The Sr Core Software Engineer is part of LAIKA’s Core Technology team, developing tools and systems that help bring our stories to life. This role researches, designs, and builds new software solutions while improving and optimizing the platforms that support our studio’s production pipeline. The Sr Core Software Engineer is expected to develop mission critical and creative solutions within a unique and exciting niche of the Media and Entertainment industry. The ideal candidate blends technical depth with creative curiosity to help shape the next generation of LAIKA’s production technology and directly influence how our films are made.
Job Functions- Collaborate on the design and development of foundational systems used across LAIKA’s technology stack including developer-facing APIs and services.
- Develop and maintain high-quality, maintainable code; write automation tools and leverage open-source technologies to improve efficiency and reliability.
- Work with database developers to define and implement best practices for schema design, performance, and scalability.
- Architect tools and infrastructure solutions that improve flexibility, control, and user experience across production environments.
- Establish and standardize core components of LAIKA’s technology platform to ensure consistency, quality, and maintainability.
- Design and build prototypes in collaboration with project teams, with iterative feedback from key stakeholders for next generation systems.
- Design intuitive APIs and interfaces for both technical and non-technical users; offer expertise in dependency mapping, testing frameworks, build and release systems, enterprise messaging, automated deployment, and cloud integrations.
- Maintain a deep understanding of parallel programming, multithreading, and data-driven architectures including scene graph and data flow algorithms.
- 7+ years of applied software development or engineering experience in a professional setting.
- Experience with SDLC concepts and methodologies including CI/CD and version control.
- Solid general programming skills including knowledge of software patterns, build systems, and methods for coding high-performance applications.
- Expertise in Python including the standard library and common 3rd party libraries and frameworks.
- Experience with other languages in addition to Python such as C++, Rust, Go, or Node.JS preferred.
- Experience developing and operating services on container platforms such as Docker/ Kubernetes preferred.
- Experience compiling open-source tools for Linux, Mac, and/or Windows preferred.
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to walk; stand; sit; use hands to operate standard office equipment; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear both in person and by telephone. The employee must lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Work environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee works under typical office conditions and is exposed to variable indoor temperatures. The noise level is usually quiet or moderate.
On-site in Hillsboro, OR, and eligible for remote work (in CA, OR, or WA only).
SalarySalary is commensurate with skills and experience.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
Please review our EMPLOYMENT DISCLAIMER and MATERIALS SUBMISSION AGREEMENT.
Top Skills
What We Do
LAIKA was founded in 2005 in Oregon and is guided by the vision of its President & CEO Travis Knight. Located just outside Portland, Oregon, LAIKA was awarded a Scientific and Technology Oscar® for its innovation in 3D printing in 2016. Its five films - Missing Link (2019); Kubo and the Two Strings (2016); The Boxtrolls (2014); ParaNorman (2012), and Coraline (2009) - were all nominated for Oscars® and PGA Awards as Outstanding Animated Film. Missing Link was the first LAIKA film to win the Golden Globe® for Best Animated Feature and was awarded two Visual Effects Society (VES) awards for Outstanding Visual Effects in an Animated Feature and Outstanding Animated Character, and received seven Annie Award nominations. Kubo received a second Oscar® nomination for Outstanding Visual Effects and won the BAFTA Award, as well as three Annie Awards, the National Board of Review's Best Animated Feature citation, and 19 regional and critics’ group awards. The Boxtrolls earned Critics’ Choice and Golden Globe Award nominations and 13 Annie Award nominations, more than any other film that year. ParaNorman garnered BAFTA, Critics’ Choice, and GLAAD Media Award nominations, won two Annie Awards, and was cited as the year’s best animated film by 14 critics’ groups. Coraline earned Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Critics’ Choice nominations and was named one of the year’s 10 Best Films by the American Film Institute (AFI). For more information, visit http://www.LAIKA.com.
