FX Pipeline TD at LAIKA

Imagine a workspace where the boundaries of animation are constantly being pushed by a team that blends artistry with cutting-edge engineering. We are a studio dedicated to crafting visually stunning stories, and our FX pipeline is the heartbeat of that creative process. We are looking for a visionary lead to join our technology team, helping us refine and expand our USD-backed, Houdini-based pipeline to ensure our artists have the most powerful tools at their fingertips.

The opportunity

As our FX Pipeline TD, you will serve as a bridge between technical innovation and artistic execution. You will play a pivotal role in designing and deploying custom plugins, scripts, and digital assets that empower our FX team. This is a full-time position where you will help shape the future of our production workflows, ensuring our systems remain robust, scalable, and intuitive for everyone from senior engineers to creative artists.

A day in the life

• You will develop and maintain custom Houdini tools and digital assets, working closely with production leadership to solve complex visual challenges and streamline cross-departmental workflows.
• You will act as a technical partner to our artists, translating their creative needs into functional prototypes and robust systems that integrate seamlessly into our asset management architecture.
• You will maintain the health of our pipeline by providing hands-on support, troubleshooting bugs, updating documentation, and guiding users through new software releases.

Who you are

You are a seasoned professional with at least 4 years of experience in an animation or VFX environment, and you thrive when solving technical puzzles. You communicate clearly in English and possess a deep technical toolkit, including:

• Advanced proficiency in Python, including PySide and pytest, alongside expertise in Houdini’s domain-specific languages like Vex and Hscript.
• Hands-on experience with USD and its APIs, both in standalone contexts and within Solaris.
• A strong grasp of Git for version control and a comfort level working within Linux environments.
• A collaborative mindset that allows you to translate complex technical requirements into user-friendly solutions.

Why you'll love it here

We believe in providing a balanced environment where our team can do their best work. You will enjoy the flexibility of a hybrid work arrangement, allowing you to balance time at our Hillsboro facility with the comfort of working from home. We are committed to supporting your professional growth and providing the resources you need to build industry-leading technology.