VFX AI Pipeline

thelab; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

thelab is seeking a VFX AI Pipeline Engineer to design, implement, and maintain AI-enhanced production pipelines within HOME. You will bridge traditional VFX tools with AI platforms, building scalable workflows that empower artists while preserving creative quality.

You will collaborate with CGI supervisors, compositing artists, developers, and production teams to evolve AI capabilities, training models and automating repetitive tasks across the production lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Visual Effects, Computer Graphics, AI, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in VFX pipeline development, tech direction, software engineering, or AI workflow development.
• Strong understanding of VFX pipelines and digital content creation workflows.
• Advanced programming experience with Python.
• Experience integrating software through APIs and automation frameworks.
• Excellent problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Architect, develop, and maintain AI-enhanced production solutions integrating into VFX/CGI pipelines.
• Build tools, APIs, and services connecting DCC apps with AI models.
• Ensure AI workflows are scalable, secure, and production-ready.
• Develop automated AI workflows using Python and proprietary frameworks.
• Fine-tune and deploy AI models including LoRAs, ControlNet, IP-Adapters, and related assets.
• Create artist-friendly tools and integrations within Maya, 3ds Max, Houdini, Nuke, Fusion.
• Collaborate with CGI supervisors, artists, developers, and production teams to evolve HOME's AI capabilities.

Skills

Python programming

Automation

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Python

Git

Docker

ComfyUI

Stable Diffusion

Flux

LoRA training

ControlNet

IP-Adapters

Maya

3ds Max

Houdini

Nuke

Fusion

GPU rendering

Cloud infrastructure

Job description

Position Summary:

The VFX AI Pipeline Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the infrastructure that integrates artificial intelligence and machine learning into Wellcom's CGI and visual effects production pipeline. Working within HOME, Wellcom's AI-enabled production ecosystem, this role bridges traditional VFX applications with AI-native technologies to create scalable, artist-friendly workflows that enhance efficiency without compromising creative quality.

Acting as the connection between software engineering, pipeline development, and production, the VFX AI Pipeline Engineer builds intelligent tools that automate repetitive processes, accelerate asset creation, and enable creative teams to leverage AI throughout the production lifecycle. This role collaborates closely with CGI Supervisors, Compositing Artists, Developers, Creative Technologists, and Production teams to continuously evolve HOME's AI capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• AI Pipeline Integration

• Architect, develop, and maintain AI-enhanced production solutions that integrate seamlessly into existing VFX and CGI pipelines.

• Build custom tools, APIs, and services that connect traditional DCC applications—including 3ds Max, Maya, Houdini, Nuke, and Fusion—with AI generation platforms and machine learning models.

• Ensure AI workflows are scalable, secure, reliable, and production-ready within HOME.

• Collaborate with pipeline engineers and software developers to optimize performance and interoperability across production systems.

Workflow Automation

• Design, build, and maintain automated AI workflows using ComfyUI, Python, and proprietary workflow frameworks.

• Standardize AI-assisted asset generation, image enhancement, look development, and production processes across creative teams.

• Develop reusable automation pipelines that improve production speed, consistency, and scalability.

• Monitor workflow performance and continuously optimize processing efficiency.

Model Fine-Tuning & AI Development

• Manage the training, fine-tuning, and deployment of custom AI models including LoRAs, ControlNets, IP-Adapters, and related machine learning assets.

• Maintain model libraries, checkpoints, version control, and documentation to support project consistency and governance.

• Optimize AI models for specific client aesthetics, character consistency, product visualization, and brand standards.

• Evaluate emerging AI technologies and recommend production-ready implementations.

Technical Artist Tools

• Develop intuitive tools, interfaces, and scripts that enable artists to utilize AI capabilities without requiring advanced programming knowledge.

• Create integrations within Nuke, Houdini, 3ds Max, Maya, and other production applications that support AI-powered workflows such as texture synthesis, depth-map generation, image upscaling, rotoscoping, segmentation, and asset enhancement.

• Build artist-focused workflows that balance automation with creative control.

• Improve usability through documentation, training, and ongoing technical support.

Collaboration & Innovation

• Partner with CGI Supervisors, Compositing Artists, Creative Technologists, AI Developers, and Production teams to identify opportunities for AI-enabled workflow improvements.

• Support the evolution of HOME by researching, testing, and implementing emerging AI technologies that enhance production capabilities.

• Establish best practices, technical documentation, and governance standards for AI-assisted production.

• Champion responsible, ethical, and secure implementation of AI technologies throughout the production pipeline.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Visual Effects, Computer Graphics, Artificial Intelligence, or equivalent professional experience.

• 5+ years of experience in VFX pipeline development, technical direction, software engineering, or AI workflow development.

• Strong understanding of VFX production pipelines and digital content creation workflows.

• Advanced programming experience with Python.

• Experience integrating software applications through APIs and automation frameworks.

• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing AI-enabled production pipelines for CGI, VFX, or creative production environments.

• Experience with ComfyUI, Stable Diffusion, Flux, or other generative AI frameworks.

• Knowledge of machine learning concepts, inference optimization, and model fine-tuning.

• Experience training and managing LoRAs, ControlNets, IP-Adapters, or similar AI models.

• Familiarity with cloud computing, GPU infrastructure, and distributed AI processing.

• Experience working within commercial advertising, production, or animation studios.

Technical Skills

Programming & Development

• Python
• REST APIs
• Git
• Docker
• Workflow automation
• Pipeline development

AI & Machine Learning

• ComfyUI
• Stable Diffusion
• Flux
• LoRA training
• ControlNet
• IP-Adapters
• Model inference
• Prompt engineering
• AI workflow orchestration

VFX & DCC Applications

• Autodesk Maya
• 3ds Max
• Houdini
• Nuke
• Fusion

Pipeline & Infrastructure

• Asset management
• Pipeline architecture
• GPU rendering
• Cloud infrastructure
• Version control
• AI model management

Success in This Role

• A successful VFX AI Pipeline Engineer will:

• Build reliable, scalable AI infrastructure that seamlessly integrates with Wellcom's VFX and CGI production pipeline.

• Empower artists through intuitive AI tools that enhance creativity while reducing repetitive manual work.

• Optimize AI workflows to improve production efficiency, consistency, and quality.

• Collaborate effectively across engineering, creative, and production teams to deliver innovative solutions.

• Help shape the future of HOME by advancing AI-enabled production capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of technical excellence, artistic integrity, and operational reliability.