembic/OpenEXR pipelines) into our workflow. Strong understanding of asset formats, versioning, data flows.
Define and maintain documentation, coding standards, version control practices, unit/integration testing for pipeline tools and workflows.
Stay abreast of emerging technologies relevant to production pipelines: real-time rendering, cloud/distributed compute, machine learning/AI integration, containerisation (optional) and champion adoption where impactful.
Work closely with the broader product/engineering teams to ensure pipeline work aligns with strategic goals and artist-user needs.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Visual Effects, Animation Technology or equivalent experience.
Minimum 5–8 years of experience in pipeline development, technical directing or production tool engineering for VFX, animation or real-time production (roles such as Pipeline TD, Tools Engineer, Technical Director).
Strong proficiency in Python (scripting, automation) and experience with C++/Qt or equivalent tool-development frameworks.
Hands-on experience with major production tools: Maya, Houdini, Nuke, Unreal Engine (or comparable real-time engine) and their scripting/SDKs.
Deep understanding of production pipelines in VFX/animation: modelling, rigging, animation, FX, lighting, rendering, compositing, real-time/live workflows.
Knowledge of asset/data-management formats and workflows: USD, Alembic, OpenEXR, OCIO, version control systems (Git, Perforce, etc.), Linux/Windows production environments.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills
Self-motivated, strong problem-solver, comfortable in a fast-paced, evolving production-tech environment.

Preferred Qualifications / Nice-to-haves

Previous experience integrating AI/ML workflows into production pipelines—such as data-ingestion for training, asset automation, generative tools.
Experience with show-specific pipelines (feature, episodic, real-time/live) and hybrid workflows (offline + game engine + cloud).
Strong organisational and leadership skills, capable of guiding the team through change, setting standards, selecting tooling and driving adoption.
Experience managing projects in a large organization and working in Agile/SCRUM environments.
Experience with web development on industry-scale cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure).
Familiarity with 3D graphics, rendering pipelines, or real-time engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Blender, Maya) is a plus.

Learn More

About Autodesk

Welcome to Autodesk! Amazing things are created every day with our software – from the greenest buildings and cleanest cars to the smartest factories and biggest hit movies. We help innovators turn their ideas into reality, transforming not only how things are made, but what can be made.

We take great pride in our culture here at Autodesk – it’s at the core of everything we do. Our culture guides the way we work and treat each other, informs how we connect with customers and partners, and defines how we show up in the world.

When you’re an Autodesker, you can do meaningful work that helps build a better world designed and made for all. Ready to shape the world and your future? Join us!

Salary transparency

Salary is one part of Autodesk’s competitive compensation package. Offers are based on the candidate’s experience and geographic location. In addition to base salaries, our compensation package may include annual cash bonuses, commissions for sales roles, stock grants, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Diversity & Belonging

We take pride in cultivating a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive. Learn more here: https://www.autodesk.com/company/diversity-and-belonging

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