Develop and support artist-facing tools, workflows, and production pipelines for VFX and feature animation. Provide technical support to artists, build Python tools, collaborate with R&D and production teams, lead show technology ownership, mentor junior pipeline staff, chair technical meetings, and identify automation opportunities. The role requires strong communication, stakeholder negotiation, and expertise with Maya, Linux, DCC tools, source control, and production technology workflows.
Role: Pipeline TD - 3D
Key Purpose of the Job:
DDU (DNEG Dedicated Unit) operates within BRAHMA AI and works closely with DNEG to develop technology used directly in production. The team builds tools, platforms and workflows that support VFX and Feature Animation pipelines across DNEG’s global studios. Much of the work focuses on artist-facing tools, large production pipelines, simulation and rendering workflows, and systems that need to run reliably across distributed teams.
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 VFX and Feature Animation shows. You will be providing face-to-face technical support and assistance to artists, as well as developing new tools and scripts - 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:
- Be the bridge between the shows and the requirements of Technology team(s)
- Report and update the relevant Pipe Supervisor(s)
- Onboard and Mentor new ATDs
- Chair show ProdTech meetings/equivalent ceremony for the site
- Be able to autonomously lead and own a show’s tech stack
- Possibly lead ATDs (if any) on present on said show
- Be trusted with the day-to-day operations of their show, with a Pipe Supe or HOD being ultimately responsible
- It’s a management decision to bestow the rank of PipeTD onto a candidate, and with that the trust that the PipeTD can have work delegated to them, but that doesn’t change where the overall accountability falls
- Provide technical advice and support for artists
- Collaborate with R&D developers and senior production supervisors to develop specific new Python tools and workflows
- Contribute to the development and constant improvement of the DNEG pipeline
- Identify areas for improvement or automation to help artists work smarter and more efficiently.
- Ensure requests for new tools are connected with company strategy
As well as being able to demonstrate technical skill and initiative, you will need to be an excellent communicator - your ability to accurately and succinctly communicate between technical developers and non-technical artists will help you thrive in this role.
Our Pipeline TDs not only produce excellent work, they are also inspirational mentors and coaches to the more junior members of the Pipeline team. This ranges from formal guidance - generating tutorials and teaching materials - to informal mentoring on a day-to-day basis, and you will be supported in this role by our Pipeline Supervisors.
Above all, you will be at the centre of some of the most exciting VFX and Animation work on projects ranging from blockbuster epics to television dramas, working with some of the most talented individuals in the industry. You will be in a fantastic position to develop your leadership skills and enhance your skills as a tool developer in a collaborative, show-facing environment.
Must Have
- A degree in Computer Science, Computer Graphics or other related field or previous experience in Visual Effects or a related industry
- Excellent Python, Maya and Linux skills
- Experience in developing tools for DCC packages such as Maya, Houdini and/or Nuke
- Experience with source control systems and team development
- Proven ability to negotiate with key stakeholders and balance priority
- Experience in mentoring (and perhaps even leading) junior members of the team
Nice to Have
- Proven negotiation skills in a production environment
- Experience with renderers such as PRMan, Clarisse or Mantra
- Familiarity with agile methodologies
- Working knowledge knowledge of source control, PRs and git flow
- Experience task tracking, jira, or equivalent
- Worked within a mid-large sized development team
- 3-5 years of experience in VFX
- Experience with Realtime Technologies
- Experience in writing documentation and/or tutorials
We would not be able to produce award-winning work without our Production Technology department, which is committed to nurturing a diverse and exciting workplace. Our teams have a variety of backgrounds and originate from a number of different countries, working across the globe at the forefront of technology in the industry.
About Us
We are DNEG, one of the world's leading visual effects, animation and stereo conversion companies for feature film and television, with studios in London, Vancouver, Mumbai, Los Angeles, Chennai, Montreal, Chandigarh, Hyderabad and Goa.
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