Rigging & Animation Software Developer

2 Months ago • 5 Years + • Animation

Job Summary

Job Description

Flying Bark Productions seeks a passionate Rigging & Animation Software Developer to join their R&D team in Sydney. Responsibilities include developing and improving rigging tools, animation workflows, and technical solutions. This role involves collaborating with animation and rigging teams, researching new technologies (pose prediction, machine learning), building software-agnostic tools, developing advanced rigging techniques, automating workflows, enhancing performance feedback, and maintaining good communication across departments. The ideal candidate possesses 5+ years of experience developing tools and scripts for animation pipelines, understands artist workflows, and is proficient in Python and Maya API. Knowledge of USD, procedural animation, and various simulation systems is essential.
Must have:
  • 5+ years experience in animation pipeline tool development
  • Proficiency in Python and Maya API
  • Knowledge of USD, procedural animation, and physics-based rigging
  • Understanding of artist workflows
Good to have:
  • C++
  • Unreal Engine/Unity
  • Knowledge of machine learning (PyTorch, TensorFlow)
  • Experience with Groom & CFX workflows
  • APEX/KineFX knowledge
Perks:
  • Industry leading studio space
  • Daily breakfast
  • Cake days, movie nights, wrap parties
  • Hybrid work model
  • Career development opportunities
  • Mental health resources

Job Details

Flying Bark Productions is a dynamic and innovative animation studio dedicated to pushing the boundaries of character animation and storytelling. We are working on exciting projects such as Avatar: The Last Airbender feature film, Netflix's Stranger Things animated series, as well as our production Tales From Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan. 

 

We have an exciting opportunity for the right candidate in joining their R&D Software Development team in Sydney to help shape the future of our CG Rigging & Animation pipeline.

 

We are looking for a passionate and technically skilled Rigging & Animation Software Developer to join our R&D team. This role is crucial in developing and improving rigging tools, animation workflows, and technical solutions that enhance our animation pipeline. You will work closely with Animation & Rigging teams to ensure efficiency, flexibility, and high-quality results in our productions.

 

About the role:

  • Development of scalable systems, procedures and tools that help the smooth and efficient running of the studio’s departments, including their inputs, internal workflows and outputs;
  • Research new technologies (such as pose prediction) and how to implement them into production pipelines when efficiencies can be found.
  • Investigate how machine learning can optimize rigging and animation processes, as well as ways of linking collected data (mocap & motion targeting) to rigs.
  • Build software-Agnostic Tools or solutions that aren’t tied to a single program, then also help with maintenance and support.
  • Develop advanced rigging techniques for more natural and realistic movements and deformation quality.
  • Design rigs that adapt easily to various characters and styles.
  • Propose ways to automate workflow to streamline repetitive tasks to save time and reduce errors.
  • Enhance performance feedback to help animators work more efficiently
  • Look into refactoring code for better support & maintenance
  • Maintain good communication between different studio departments and the technical departments;
  • Effectively working both autonomously and under the direction from supervisors as required;
  • Ability to flag issues that may impact on the successful delivery of the various production;
  • Assist with training, documentation and implementation of any newly adapted workflows;
  • Ability to manage time effectively, and complete all tasks within production deadlines.
  • Must work well in a team, with strong communication skills and attention to detail;

 

About you:

  • 5+ years experience developing tools and scripts for animation pipelines within a production environment
  • Understanding of artist workflows and pain points.
  • Knowledge of procedural animation and physics-based rigging solutions.
  • Proficiency in Python and Maya API (C++ is a plus plus).
  • Knowledge of USD, as well as Groom & CFX workflows
  • Knowledge of procedural animation and physics-based rigging solutions.
  • Familiarity with real-time engines (Unreal Engine, Unity) is a plus.
  • A passion for innovation and staying up to date with industry advancements.
  • Knowledge in various simulation systems (muscle, cloth: nCloth, Bifrost, Ziva).
  • Knowledge with other animation packages (Unreal, Blender, Houdini). Tech knowledge of APEX/KineFX in relation to CreatureFX is a bonus.
  • Keen and demonstrable interest in machine learning, such as PyTorch and TensorFlow.
  • Knowledge of deep learning architectures for animation and pose prediction.
  • Version control with Git.
  • Able to showcase existing tools & development projects to illustrate their methods.
  • Ability to prototype and validate new approaches.
  • Ability to write documentation and technical specifications.
  • Ability to create progress reports and demonstrations.
  • Ability to create measurable improvements in productivity.
  • Ability to gather and interpret user requirements.

 

What do we do? 

Flying Bark Productions is a renowned independent producer of family-focused animation entertainment. For over 50 years, our 2D and 3D production facility has created award-winning feature films and TV series. 


Why work with us? 

  • We work on some pretty cool projects - check out our website: https://www.flyingbark.com.au/ 
  • We have an industry leading studio space in Alexandria, complete with a cinema, quiet room, Zen Garden, games room, and state of the art animation facilities. 
  • Breakfast is served daily - on us! 
  • We have cake days, movie nights, wrap parties & a culture club dedicated to coordinating our busy social calendar! 
  • The Barkers have big hearts too, with our Paws for a Cause fundraising arm raising much needed funds for charities such as Beyond Blue, RSPCA and the Cancer Council. 
  • We love dogs and you will often see some of our regular fluffy companions in the studio. 
  • We have a hybrid approach to work with flexible work from home days on offer.
  •  Career development is important to us so we offer training and support opportunities whenever possible. 
  • Our employees say our culture is the best they've ever experienced - everyone is welcome and celebrated! 
  • You'll have access to mental health resources and free counselling via our Employee Assistance Provider Support Act. 

 

Flying Bark Productions is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Similar Jobs

Genies - Machine Learning Engineer, Character Animation & Motion AI

Genies

San Mateo, California, United States (On-Site)
3 Weeks ago
Activision - Expert Character Artist

Activision

Warsaw, Masovian Voivodeship, Poland (Hybrid)
4 Months ago
PlatinumGames - Animator

PlatinumGames

(On-Site)
3 Months ago
Scopely - Principal Animator - Unannounced Project

Scopely

Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland (Hybrid)
2 Months ago
Nexters - 3D Generalist

Nexters

Cyprus (Remote)
4 Weeks ago
Flying Bark Productions - Rigging & Animation Software Developer

Flying Bark Productions

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (Hybrid)
3 Weeks ago
Microsoft - Senior Characters & Creatures Gameplay Animator

Microsoft

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (On-Site)
3 Days ago
SmileGate - CROSSFIRE Animator

SmileGate

Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea (On-Site)
3 Weeks ago
Lighthouse Studios - Experienced Production Assistant (Rick and Morty + Top Secret Series)

Lighthouse Studios

Kilkenny, County Kilkenny, Ireland (On-Site)
2 Weeks ago
Sperasoft - 3D Animator

Sperasoft

Masovian Voivodeship, Poland (Hybrid)
3 Weeks ago

Get notifed when new similar jobs are uploaded

Similar Skill Jobs

Virtuos - Senior Producer

Virtuos

Ireland (Hybrid)
4 Weeks ago
Amber - 3D Artist - Characters (Project Based)

Amber

(Remote)
3 Weeks ago
Epic Games - Animation Lead

Epic Games

Cary, North Carolina, United States (On-Site)
10 Months ago
Resolution Games - Senior Technical Artist

Resolution Games

Stockholm, Stockholm County, Sweden (Hybrid)
6 Days ago
Ubisoft - Animation Technical Director

Ubisoft

Montreal, Quebec, Canada (On-Site)
3 Weeks ago
Mob Entertainment - Technical Animator - Creature Specialist

Mob Entertainment

(Remote)
1 Month ago
Amber - Senior 2D Technical Artist (Project Based)

Amber

Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico (Remote)
1 Month ago
Firesprite - Principal Gameplay Animator

Firesprite

Liverpool, England, United Kingdom (Hybrid)
1 Month ago
Epic Games - Animation Lead

Epic Games

(On-Site)
10 Months ago
DNEG - Animator

DNEG

Karnataka, India (On-Site)
3 Weeks ago

Get notifed when new similar jobs are uploaded

Jobs in New South Wales, Australia

WongDoody - (CX) CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CONSULTANT

WongDoody

Australia (On-Site)
6 Months ago
Altagram Group - APAC Localization Engineer - Video Game Localization

Altagram Group

New South Wales, Australia (Remote)
1 Month ago
Google - Customer Engineer, Platform, Digital Natives, Google Cloud

Google

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (On-Site)
4 Days ago
Easygo - Quality Assurance Analyst - Mandarin Speaking

Easygo

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (On-Site)
1 Week ago
Canva - Senior Machine Learning Engineer - Ecosystem Experiences

Canva

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (Remote)
1 Month ago
Entain - Senior iOS Engineer (Remote)

Entain

Australia (Remote)
3 Weeks ago
Easygo - Content Producer (Japanese speaking)

Easygo

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (On-Site)
1 Week ago
Canva - Senior Backend Software Engineer - Java - RPC

Canva

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (Remote)
2 Weeks ago
USE Insider - Solutions Architect - Australia

USE Insider

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (On-Site)
6 Months ago
Playtech - Games Designer Mathematician

Playtech

New South Wales, Australia (On-Site)
2 Weeks ago

Get notifed when new similar jobs are uploaded

Animation Jobs

DNEG - Environment Surfacing Artist

DNEG

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India (On-Site)
1 Month ago
Flying Bark Productions - Senior Lookdev Artist

Flying Bark Productions

New South Wales, Australia (Hybrid)
1 Month ago
Ubisoft - Animator

Ubisoft

Shanghai, Shanghai, China (On-Site)
4 Hours ago
Rockstar Games - Animation R&D Programmer

Rockstar Games

New York, New York, United States (On-Site)
5 Months ago
Flying Bark Productions - Rigging & Animation Software Developer

Flying Bark Productions

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (Hybrid)
3 Weeks ago
DNEG - Production Supervisor/Coordinator

DNEG

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India (On-Site)
3 Weeks ago
Flying Bark Productions - 2D Character Layout Artist

Flying Bark Productions

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (Hybrid)
3 Weeks ago
Epic Games - Senior Animator

Epic Games

Cary, North Carolina, United States (On-Site)
2 Months ago
Flying Wild Hog - Animation Programmer

Flying Wild Hog

(Remote)
2 Months ago
Ubisoft - Team Lead - Animation

Ubisoft

Montreal, Quebec, Canada (On-Site)
1 Week ago

Get notifed when new similar jobs are uploaded

About The Company

Flying Bark Productions Pty Ltd is internationally recognized as Australia’s leading producer of quality children’s animated entertainment, known for its high quality film and television properties ranging from pre-school to young adult.


The mission of Flying Bark Productions is to create great animated entertainment for children. We employ Australia’s top talents in animation, the visual arts, screen writing and composing to produce a diverse and enchanted range of feature films, television programs and new media products.

Madrid, Community Of Madrid, Spain (On-Site)

New South Wales, Australia (Hybrid)

New South Wales, Australia (Hybrid)

New South Wales, Australia (Hybrid)

New South Wales, Australia (Hybrid)

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (Hybrid)

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (Hybrid)

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (Hybrid)

New South Wales, Australia (Hybrid)

New South Wales, Australia (Hybrid)

View All Jobs

Get notified when new jobs are added by Flying Bark Productions

Level Up Your Career in Game Development!

Transform Your Passion into Profession with Our Comprehensive Courses for Aspiring Game Developers.

Job Common Plug