Director, Core Engineering

Pixar Animation Studios; Emeryville (CA); On-site; USD 243,100 - 314,600; Full time

Job summary

Pixar Animation Studios is seeking a Director of Core Engineering in Emeryville, California, to lead the Software R&D Core team. This role focuses on developing foundational libraries and technologies for high-performance graphics applications, overseeing the engineering strategy, and fostering collaboration across teams.

The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of industry experience, 5 years in management, strong C++ and Python skills, and a commitment to building a diverse and inclusive team environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of industry experience as an engineer or engineering lead.
• 5+ years of experience managing or leading a development team.
• Demonstrated success building world-class software.

Responsibilities

• Lead a group of high-performing engineers to deliver foundational technologies.
• Collaborate with VP of Software R&D and Production partners.
• Initiate and evangelize engineering practices to build high-quality software.

Skills

C++

Python

Software development methodologies

Team leadership

Communication skills

Education

BS or MS in Computer Science or equivalent

Tools

Commercial software for production

Job description

The Software R&D Core team designs and develops foundational libraries and technologies used by software engineers across Pixar and the broader industry to build high performance graphics applications. These technologies include USD, Hydra, Storm, our proprietary rigging engine, and our in-house application framework. The Core team also includes our UX design team which drives user experience for our proprietary software. The Director of Core Engineering sets the strategy and execution plans for the Core team in alignment with both short‑term and long‑term studio priorities. They oversee Team Leads to directly influence the design and evolution of proprietary software solutions supporting and empowering production. This role also maintains relationships with other groups and teams within Software R&D, Systems, RenderMan and various production departments and engineering teams within Disney for technical collaboration and distills incoming feedback into a clear direction and priorities for their Group. The Director of Core oversees key external‑facing technologies such as USD, Hydra, OpenExec and OpenSubdiv and is a driver of collaboration with industry partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead a group of high‑performing engineers to identify and deliver foundational technologies enabling novel and innovative tools and workflows.
• Collaborate with the VP of Software R&D, Directors of Engineering, Engineering Team Leads, and key Production partners to help develop the vision and long‑term strategy for the Tools group.
• Interface and collaborate with industry partners regarding USD, Hydra, OpenExec and OpenSubdiv, delivering open‑source technologies with industry‑wide impact.
• Lead teams to plan and deliver against production‑driven roadmaps, both in quality and quantity, in a sustainable way, balancing priorities from a diverse set of stakeholders.
• Collaborate with technical leads and project managers in Studio Tools, Systems, RenderMan and Production to align goals and priorities, identifying and negotiating cross‑team dependencies and facilitating a cohesive, harmonious team dynamic.
• Initiate, implement and evangelize engineering practices to build high‑quality software in a sustainable way.
• Directly manage a high‑performance group of team leads, providing technical oversight, promoting collaboration across teams and helping guide recruiting, personnel management and career development.
• Build a diverse, inclusive, fair, collaborative, and dynamic environment.

Requirements

• BS or MS in Computer Science or equivalent.
• 10+ years of industry experience (as an engineer or engineering lead).
• 5+ years of experience managing or leading a development team.
• Strong working knowledge of modern software development methodologies and design patterns and experience leading significant software projects/products.
• Demonstrated success building world‑class software.
• Expertise in C++ and Python.
• Practical knowledge of commercial software used in production and/or for software development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Compensation

The hiring range for this position in Emeryville is $243,100.00 to $314,600.00 per year.

Equal Opportunity and E‑Verify

Pixar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We know our storytelling is at its best when we include, celebrate and embrace difference. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. We are committed to building a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Pixar participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.