Imaging Technical Director

Imaging Technical Director

Requirements

• Relevant education in software engineering and/or film creation process.
• 5+ years of proven pipeline TD experience in large-scale animated features, animated TV series, and/or VFX feature films.
• Proven expertise in integrating and supporting review workflows, media sync, and color accuracy within animation or VFX pipelines.
• Proven technical achievements within feature animation or VFX.
• An understanding of traditional techniques appropriate to the Imaging craft group.
• Strong knowledge of review tools such as RV, ClearView, SyncSketch, and optionally color grading tools such as Nuke and/or Baselight.
• Deep understanding of color management and SDR/HDR workflows in creative review environments.
• Expert knowledge in Python as well as PyQt or another GUI toolkit.
• Familiarity with USD, Git/GitHub, Jira, and Agile development practices.
• Experience with media synchronization workflows, cloud-based access strategies, and display technology.
• Solid understanding of data flow, publishing systems, ShotGrid API, and production tracking systems.
• Experience with Linux systems, with knowledge of Windows and/or macOS being advantageous.
• Experience using and troubleshooting software in the animation domain like Nuke.
• Ability to code review and troubleshoot problems as they arise.
• Solid understanding of C++ a plus.
• Degree in Animation, Film, Computer Science, Design, Engineering, Math or Physics, or equivalent combination of education & work experience in animation/VFX.

Responsibilities

• Understand the processes of adjoining departments (Imaging, Editorial, Creative), provide input where required to maximize pipeline efficiency and review quality.
• Lead the design, implementation, and maintenance of color-critical review workflows, ensuring accurate color management using ACES/OCIO standards.
• Drive the development and integration of officially supported review tools (e.g., RV, ClearView, SyncSketch) into the canonical production pipeline.
• Collaborate with creative teams to ensure seamless review experiences and facilitate alignment between technical workflows and artistic intent.
• Establish best practices for media management, including synchronized high-fidelity media access across facilities and cloud-based environments.
• Act as a liaison between technical and creative teams, ensuring mutual understanding of requirements and solutions.
• Actively participate in brainstorming, problem-solving, and technology evolution across Imaging, DI, Compositing, and Color pipelines.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance across the Imaging Craft Group, with a focus on enhancing artist-facing review tools and workflows.
• Design, develop, and maintain well-structured, high-quality, and maintainable code in Python and PyQt (C++ a plus).
• Track and resolve complex technical issues related to both Imaging and creative review tools in collaboration with Lead TDs, R&D, and Supervising TDs.
• Drive technical QA, validation, and testing of new tools or changes in the review pipeline to minimize impact on artist workflows.
• Stay up to date with industry trends, hardware capabilities (e.g., HDR/SDR, projectors, displays), and software advancements related to color grading and creative reviews.
• Support the organisation’s overall technical goals as required.
• Provide technical support to review tool users.
• Contribute to the planning and tracking of review tools and pipeline development initiatives within Imaging.
• Work closely with Project Management and Supervising TDs to develop timelines, estimates, and milestone deliverables for creative pipeline enhancements.
• Break down technical projects into organized phases with clearly defined priorities and responsibilities.
• Ensure scope changes for review technology implementations are captured and tracked appropriately.
• Work with Supervising TD for Imaging to provide technical guidance to Imaging TD’s with day-to-day issues and escalation through the right channels when necessary.
• Work with Technology Talent Management and Supervising TDs to help further develop the skills and abilities of mid-level TDs within the Imaging Craft Group.
• Mentor mid-level TDs within the team and assist in orientation with 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.
• Communicate complex technical ideas, project statuses, and rollout plans clearly to creative and technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with Media Engineers, IT staff and Post Services Engineers to ensure review spaces are functional.
• Represent Imaging & Creative Pipeline in tool demos, support dashboards, show contract process, etc.
• Engage with internal Program Managers and creative stakeholders to ensure their review needs are met through robust and intuitive tooling.
• Openness to occasional travel to partner locations for tool integration, user training, or collaboration with global creative teams.
• Good written communication skills for specs, tickets, status updates, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with media synchronization workflows, cloud-based access strategies, and display technology.
• Solid understanding of C++ a plus.