Technical Director Core Assets - Netflix Animation Studios

Netflix Animation Studios Canada ULC; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision plans

Mental health support

Retirement programs

Family-forming benefits

Paid leave of absence and vacation

Job summary

Netflix Animation Studios Canada ULC is seeking a Core Assets Technical Director in Vancouver. You will own the pipeline, troubleshoot, and develop tools for Modelling, Rigging, and Surfacing of characters and environments, partnering with Solutions Engineering and R&D.

You will design and maintain core technology, write high-quality code, and guide other TDs while ensuring workflows align with production needs.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of pipeline TD experience in large-scale animated features/TV or VFX.
• Strong understanding of OpenUSD and its architecture.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical direction and maintenance of core technology for Modelling, Rigging, and Surfacing.
• Design, develop, and write maintainable, high-quality code.
• Troubleshoot workflows and optimize tools and pipelines.
• Mentor junior team members and guide other TDs and TAs.
• Collaborate with Solutions Engineering and R&D to meet production needs.

Skills

OpenUSD architecture

Maya

Houdini

Python

PyQt/PySide

C++

ShotGrid (Flow)

Git/GitHub

Jira

Agile software practices

Asset management workflows

Education

Degree in animation/film/computer science/design/engineering/math/physics

Tools

Maya

Houdini

GitHub

ShotGrid

Jira

Job description

Netflix Animation Studios is on a mission to entertain the world with bold, immersive animated films that are timeless and impactful. We are paving the way for the future of animation by building a community of amazing artists and talent across three vibrant locations globally. Come join us!

Job Summary

The Core Assets Technical Director supports creative and visual objectives by owning the pipeline troubleshooting, tool development, and artist support for Modelling, Rigging, and Surfacing of Characters and Environments. This role requires a solid technical understanding of these craft groups to design tools, troubleshoot workflows, and enable high-quality, standardized technical outcomes in partnership with Solutions Engineering and R&D.

What You'll Do

Understand the visual requirements for productions and suggest new technologies, or design procedures, techniques, and tools that will enable these to be met. Lead the technical direction, evolution, and maintenance of core technology and workflows for Modelling, Rigging, and Surfacing. Design, develop, and write well-maintainable and consistently high-quality code. Track, debug and resolve workflow issues in partnership with Lead TDs, Technical Supervisors, Associate Technical Supervisors, Solutions Engineers and R&D. Work closely with other TD's on your team to drive the technical success of key development initiatives. Ensure that technology, tools, and procedures support the creative process. Provide solutions to visual problems through existing tools or by leading the implementation of new tools. Take responsibility for the troubleshooting & optimization of tools, software, and workflows. Actively participate in or drive QA, technical testing, and validation of new technology, tool releases, or pipeline changes, such that artist workflow is not impacted. Understand the processes of adjoining departments, provide input where required to maximise pipeline efficiency and quality. Actively participate in brainstorming and problem-solving, contributing technical expertise and insight, to create and maintain technology within the canonical production pipeline. Support the organisation’s overall technical goals as required. Be aware of the deadlines for development initiatives and actively engage in keeping these on track. Continuously monitor the scope of development initiatives and help to ensure scope adjustments have additional estimates, etc. Prioritise and break down technical projects into organised parts. Provide technical guidance to other TDs and TAs, where appropriate, with day-to-day issues and escalation through the right channels when necessary. Mentor more junior team members and assist in orientation with new starters. Create synergies between different work groups to promote efficiency and optimization and to generate innovative ideas and approaches to how we do things.

What You'll Need

Experience: 5+ years of proven pipeline TD experience in large-scale animated features, animated TV series, the gaming industry, and/or VFX feature films. Solid production/industry experience as a TD. Skills/Knowledge: Strong understanding of OpenUSD and its architecture like composition and Hydra. Comprehensive experience using and troubleshooting in Maya and Houdini, as well as their respective APIs. Good development skills and understanding of department workflows and technology across Modelling, Rigging or Surfacing. Ability to review code and troubleshoot problems as they arise. Familiarity with Asset Management Systems and associated processes like asset publishing and validation. Solid Python expertise, including PyQt or PySide. Knowledge of concepts like data flow, data dependencies, metadata, publishing and retrieval. Knowledge of C++ is a plus. Knowledge of Flow Production Tracking (shotgrid) is a plus. Knowledge of code management software such as git and github and code review processes. Knowledge of software development practices such as Agile and how to apply them in software as such Jira. Degree in animation, film, computer science, design, engineering, math or physics.

This role is based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Hybrid Role (Minimum requirement of 3 days a week in the office).

At NAS, we rely on market indicators and consider your specific job family, background, location, skills, and experience. The overall market range for this role is typically $120,000 - $180,000 CAD. This reflects total compensation; we do not have bonuses.

NAS benefits can include medical/dental/vision plans, mental health support, retirement programs, and family-forming benefits, paid leave of absence programs, and paid time away programs to be used for vacation and sick paid time off.

See more detail about our benefits here.

Inclusion is a Netflix value and we strive to host a meaningful interview experience for all candidates.

If you want an accommodation/adjustment for a disability or any other reason during the hiring process, please send a request to your recruiting partner.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and celebrate diversity, recognizing that diversity builds stronger teams.

We approach diversity and inclusion seriously and thoughtfully.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service.

At Netflix, we want to entertain the world. Whatever your taste, and no matter where you live, we give you access to best-in-class TV series, documentaries, feature films and games. Our members control what they want to watch, when they want it, in one simple subscription. We're streaming in more than 30 languages and 190 countries, because great stories can come from anywhere and be loved everywhere. We are the world’s biggest fans of entertainment, and we're always looking to help you find your next favorite story.