Senior VFX Technical Director

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work arrangement

Remote workstation provided

Professional development support

Collaborative and innovative team

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior VFX Technical Director for a fully remote role. You will design and optimize VFX pipelines, implement tools with Python and Maya MEL, and collaborate with supervisors to troubleshoot complex rendering problems.

You will work with Houdini, Nuke, Arnold, Renderman, and other renderers, ensure pipeline reliability, and mentor junior TDs. This remote-first position offers a flexible schedule and a chance to contribute to high-end film and television projects from the

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years of experience as a Technical Director or similar role in the VFX industry.
• Strong programming/scripting skills in Python, and proficiency with Maya API and MEL.
• In-depth knowledge of DCC applications such as Maya, Houdini, Nuke and their APIs/scripting interfaces.
• Experience with rendering engines (Arnold, Renderman, V-Ray) and understanding render pipeline challenges.
• Familiarity with simulation software (Houdini fluids, particles, destruction).
• Ability to work effectively in a remote, collaborative environment with excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and enhance VFX pipelines, tools, and workflows using scripting languages (e.g., Python, Maya MEL) and other relevant technologies.
• Collaborate with VFX Supervisors and artists to identify technical challenges and devise efficient, elegant solutions.
• Troubleshoot and debug technical issues across the VFX pipeline from asset creation to final rendering and compositing.
• Optimize software performance and resource utilization for rendering, simulations, and other compute-intensive tasks.
• Integrate third-party software and plugins into the existing pipeline, ensuring compatibility and stability.
• Develop custom tools and plugins to automate repetitive tasks and enhance artistic efficiency.
• Provide technical support and training to artists and TDs, empowering them to utilize pipeline tools effectively.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry best practices in VFX, actively contributing to R&D efforts.
• Contribute to the technical design and architecture of new pipeline features and systems.
• Ensure the quality, reliability, and scalability of all technical solutions implemented.

Skills

Python

Maya MEL

Maya API

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Maya

Houdini

Nuke

Arnold

Renderman

V-Ray

Job description

About the Role Our client, a groundbreaking visual effects studio renowned for its innovative contributions to blockbuster films and high-end television, is seeking a Senior VFX Technical Director. This is a fully remote, vital role focused on developing and implementing robust technical solutions for complex visual effects challenges. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of VFX pipelines, scripting, and a variety of software and rendering technologies. You will collaborate closely with artists and supervisors to troubleshoot technical issues, optimize workflows, and push the boundaries of what's visually possible. As a remote-first organization, we provide a fully integrated digital workspace and foster a culture of asynchronous collaboration and clear communication. This is an exceptional opportunity for a technically gifted individual to contribute to visually stunning projects from the comfort of their home office. Join a team of industry veterans who are passionate about creating breathtaking visual effects. Your expertise will be instrumental in bringing imaginative worlds to life on screen. We are committed to providing our remote team with the support and tools needed for success in the Klerksdorp region and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and enhance VFX pipelines, tools, and workflows using scripting languages (e.g., Python, Maya MEL) and other relevant technologies.
• Collaborate with VFX Supervisors and artists to identify technical challenges and devise efficient, elegant solutions.
• Troubleshoot and debug technical issues across various stages of the VFX pipeline, from asset creation to final rendering and compositing.
• Optimize software performance and resource utilization for rendering, simulations, and other computationally intensive tasks.
• Integrate third-party software and plugins into the existing pipeline, ensuring compatibility and stability.
• Develop custom tools and plugins to automate repetitive tasks and enhance artistic efficiency.
• Provide technical support and training to artists and TDs, empowering them to utilize pipeline tools effectively.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry best practices in VFX, actively contributing to R&D efforts.
• Contribute to the technical design and architecture of new pipeline features and systems.
• Ensure the quality, reliability, and scalability of all technical solutions implemented.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years of experience as a Technical Director or in a similar technical role within the VFX industry.
• Strong programming and scripting skills, particularly in Python, and proficiency with Maya API and MEL.
• In-depth knowledge of DCC applications such as Maya, Houdini, Nuke and their respective APIs/scripting interfaces.
• Experience with rendering engines (e.g., Arnold, Renderman, V-Ray) and understanding of render pipeline challenges.
• Familiarity with simulation software (e.g., Houdini for fluids, particles, destruction).
• Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills with a methodical approach.
• Strong understanding of computer graphics principles, algorithms, and data structures.
• Ability to work effectively in a remote, collaborative environment with excellent communication skills.
• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git, Perforce).
• A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent professional experience.

Benefits

• Competitive salary tailored to experience and expertise.
• Fully remote work arrangement, offering maximum flexibility.
• Opportunity to work on visually spectacular and technically challenging projects.
• Access to a powerful remote workstation and necessary software licenses.
• Continuous learning opportunities and professional development support.
• Collaborative and innovative team culture with experienced industry professionals.
• Contribution to award-winning visual effects for major film and television productions.