Technical Support - Data & Render Operator

Image Engine, a world-class VFX studio in Vancouver, BC, seeks a Technical Support - Data & Render Operator. This entry-level role provides first-line technical support, managing the render farm, wrangling jobs, and offering Tier 1 pipeline support. Responsibilities include monitoring computer systems, renders, disk servers, performing backups, and handling data transfers for feature films and television projects.

Must Have

• Monitor and maintain the render farm, prioritizing jobs.
• Monitor studio ticketing system and health of render/storage resources.
• Manage studio resources, including disk space and render farm utilization.
• Upload and download digital data to/from clients using secure methods.
• Troubleshoot and correct failing tasks.
• Perform backups and restores; maintain tape library and database.
• Assist in writing tools and maintaining operations manual/procedures.
• Proficiency with basic Linux command line tools.
• Knowledge of networked/distributed computing concepts.
• Knowledge of the film industry and related processes.
• Ability to work shift work, including nights and some weekends.

Good to Have

• Interest in renderfarms and farm management (e.g., Tractor).
• Interest in visual effects software packages (e.g., Maya, Arnold, Nuke).
• Interest in high-end / high capacity storage systems.
• Interest in production tracking systems (e.g., Shotgrid).
• Entry level scripting language experience (e.g., Python).

Perks & Benefits

• Extended healthcare from day 1
• Premiums 100% covered by Image Engine
• Up to 8 paid Health and Wellness days per year

ABOUT IMAGE ENGINE

Image Engine is a world-class VFX studio based in Vancouver, BC, that has built a reputation for excellence in the visual effects industry since 1995. We specialize in crafting stunning visual effects for feature films and television with an award-winning portfolio that includes The Book of Boba Fett, The Mandalorian, Game Of Thrones, Lost in Space, Jurassic World, and District 9.

We offer a full range of visual effects services, from concept designs and pre-visualization to CG animation, compositing, and explosive volumetric digital effects. Our crew is passionate about storytelling and pushing the artistic and technical boundaries to deliver the highest quality work on every project. R&D is central to our philosophy of driving creativity through innovation and we're committed to continually evolving our robust production pipelines.

At Image Engine, we value diversity and teamwork, and we're proud to foster a workplace culture that is supportive, respectful, and empowering. We believe that our success is a reflection of our exceptionally talented team, and we're always looking for passionate and dedicated individuals to join us on our mission to create unforgettable visual experiences. Join our team and be part of something extraordinary.

POSITION PURPOSE

The Technical Assistant department is the first line of support for technical issues. They manage Tractor, wrangle the farm jobs, provide Tier 1 farm pipeline support, and assist production with data I/O. The Technical Assistant will be responsible for daily performance of the company's computer systems including monitoring renders, providing queue support to users, monitoring disk servers, performing backups/restores, and handling incoming/outgoing data transfers. Qualified candidates will have the opportunity to code from time to time. This is an entry level position.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitor and maintain the render farm by prioritizing jobs as requested by production.
• Monitor the studio ticketing system and overall health of the render & storage resources.
• Manage studio resources, including disk space and render farm utilization.
• Upload and download digital data to/from clients using a variety of secure data transfer methodologies.
• Troubleshoot and correct failing tasks.
• Perform backups and restores; maintain tape library and database; update online database.
• Assist in writing tools and the maintenance of the operations manual and procedures; make recommendations and enhance procedures to increase productivity, organization and efficiency.
• Shift work which includes nights and some weekends

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Technical skills

• Knowledge of Linux (proficiency with basic command line tools).
• Knowledge of networked/distributed computing concepts.
• Knowledge of the film industry and related processes
• Interest in visual effects pipelines including:
• Interest in renderfarms and farm management (eg. Tractor)
• Interest in visual effects software packages (Maya, Arnold, Nuke etc.)
• Interest in high-end / high capacity storage systems
• Interest in production tracking systems (Shotgrid)
• Entry level scripting language experience is a plus (eg. Python).

Core skills

• Good communication skills, able to communicate in a professional and friendly manner with co-workers and customers
• Self-starter, energetic, good people/communication skills and ability to prioritize workload
• Effective written/oral communication skills, interpersonal, and presentation skills to communicate complex ideas clearly
• Team player that strives to maximize team and department performance
• Detail oriented, highly organized, and able to handle a variety of tasks in an efficient manner
• Must be able to multi-task and maintain a positive attitude when working under pressure