Imaging Pipeline Technical Director

Please note this is a hybrid position and requires you to work from our Vancouver studio for part of the work week. This is not a remote opportunity.
Location: Vancouver preferable, Sydney positions will be considered for the right candidates.
Are you a highly skilled Technical Director, Media Engineer, Software Developer, or professional in a related field? Are you seeking a unique opportunity to shape and establish a cutting-edge review ecosystem within the animation industry? We are currently looking for talented individuals to join our team as an Imaging Pipeline Technical Director. If you have a passion for technologies related to colour accuracy, enabling collaboration between diverse teams, and streamlining review processes, we want to hear from you!
Project Overview
At Animal Logic, we are embarking on a transformative multi-year project to establish a unified, highly standardised, and colour-accurate review ecosystem. Our aim is to enable seamless collaboration and efficient tracking of media content across creative teams. In this endeavour, we are proud to collaborate closely with our Netflix partners. This project presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to the evolution of our review processes.
We are currently seeking experienced technicians, including potential candidates for a Lead position. As a Lead, excellent communication and project management skills will be essential in addition to your technical expertise. Together with our creative partners, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and implementing this ground-breaking review ecosystem.
The successful candidate will be embedded within our dynamic and diverse Imaging department, which is responsible for managing the Compositing, Finishing and Colour pipelines.
While your primary focus will be on contributing to the implementation of the review ecosystem initiative, frequent collaboration with other Imaging TDs will be required, hence having knowledge and experience in the Imaging field will be advantageous.
What you'll get to do:

• Establish efficient media management practices for high-fidelity reviews, including synchronisation of media between facilities or cloud-based access
• Define and document officially supported review tools and workflows
• Implement and validate colour-critical review workflows
• Collaborate with the creative teams to ensure colour accuracy and seamless review experiences
• Act as a liaison between the technical team and the creative teams, facilitating effective communication and understanding of technical requirements
• Ensure smooth onboarding of the review tools and workflows, addressing any technical challenges or questions
• Implement and maintain review tools and enhance their features based on user's feedback
• Provide training and support to creative teams for the adoption of the established review pipeline foundations
• Manage the transition from unsupported to officially supported review tools and workflows

Additionally, the project Lead's responsibilities will include:

• Provide leadership and guidance in the establishment and implementation of the review ecosystem
• Stay updated with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices related to review processes and pipeline development
• Work closely with the project management team to develop and drive the overall project plan, including timelines, milestones, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with project goals and objectives
• Collaborate closely with our creative partners and internal teams to understand their specific needs and ensure the review tools meet their requirements

What you bring:

• Strong Linux proficiency with knowledge of Windows and/or macOS operating systems being advantageous
• Proficiency in scripting languages such as Python, C++, or similar
• Proven experience as a Technical Director, Media Engineer, Software Engineer or in a related field within the VFX or animation industry, with a focus on pipeline development, review workflows and/or media & resource management
• Strong knowledge of industry-standard review tools such as RV, along with experience integrating them into animation pipelines and enhancing their feature set
• Knowledgeable in agile workflows, Git and the ShotGrid API
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work under tight deadlines
• Degree in Computer Science, Animation, Film, Engineering, a related field, or equivalent work experience
• In-depth understanding of colour management principles and colour-critical review processes. Experience with colour pipelines using ACES/OCIO
• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work in a team-oriented environment

The following would be considered a bonus and will be advantageous for the Lead position:

• Familiarity with additional review tools such as SyncSketch, ClearView, BlueScape
• Understanding of SDR/HDR review workflows, including current capabilities and limitations of hardware and software
• Knowledge of different display devices, such as monitors, projectors, and theatrical environments, and their impact on the review process
• Openness to occasionally travel to visit our creative partners
• Proficiency in industry-standard software tools, such as Nuke and Baselight, commonly used in the review and color grading processes

What we offer you:

• Paid 'Volunteer' days to support those causes close to your heart!
• An inclusive workplace of employees who are passionate about creativity and technology
• Exposure to a USD pipeline
• Conveniently located in vibrant Yaletown, near the heart of downtown Vancouver
• A dedicated Learning and Development and Talent Management team focused on your personal career growth
• A chance to contribute to the success of ground-breaking animated feature films
• A variety of employee benefits including free gym access, breakfast, use of barista coffee machines, weekly lunches/pastries and snacks galore!
• A world-renowned working environment packed with social clubs, activities and events
• The opportunity to join a growing, award-winning studio!
• A flexible, hybrid work environment

If this sounds like the opportunity you've been waiting for, then we want to hear from you!