Overview
Build and maintain the custom tools, automation systems, and infrastructure that enable our team to generate, process, and deliver realistic human animations at unprecedented scale. This role is the backbone of production efficiency, creating the systems that transform novel technology into a reliable production pipeline.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement custom pipeline tools for animation generation, review, and refinement workflows
- Create automation systems that process animations at scale with minimal manual intervention
- Build integrations between ML generation systems, DCC tools (Maya, MotionBuilder, etc.), and Unreal Engine
- Develop asset management and version control systems for large-scale animation data
- Optimize pipeline performance and identify bottlenecks in the generation-to-delivery workflow
- Create user-friendly interfaces and tools for artists to interact with automated systems
- Maintain pipeline documentation and provide technical support to production team
- Collaborate with ML engineers and Unreal developers to ensure seamless data flow
Required Qualifications
- 7+ years of experience as Pipeline Lead in games, VFX, or animation studios
- Expert-level Python programming; C++ experience highly valued
- Strong experience with DCC tool APIs (Maya Python API, MotionBuilder SDK, etc.)
- Knowledge of build systems, automation tools, and CI/CD pipelines
- Experience with database systems and large-scale data management
- Familiarity with version control systems (Git, Perforce) and asset management tools
- Understanding of animation workflows, file formats, and technical constraints
- Fluent English for documentation, team communication, and technical specifications
Essential Soft Skills
- Team player: Creates tools that serve artists' needs, actively solicits feedback from end users
- Proactive mindset: Identifies inefficiencies and builds solutions before being asked
- Motivation to grow: Eager to learn new technologies and integrate novel ML systems into traditional pipelines
- User-centric thinking: Designs tools with artist experience and usability in mind
- Strong problem solver: Debugs complex issues spanning multiple systems and technologies
- Detail-oriented: Ensures reliability and robustness in production-critical tools
- Office presence: Available on-site for hands-on troubleshooting and collaborative tool development