Senior Pipeline TD - Film 2D

Framestore

10d • Hybrid

About The Position

This is a new role within our team. As a Senior Pipeline Technical Director for Film 2D, you'll play a central role in building a resilient, intelligent VFX pipeline that removes technical friction and keeps our artists focused on creative delivery. You'll focus on supporting and enhancing production workflows across our 2D division, covering Compositing, Paint & Roto, Editorial, and Review Tools. From building robust Python tools to pioneering practical machine learning integrations (such as Switchlight, SAM3, and ComfyUI workflows), you'll help automate complex tasks and streamline shot delivery. Working closely with artist supervisors, heads of department, and our global pipeline team across London, Montreal, Melbourne, and Mumbai, you'll combine strong software engineering practices with a grounded, production-focused approach.

Requirements

• Significant experience in VFX pipeline development with a solid understanding of 2D production workflows.
• Expert Python development skills, with a focus on modern design patterns, clean code, and standard libraries.
• Strong experience building custom GUI applications and tools using PySide or PyQt.
• Deep experience with the Nuke API, programmatic control, and workflow automation.
• Practical experience deploying machine learning models directly into production pipelines.
• Solid understanding of open-source VFX frameworks such as OpenImageIO, OpenColorIO, FFmpeg, and OpenRV.
• Strong software engineering fundamentals in a Linux environment, including Git, code reviews, testing, and performance monitoring.
• Approachable communication skills and a user-centric mindset when building tools for artists.

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience with ComfyUI or Stable Diffusion for custom generative AI pipelines and node development.
• Containerisation experience (Docker or similar) for deploying scalable machine learning inference services.
• Experience with render farm queue managers such as Deadline or Tractor.
• Web development skills using FastAPI, React, or similar for building pipeline dashboards.
• Experience setting up CI/CD workflows in GitLab.
• Scripting experience with ShotGrid / Flow Production Tracking APIs and database handling (SQL/NoSQL).
• Experience guiding agentic AI workflows to design and construct scalable, well-architected solutions.
• Prior hands-on experience as a 2D Compositor.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and maintain artist-friendly Python and PySide tools across our 2D workflows.
• Integrate practical machine learning solutions into our active pipeline to automate complex tasks and accelerate shot delivery.
• Collaborate closely with Compositing Supervisors, VFX Supervisors, and Heads of 2D to proactively identify and resolve workflow bottlenecks.
• Maintain and expand core software libraries, ensuring clean code, Git version control, and clear documentation.
• Support and enhance deep Nuke API integrations, custom gizmos, and media processing workflows.
• Offer technical guidance, share best practices, and mentor junior team members across our global department.

Benefits

• Accessibility Statement Our London studio is fully accessible, with step-free entry, accessible toilets on all floors, and quiet spaces available. We are committed to supporting disabled colleagues and providing an inclusive workplace for everyone.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed