Technical Director Core Assets - Netflix Animation Studios

• 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.

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.

Skills/Knowledge

• 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 Sydney, New South Whales. Hybrid Role (Minimum requirement of 3 days a week in the office).

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.

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!