USD Core Technical Director

General Summary 

The USD Core Technical Director (TD) will work closely with the VFX Pipeline Manager, senior engineers, and TDs to extend and support LAIKA’s USD-backed pipeline. This position requires advanced expertise in USD to design scalable asset and shot structures that flow through the wider production pipeline with predictability and efficiency. 

Job Functions 

• Work alongside the VFX Pipeline Manager and VFX pipeline TDs to design and assist in the development of asset and shot USD structures, following best practices, prioritizing efficiency, and ensuring compatibility with the asset management system.
• Extend the capabilities of USD through custom scripts and plugins, collaborating with production and facility leadership to identify and target high-value initiatives.
• Partner with digital pipeline groups as an advocate for USD as the primary file format for 3D data.
• Work with non-technical end users and the Technology Engagement & Development team to define requirements for new tools and develop prototypes that address production challenges.
• Collaborate with pipeline TDs and engineers to evolve the core pipeline, incorporating new technologies and addressing the needs of a growing facility.
• Follow established software development lifecycle processes including build and release systems, documentation, and testing standards used within digital pipeline.
• Assist in supporting existing tools through bug fixes, maintenance, and version updates.
• Support Linux-based users with USD-related issues and workflows.
• Support applications through documentation, training, and direct engagement with end users.
• Stay current with developments, research, and best practices in the broader VFX and USD communities. 

Qualifications 

• 4+ years of experience developing custom tools and workflows within an animation or VFX studio environment.
• Expertise in USD and the suite of USD APIs.
• Expertise in Python, its standard library and tooling, and industry standard libraries such as Pyside, as well as a thorough understanding of best practices for development, deployment, and testing.
• Experience with one or more additional languages including C and/or C++, preferred.
• Experience with one or more production grade renderers, preferably Renderman.
• Experience with additional DCCs such as Houdini; Maya, Katana, and/or Nuke, a plus.
• Experience with SCM tools (e.g., Git and GitLab). 

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to walk; stand; sit; use hands to operate standard office equipment; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear both in person and by telephone. The employee must lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee works under typical office conditions and is exposed to variable indoor temperatures. The noise level is usually quiet or moderate.  

Location

On-site in Hillsboro, OR, and eligible for hybrid and/or remote work (in CA, OR, or WA only). 

Salary

Salary is commensurate with skills and experience.