Technical Director Core Assets - Netflix Animation Studios

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 Core Assets Technical Director supports creative and visual objectives by owning the pipeline troubleshooting, tool development, and artist support for Modelling, Rigging, and Surfacing of Characters and Environments. This role requires a solid technical understanding of these craft groups to design tools, troubleshoot workflows, and enable high-quality, standardized technical outcomes in partnership with Solutions Engineering and R&D.

What You’ll Do:

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

• Lead the technical direction, evolution, and maintenance of core technology and workflows for Modelling, Rigging, and Surfacing.

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

• Track, debug and resolve workflow issues in partnership with Lead TDs, Technical Supervisors, Associate Technical Supervisors, Solutions Engineers and R&D.

• Work closely with other TD’s on your team to drive the technical success of key development initiatives.

• Ensure that technology, tools, and procedures 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 tools, software, and workflows.

• Actively participate in or drive 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 development initiatives and actively engage in keeping these on track.

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

• Prioritise and break down technical projects into organised parts.

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

• Mentor more junior team members 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.

What You’ll Need:

Experience:

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

• Solid production/industry experience as a TD.

• Strong understanding of OpenUSD and its architecture like composition and Hydra.

• Comprehensive experience using and troubleshooting in Maya and Houdini, as well as their respective APIs.

• Good development skills and understanding of department workflows and technology across Modelling, Rigging or Surfacing.

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

• Familiarity with Asset Management Systems and associated processes like asset publishing and validation.

• Solid Python expertise, including PyQt or PySide.

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

• Understanding of C++ is a plus.

• Knowledge of Flow Production Tracking (shotgrid) is a plus.

• 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.

This role is based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Hybrid Role (Minimum requirement of 3 days a week in the office).

At NAS, we carefully consider a wide range of compensation factors to determine your compensation. We rely on market indicators and consider your specific job family, background, location, skills, and experience.  The overall market range for this role is typically $120,000 - $180,000 CAD.  This reflects total compensation; we do not have bonuses.

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.