CFX TD

Job summary

Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot CFX pipeline tools and workflows for Asset and Character FX artists, using custom and commercial Python and C++ APIs. Collaborate with artists, leads, and other TDs to support production, resolve issues, and document tools and workflows.

Job details

Purpose of the job: The Assets Department and the Character FX (CFX) Department work together to augment the primary performance with realistic motion of fur, hair, cloth, skin and muscle simulations to bring characters and creatures to life. A CFX Pipeline TD works with both these departments to improve, maintain and troubleshoot the CFX pipeline. They design, implement, and manage tools that assist Asset and CFX artists with their daily use of both third party and in-house software and systems. The role requires strong technical and communication skills, as well as a firm understanding of software design, character animation principles, simulation workflows, VFX production workflows, and the tools and technologies used by CFX artists (such as character and simulation rigs, muscle and deformation systems, grooming tools, etc.). CFX Pipeline TDs work alongside peers and supervisors, crafting novel tools, techniques, and workflows, as directed by the Department Heads and the Domain Pipeline Supervisors. They also provide show support as needed for artists using the CFX pipeline and toolset. Essential Functions/Responsibilities: Ability to work with artists and other TDs to help design and create tools to be integrated into Digital Domain's existing pipeline. These tools will be created using a combination of custom and commercial Python and C++ APIs. Work with CFX and Asset Leads to augment the team’s workflows and toolsets to achieve specific goals of the project. Work directly with artists to troubleshoot and fix problems. Craft and update documentation for tools, techniques, and workflows generated. Education and/or Experience Required: 3+ years experience as a Technical Director. Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics or a related field and/or a combination of education and experience that would be equivalent to that level of professionalism, problem solving, and analytical skills. Proficiency in Python. Proficiency with Houdini’s HDK / OTLs / VEX required. Familiarity with rigging and simulation in Houdini required. Familiarity with creating GUIs with PySide/PyQt preferred. Familiarity with USD preferred. Experience with Maya, Solaris, and/or Nuke a plus. Working Conditions and Environment/Physical Demands: Office working environment. Hours for this position are based on normal working hours but will require extra hours pending production needs. Walking/bending/sitting.

What you’ll do

Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot CFX pipeline tools and workflows for Asset and Character FX artists, using custom and commercial Python and C++ APIs. Collaborate with artists, leads, and other TDs to support production, resolve issues, and document tools and workflows.

Requirements

Requires at least three years of Technical Director experience, proficiency in Python and Houdini HDK, OTLs, and VEX, plus familiarity with Houdini rigging and simulation. A degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field—or equivalent education and experience—is required; PySide/PyQt and USD familiarity are preferred, while Maya, Solaris, and Nuke experience is a plus.

Listed skills

• Python · Preferred
• C++ · Preferred
• Pipeline Development · Preferred
• Troubleshooting · Preferred
• Technical Documentation · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Python
• C++
• Houdini HDK
• Houdini OTLs
• VEX
• Houdini Rigging
• Simulation Workflows
• PySide/PyQt
• USD
• Maya
• Solaris
• Nuke
• Pipeline Development
• Troubleshooting
• Technical Documentation
• Communication

Job areas

• Creative & Media
• Software
• Technology

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