Tools TD

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

The Tools Technical Director works closely with the Technical Supervisor, CG Supervisor, Production Technology group and production artists to support the technical execution of a project. Technical directors guide projects through the production pipeline by writing tools, validating production assets, troubleshooting scenes, and addressing technical challenges across all disciplines of the CG pipeline. The successful candidate has the ability to identify deficiencies in the technical process and to research, design, and implement solutions to enhance production workflow. The technical director must work well in a team-oriented production environment, where daily proactive problem solving and technical innovation are expected.

* Assists in the early strategy and technical setup and create tools and efficiencies for a project in order to optimize and enable fluid handoffs between departments for each stage of the pipeline.? * Troubleshoots problems across all pipeline disciplines: examples include validation of modeling and texturing integrity, character setup adjustments, animations issues, lighting and rendering problems. * ? Studies patterns and trends, identifies common technical problems in a production, and recommends/implements new processes or workflows to address those problems. * Identifies tool development needs and works directly with leads, artists, and the Pipeline Tools group to define requirements, develop and test prototypes, and develop end solutions.? * Locates, tests, and diagnoses issues with rendering workflow or output, including the maintenance or troubleshooting of shaders and plug-ins. * Monitors the handoffs between departments and identifies problematic areas or process bottle-necks: examples include transition from modeling to texturing, ingestion of animation data into lighting, and integration of visual effects into final lighting scenes. * ? Collaborates with other technical directors and software developers, attends regular production technology team meetings and serves an active role in the direction of the pipeline.

* Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Film, Animation, or equivalent experience.? * 2+ years production experience. * ? Production experience in one or more of the following areas: layout, animation, modeling, texturing, rigging, fur/hair, cloth, effects, lighting, or compositing with a preferred focus on lighting. * Thorough knowledge of CG production workflow and methodologies.? * Thorough knowledge of Maya, Mel and/or Python. * Thorough knowledge of Houdini, Python and Vex. * Thorough knowledge of UNIX/Linux, procedural and object-oriented programming languages, shader/plugin writing as well as shell/Perl/Python scripting. * Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of personalities. * Engages artists with a positive attitude and encourages feedback on solutions.? * Ability to manage time and balance priorities, sometimes amidst the pressures of our busy, deadline-driven industry. * Strong aesthetic sense; demonstrates ability to make creative and aesthetic judgment calls.? * Able to communicate creative and technical thoughts and ideas. * Able to multi-task and prioritize.? * Able to thrive in a high pressure, deadline oriented environment.? * Enjoy working in teams.?