Pipeline Assistant Technical Director (DNEG Animation)

DNEG; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading animation studio in the United Kingdom is seeking a Pipeline Technical Director to ensure smooth tool and workflow operations for their Feature Animation projects. This role involves supporting artists, developing new tools primarily in Python, and enhancing pipeline efficiency. The ideal candidate will have experience in Feature Animation, strong skills in Python and Linux, and a solid understanding of animation and VFX pipelines. A proactive team player with excellent communication skills is essential for success in this fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in Feature Animation or Visual Effect studios.
• Solid understanding of production pipelines and workflows in Animation and VFX.
• Experience in developing tools for DCC packages like Maya or Nuke.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical advice and support for artists across multiple shows.
• Troubleshoot and resolve show support requests.
• Mentor Assistant TDs in handling support requests.

Skills

Python

Linux

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Computer Science, Computer Graphics or related field

Tools

Maya

Houdini

Nuke

Job description

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- stylised 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 ATDs are highly technical and demonstrate an aptitude for creative problem solving. You will be regularly required to:

Job Duties

• Provide technical advice and support for artists across multiple shows.
• Trouble shoot, resolve or elevate 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.

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.

Nice to Have

• A degree in Computer Science, Computer Graphics or other related field.
• Experience with different programming languages.
• Familiarity with standard software engineering principles and methods.
• Experience with build systems and source control systems.
• Experience with data and scene description formats, e.g. USD, Alembic, AAF.
• Experience with Rendering software, e.g. Renderman, Arnold.
• Experience with procedural shading languages, e.g. OSL, RSL, VEX.

About You

• Critical eye for details.
• Proactive.
• Team orientated.
• Adaptable.
• Calm under pressure.
• Strong communication abilities.