Solutions Engineer - Production Technology Pipeline
About The Position
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! Purpose of Role The Solutions Engineer (Production Technology Pipeline) is responsible for supporting the development, maintenance, and deployment of the canonical production pipeline at the facility level. This role is considered a technical expert, exhibiting deep technical understanding of processes, technology, and tools within the pipeline. The Solutions Engineer contributes technical expertise to the design and development of pipeline workflows and tools, and often advises Associate Technical Supervisors and Solutions Engineering Managers on the future technical direction of key projects. The Solutions Engineer (Production Technology Pipeline) works closely with their craft group and R&D teams to enable high-quality technical outcomes and a standardized approach. The Solutions Engineer focuses on developing, maintaining, and improving studio-wide infrastructure, tools, and the core pipeline, and does not provide front-line support for pipeline-related issues to artists or shows and does not work directly with artists on debugging production asset issues. Solutions Engineers at Netflix Animation Studios design, develop, implement, maintain and support technical solutions that address immediate needs for animation pipeline stakeholders. They work indirectly with the end-users of the pipeline to increase operational efficiency by resolving pipeline workflow pain points. Solutions Software Engineers are responsible for end-to-end solution delivery using both third party and paved path tools. They are deeply vested in Animation Pipeline domain knowledge, and they work closely with cross-functional Production TD and engineering partners for workflow aligned solution development, graduation and deprecation.
Requirements
- Relevant education in software engineering and/or film creation process.
- 5+ years of proven pipeline or technical direction experience in large-scale animated features, animated TV series, and/or VFX feature films.
- Proven technical achievements within feature animation or VFX.
- Understanding of traditional techniques appropriate to pipeline development.
- Comprehensive experience using and troubleshooting in Maya, Houdini, Nuke, and/or other similar software in the animation domain.
- Comprehensive understanding of technical details within the Production Technology Pipeline department.
- Ability to code review and troubleshoot problems as they arise.
- Expert knowledge in Python as well as PyQt or another GUI toolkit.
- Knowledge of concepts like data flow, data dependencies, metadata, publishing, and retrieval.
- 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 and work experience in animation/VFX.
Nice To Haves
- Solid understanding of C++ is a plus.
- Strong understanding of USD and its general concepts.
- Knowledge of Flow Production Tracking (ShotGrid).
Responsibilities
- Understand the technical requirements for productions and suggest new technologies, design procedures, techniques, and tools to meet these needs.
- Provide technical expertise and guidance for all technology within the Production Technology Pipeline department.
- Lead the direction, evolution, and maintenance of the canonical production pipeline.
- Design, develop, and write maintainable, reliable, high-quality code.
- Track and resolve the most complex technical issues within the pipeline in partnership with Associate Technical Supervisors, Solutions Engineering Managers, and R&D.
- Work closely with other Solutions Engineers within the Production Technology Pipeline department to drive the technical success of key development initiatives.
- Ensure that technology, tools, and procedures within the Production Technology Pipeline department support the creative process.
- Provide solutions to technical problems through existing tools or by leading the implementation of new tools.
- Take responsibility for troubleshooting and optimization of pipeline tools, software, and workflows.
- Drive QA, technical testing, and validation of new technology, tool releases, or pipeline changes, ensuring artist workflow is not impacted.
- Understand the processes of adjoining departments and provide input where required to maximize 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 organization’s overall technical goals as required.
- Be aware of the deadlines for own development initiatives (facility-level and occasional show-based) and actively engage in keeping these on track.
- Continuously monitor the scope of the most technically challenging development initiatives within the Production Technology Pipeline department and help ensure scope adjustments have additional estimates.
- Prioritize and break down technical projects into organized parts.
- Work with the Solutions Engineering Manager to prepare estimates and pitches as required.
- Work with the Solutions Engineering Manager (Production Technology Pipeline) to provide technical guidance to pipeline TDs with day-to-day issues and escalation through the right channels when necessary.
- Work with Technology Talent Management and Solutions Engineering Managers to help further develop the skills and abilities of mid-level TDs within the Production Technology Pipeline department.
- Mentor mid-level TDs within the team and assist in orientation with senior 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.
- Demonstrate strong communication skills for technical ideas, project status, problems, requirements, rollout plans, etc.
- Communicate with Program Managers to contribute to scheduling and planning of complex technology initiatives.
- Discuss complex issues with senior software engineers, developers, and supervisors.
- Present to small teams (tool demos, support dashboards, etc.).
- Provide good written communication for specs, tickets, status updates, etc.
Benefits
- NAS benefits can include medical/dental/vision plans, mental health support, retirement programs, Stock Option Program, and family-forming benefits, paid leave of absence programs, and paid time away programs to be used for vacation and sick paid time off.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
