Core Assets Technical Director

Netflix Animation Studios is on a mission to entertain the world with bold, immersive animated films that are timeless and impactful. We are paving the way for the future of animation by building a community of amazing artists and talent across three vibrant locations globally. Come join us!

Job Summary:

The Mid Level TD for Core Assets is responsible for supporting creative and visual objectives through pipeline troubleshooting, user support, technical direction, and tool development. The Mid Level TD for Core Assets exhibits solid technical understanding of processes, technology, and tools within Modelling, Rigging, and Look Development for Characters and Environments. The Mid Level TD for Core Assets participates in the development of artist workflows and tools, and can easily debug problematic workflow steps to support global studio productions in those areas.

• Understand the technical requirements for productions and suggest new technologies, or design procedures, techniques, and tools that will enable these to be met.

• Provide technical expertise and guidance for technology within the Core Assets department.

• Participate in the direction, evolution & maintenance of the technology within the Core Assets Department.

• Design, develop, and write well-maintainable and consistently high-quality code.

• Debug and resolve workflow issues in partnership with Lead TDs, Supervising TDs & R&D.

• Work closely with other TD’s within Core Assets to drive the technical success of key development initiatives.

• Ensure that technology, tools, and procedures within the Core Assets Craft Group support the creative process.

• Provide solutions to visual problems through existing tools or by leading the implementation of new tools.

• Take responsibility for the troubleshooting & optimization of the Modelling, Rigging, and Look Development tools, software, and workflows.

• Actively participate in QA, technical testing, and validation of new technology, tool releases, or pipeline changes, such that artist workflow is not impacted.

• Understand the processes of adjoining departments, provide input where required to maximise pipeline efficiency and quality.

• Actively participate in brainstorming and problem-solving, contributing technical expertise and insight, to create and maintain technology within the canonical production pipeline.

• Support the organisation’s overall technical goals as required.

• Be aware of the deadlines for own development initiatives (both show-based, and facility) and actively engage in keeping these on track.

• Continuously monitor the scope of development initiatives within the Core Assets department and help to ensure scope adjustments have additional estimates, etc.

• Prioritise and break down technical projects into organised parts.

• Work with the Supervising and Lead TDs to prepare estimates and pitches as required.

• Provide technical guidance to Junior TDs and TAs with day-to-day issues and escalation through the right channels when necessary.

• Mentor Junior TDs within the team and assist in orientation with new starters.

• Create synergies between different work groups to promote efficiency and optimization and to generate innovative ideas and approaches to how we do things.

• Strong communication skills for technical ideas, project status, problems, requirements, rollout plans, etc.

• Able to communicate with Program Managers to contribute to scheduling and planning of technology initiatives.

• Able to discuss issues with artists & production in a non-technical way.

• Able to discuss complex issues with developers and supervisors.

• Able to present to small teams (tool demos, Show Contract process, Support Dashboards, etc.).

• Good written communication skills for specs, tickets, status updates, etc.

Experience: 

• Relevant education in software engineering and/or film creation process.

• 2+ years of proven pipeline TD experience in large-scale animated features, animated TV series, and/or VFX feature films.

• Solid production/industry experience as a TD, ideally as part of a team.

Skills/Knowledge: 

• An understanding of traditional techniques appropriate to the Core Assets craft group.

• Good development skills and understanding of department workflows and technology.

• Comprehensive experience using and troubleshooting in Maya, Houdini, Nuke, and/or other similar software in the animation domain.

• Ability to code review and troubleshoot problems as they arise.

• Knowledge in Python as well as PyQt or another GUI toolkit.

• Knowledge of concepts like data flow, data dependencies, metadata, publishing, and retrieval.

• Understanding of C++ a plus.

• A strong understanding of USD and its general concepts.

• Knowledge of Flow Production Tracking (shotgrid).

• Knowledge of code management software such as git and github and code review processes.

• Knowledge of software development practices such as Agile and how to apply them in software such as Jira.

• Degree in Animation, Film, Computer Science, Design, Engineering, Math or Physics, or equivalent combination of education & work experience in animation/VFX.

Behaviours: 

• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment.

• Great interpersonal skills.

• Willing to learn and contribute to the success of the team and project.

• Friendly and approachable.

• Detail-oriented.

• Trustworthy and reliable.

This role is based out of Sydney, Australia. Hybrid Role (Minimum of 3 days a week in the office). 

NAS benefits can include medical/dental/vision plans, mental health support, retirement programs, and family-forming benefits, paid leave of absence programs, and paid time away programs to be used for vacation and sick paid time off. See more detail about our benefits here. 

Inclusion is a Netflix value and we strive to host a meaningful interview experience for all candidates. If you want an accommodation/adjustment for a disability or any other reason during the hiring process, please send a request to your recruiting partner.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and celebrate diversity, recognizing that diversity builds stronger teams. We approach diversity and inclusion seriously and thoughtfully. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service.