Overview

ABOUT IMAGE ENGINE
Well known for our work on Neill Blomkamp’s District 9, Image Engine has gone on to create numerous incredible creatures, epic environments and extraordinary digital effects for a broad range of feature films! We are led by a team of creative and passionate individuals who are committed to furthering the art of visual storytelling, and helping our exceptionally talented crew to push the boundaries of artistic and technical achievement at our studio.

POSITION PURPOSE
The FX Pipeline TD is responsible for facilitating the creation of high quality animation for film hand high end TV. They act as the liaison between fx, pipeline and r&d and act as an ambassador for technical requirements. The FX Pipeline TD will create the tools and resources to ensure the successful delivery of fx shots. They will be well versed in fx animation and simulation tasks and be able to understand and communicate technical needs and solutions. They will act as an example to and mentor junior artists and will deliver all tasks within the required timeframe. FX Pipeline TDs will be able to apply briefing notes with minimal direction from team Leads or Supervisors. They will quality check all of their work and occasionally will assist the Leads to quality check the work of junior artists should the Lead need assistance.

In addition, FX Pipeline TDs will help the Leads and FX Supervisor to flag issues, the will take the initiative to identify critical issues before they arise and develop tools and technical solutions to increase creative ability. They will participate in team meetings when necessary. They will maintain a positive attitude in times of high stress and will maintain motivation levels.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Manage time and resources to meet weekly targets
Proactively develop technical solutions to identify tools in advance of need
Update and improve existing fx tool sets as well as develop new tools, procedures and interfaces for use during current and future productions
Aid in the optimization of the fx pipeline as defined by FX Supervisor/Leads
Assist FX Artists with any technical problems they may encounter including, but not limited to, troubleshooting and debugging any day-to-day production shot issues that may arise
Represent the FX team as a technical communication conduit with the Pipeline and R&D teams, as well as interface on a technical level with other production departments and Tds.
Assist the FX team by performing fx tasks that are more technical in nature
Coach/train FX team on existing and new fx tools
Ensure the team has the tools and information they need to carry out their tasks

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
3+ years’ of experience developing fx tools in VFX feature films, games or related fields
Ability to balance quick turnaround while achieving a high degree of technical stability

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Technical skills
Expert level knowledge of Houdini
Expert level Python/VEX Scripting experience
Strong understanding of fx workflows and building of HDAs
Ability to perform fx shot work and debug existing setups where required

Core skills
Ability to help with bidding; determine the timeframe and scope required for each project
Ability to troubleshoot and deal with competing priorities and projects
Excellent problem solver who can focus on detail while maintaining a view of the whole picture
Ability to adapt quickly to new technologies and applications
Ability to teach new techniques and apply new approaches to push assets to the next level
Excellent time management and communication skills