Pipeline Technical Director (DNEG Animation)

4 Months ago • All levels

Animation

Job Description

As a Pipeline Technical Director (Pipeline TD), you will be responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the tools, software and workflows used on our award-winning Feature Animation shows. You will provide technical support to artists and develop new tools, primarily in Python, to meet specific show requirements. Key responsibilities include providing technical advice, troubleshooting, resolving show support requests, supporting Assistant TDs, and contributing to development projects, code reviews, and production testing. You will also attend development sprints, collaborate with project management and leadership, and deliver clear documentation.

Good To Have:

A degree in Computer Science or related field.
Experience with different programming languages.
Familiarity with standard software engineering principles and methods.
Experience with build and source control systems.
Experience with data and scene description formats.
Experience with Rendering software.
Experience with procedural shading languages.

Must Have:

Experience in Feature Animation or VFX studios.
Excellent Python and Linux skills.
Understanding of production pipelines and tools.
Experience developing tools for DCC packages.
Excellent communication skills for technical and non-technical interaction.

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

real-time-vfx

communication

nuke

rendering

game-texts

lighting-shading

linux

houdini

python

maya

DNEG Animation is a world-class studio that creates high-end animated feature films and episodic content for audiences all over the world. We’re growing our global crews to help deliver an exciting slate of major new projects. Join a team where the only house style is quality and work alongside some of the best talent in the business to help bring iconic characters and unique worlds to life. From complex graphic novel adaptations to beautifully-stylized films, each project is driven by the team's passion for the craft of animation and every role plays a huge part in the success of our shows.

As a Pipeline Technical Director (Pipeline TD), you will be responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the tools, software and workflows used on our award-winning Feature Animation shows. You will be providing face-to-face technical support and assistance to artists, as well as developing new tools - predominantly in Python - to meet the specific show requirements.

Our talented Pipeline TDs are highly technical and demonstrate an aptitude for creative problem solving. You will be regularly required to:

Key Responsibilities / Job Duties

Provide technical advice and support for artists across multiple shows
Trouble shoot, resolve or escalate show support requests
Provide support and mentorship to Assistant TDs in handling the support requests
Contribute to development projects, code reviews and production testing to continually improve the pipeline efficiency and artist workflows for DNEG Animation
Attend regular development sprints and sprint demos to present your progress to your peers and stakeholders
Collaborate closely with the project management team to deliver development projects on time
Collaborate with project leadership to gather and action feedback from stakeholders on development tasks
Deliver clear and detailed documentation to support the adoption and change management process
Actively participate in the training and mentoring of Assistant TDs
Under the guidance of the pipeline architect and pipeline supervisors, participate in the scoping and leading of development projects following the development roadmap
Support the pipeline supervisors in setting up shows and manage show configurations

Job Requirements / Must Haves

Previous experience in Feature Animation or Visual Effect studios or related industry
Excellent Python and Linux skills
Solid understanding of production pipelines, workflows and tools commonly used in Animation and VFX.
Experience in developing tools for DCC packages such as Maya, Houdini Katana or Nuke
Excellent communication skills to interact with technical developers and non-technical artists

Additional Skills / Nice to Have