Software Developer

Reel FX develops and produces animated films and short form content.

The Software Developer is a production technology position. The Software Developer works closely with the Technical Supervisor and production artists to support the technical execution of an animated feature film project. Software developers help guide projects through the production pipeline by writing new tools, maintaining existing tools, troubleshooting scenes, and addressing technical challenges across all disciplines of the CG pipeline. The successful candidates have the ability to identify deficiencies in the technical process and to research, design, and implement solutions to enhance production workflow. The software developer must work well in a team-oriented production environment, where daily proactive problem solving and technical innovation are expected.

* Facilitates production workflow efficiencies by performing software development (MEL, Python, and C++) at a middle level of difficulty. * Develops plugins, utilities, and scripts that perform higher level functions outside the scope of a single 3D scene, codes against studio tool development standards and APIs. * Specifies and prototypes high-level production tools and workflows. Works closely with other pipeline software developers to create and deliver studio-wide solutions. * Collaborates with Technical Supervisor and CG Supervisor on production strategy and show-wide resource and support planning. * Develops advanced studio tools that adhere to departmental standards, conventions, and APIs. * Provides support for artists in all areas of production working in Maya, Nuke, Mari, and Houdini. * Makes recommendations and contributes improvements to established software development standards. * Develops architectural components and contributes to software development strategy. * Works with artists to define scope of tools, serves as lead developer on mid-sized projects. * Operates with a service-based, positive attitude. * Able and willing to provide mentorship to junior TDs.

* BS degree in Science or Engineering; Computer Science, Film or Animation preferred. * Advanced experience with Linux/UNIX systems. * 3-5 years of experience working on long-form CG/animation productions. * Mid-level understanding of Python and C++, has developed plug-ins for 3D animation applications (Maya / Nuke / Houdini / Arnold Renderer). * Mid-level understanding of animated feature film production pipelines: knows function of all CG departments, the specific toolsets they use, and understands the functional components of each department at an advanced level. * Possesses strong understanding of core functionality of Maya, Nuke, Mari, and Houdini and is expected to devise original or alternate solutions to challenging artistic and technical problems in production using these applications. * Works autonomously with minimal assistance from a mentor/supervisor.