Pipeline Supervisor

DNEG

7d•$100,000 - $120,000

About The Position

DDU (DNEG Dedicated Unit) operates within BRAHMA AI and works closely with DNEG to develop technology used directly in production. The team builds tools, platforms and workflows that support VFX and Feature Animation pipelines across DNEG’s global studios. Much of the work focuses on artist-facing tools, large production pipelines, simulation and rendering workflows, and systems that need to run reliably across distributed teams. As a Pipeline Supervisor you will have overall responsibility for identifying and defining the core pipeline and workflow requirements for large or complex shows. You will be responsible for designing technical solutions to the specific and general needs of those shows in collaboration with global supervisors, senior production staff and lead R&D developers. Our talented Pipeline Supervisors are highly technical and are enthusiastic leaders. You will be regularly required to: Be the bridge between the shows and the requirements of Technology team(s) Assigned to one, or more likely numerous shows depending on complexity Responsible for the integrity of said show(s) tech stack Responsible for the leadership of ATDs on show Responsible for the leadership of PipeTDs on show, where applicable Chair show ProdTech meetings/equivalent ceremony for the site In charge of the day-to-day Pipeline Operations of the show Onboard and Mentor new ATDs where a PipeTD is not available Contribute to Pipeline via knowledge in relevant technology, techniques and workflows Collaborate with show leads and supervisors to design technical solutions to complex production problems Break down pipeline and tool development projects into development tasks and assign them to the team of ATDs and Pipeline TDs, or complete these tasks themselves. Supervise show pipeline and tool development, providing leadership on architecture and methods. This can mean overseeing the pipeline up to the point where geometry is delivered to the renderer - if a show has a Rendering Supervisor, they may take over from there Ensure the scalability and reliability of show-developed tools. Partner with CG Supervisor, Site Supervisor and R&D/Pipe to address show-specific pipeline needs. Ensure effective communication between Leads, Supervisors, Pipe, R&D and the show's pipeline team, as well as make sure critical information is shared across shows. Conduct code reviews of tools developed by Pipeline TDs. Provide mentorship for ATDs and Pipeline TDs. Vet artist requests for new tools. Make recommendations and provide solutions to Site Supervisors to improve quality, efficiency, and workflow. Facilitate the hand-off of new tools and pipeline improvements at the end of production to either the Product Development team or Operational Labs This role is an integral part of the connection between our excellent R&D teams and our brilliant artists and Production staff. With every decision the Pipeline team makes you will be evaluating the needs of the specific shows with the improvement of the Double Negative pipeline as a whole and will be key in aiding communication between these two groups. You will be a supervising presence for more junior members of the Pipeline team, including our Pipeline TDs, ATDs and ATD Apprentices, who will look to you to provide coaching, guidance and mentoring. You will also be required to manage and contribute to their on-show development of tools and workflows, ensuring that all development efforts meet the needs of the show while also contributing to the overall pipeline. Above all, you will be at the heart of the award-winning Visual Effects and Feature Animation work we undertake and will have significant influence in facilitating the delivery of these world-class shows as well as the cutting-edge technology which makes it all possible.

Requirements

A degree in Computer Science, Computer Graphics or related field
or previous work experience in visual effects, games or another related industry
Excellent Python and Linux skills
Experience in developing tools for DCC packages such as Maya, Houdini and/or Nuke
Experience with source control systems and team development
Proven ability to negotiate with key stakeholders and balance priority
Experience in mentoring (and perhaps even leading) junior members of the team
Experience expectation Management of clients (production)
Years of experience in a related field

Nice To Haves

Proven negotiation skills in a production environment
Experience with renderers such as PRMan, Clarisse or Mantra
Familiarity with agile methodologies
Working knowledge knowledge of source control, PRs and git flow
Experience task tracking, jira, or equivalent
Worked within a mid-large sized development team
3-5 years of experience in VFX
Experience with Realtime Technologies
Experience in writing documentation and/or tutorials

Responsibilities

Be the bridge between the shows and the requirements of Technology team(s)
Assigned to one, or more likely numerous shows depending on complexity
Responsible for the integrity of said show(s) tech stack
Responsible for the leadership of ATDs on show
Responsible for the leadership of PipeTDs on show, where applicable
Chair show ProdTech meetings/equivalent ceremony for the site
In charge of the day-to-day Pipeline Operations of the show
Onboard and Mentor new ATDs where a PipeTD is not available
Contribute to Pipeline via knowledge in relevant technology, techniques and workflows
Collaborate with show leads and supervisors to design technical solutions to complex production problems
Break down pipeline and tool development projects into development tasks and assign them to the team of ATDs and Pipeline TDs, or complete these tasks themselves.
Supervise show pipeline and tool development, providing leadership on architecture and methods.
Ensure the scalability and reliability of show-developed tools.
Partner with CG Supervisor, Site Supervisor and R&D/Pipe to address show-specific pipeline needs.
Ensure effective communication between Leads, Supervisors, Pipe, R&D and the show's pipeline team, as well as make sure critical information is shared across shows.
Conduct code reviews of tools developed by Pipeline TDs.
Provide mentorship for ATDs and Pipeline TDs.
Vet artist requests for new tools.
Make recommendations and provide solutions to Site Supervisors to improve quality, efficiency, and workflow.
Facilitate the hand-off of new tools and pipeline improvements at the end of production to either the Product Development team or Operational Labs