Overview
ABOUT IMAGE ENGINE
Based in Vancouver BC, we are a world-class visual effects studio 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.
Well known for our Academy Award Nominated work on Neill Blomkamp’s District 9, we have gone on to create numerous incredible creatures, epic environments and extraordinary digital effects for a broad range of feature films including; Zero Dark Thirty, Jurassic World, Game of Thrones, and Independence Day Resurgence.
We can do this because we place awesome new tools in the hands of our artists. R&D is central to our philosophy of driving creativity through innovation, with a focus on continually evolving our robust production pipelines and pioneering in the area of proprietary software development
POSITION PURPOSE
The Pipeline TD is a position that allows one individual to touch on the whole gamut of a VFX Pipeline. It could span from production staff struggles to Maya/Houdini/Nuke glitches or asset management support to show setups and back again. You will write tools for all departments including Assets, Animation, BG Prep, Production, FX and Lighting.
The Pipeline TDs use their investigative skills and listen to our artists, coordinators and producers’ challenges to either educate them with an existing solution or translate and implement their struggle into a specific tool, which enables them to coordinate and execute show requirements effectively.
Pipeline TDs are the primary point of contact for shows, like the emergency staff in a hospital, but they are surrounded by the entire software group in their undertakings of course. You are not alone!
The Pipeline TD contributes to the overall operation and improvement of the Facility Pipeline. This will include but will not be limited to engaging in cross-department communication, flagging/providing solutions to critical path issues, and creating documentation. In addition, the Pipeline TD helps develop new processes and innovative solutions to bring Image Engine artistry to the next level.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Determine the broad technical and creative approach, in conjunction with the Head of Technical Production or Pipeline Lead
Provide support to the VFX departments and to the Productions in the smooth running of tasks through our pipeline
Build and maintain elements of the pipeline with an emphasis on optimizing the flow of our processes
Create facility-based or show-based scripts and tools
Communicate successes and challenges faced by the team to the Head of Technical Production or Pipeline Lead
Provide support for artists in learning and using the pipeline
Be an additional point of support for shot based issues, alongside leads and supervisors
Act as a liaison for communicating technical issues to IT or R&D
Use time management skills to schedule tasks effectively
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
4+ years’ experience as a Pipeline TD
A degree or equivalent in Computer Graphics, Computer Science or other related course
Ability to balance quick turnaround while achieving a high degree of technical quality
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Technical skills
Experience of Python and shell scripting is required. C or C++ is a plus
Solid and clean coding practices to understand and expand on our existing code base
Experience with Linux is required
Knowledge of Maya, Nuke, Houdini, and/or Shotgun is a plus
Experience building software (SConstruct, CMake) is a plus
A knack for UI/UX is plus and we might ask you to use that skill.
Core skills
Interest in monitoring and identifying potential inefficiencies in a production pipeline
Ability to troubleshoot and deal with competing priorities and projects
Ability to take direction and feedback from a supervisor or a peer
Team oriented with good communication skills, able to work closely with artists
Ability to work in a sometimes high-pressure environment
Ability to adapt quickly to new technologies and applications
Excellent time management and communication skills
