Workflow TD - Houdini

• Act as primary workflow problem-solver, educator and experience optimizer for all departments interacting with Houdini, developing a comprehensive knowledge of the workflows at Image Engine
• Determine the appropriate facility solutions to creative and technical challenges in conjunction with the Workflow Supervisor, with a focus on standardizing and streamlining process and workflow across shows and departments
• Guide, support and educate Houdini users across the studio
• Consult with department leads and supervisors to to standardise Houdini workflows across the studio while maintaining the overall design ethos of the Image Engine pipeline
• Support artists, supervisors and production crew in the smooth execution of tasks and flow of data throughout our pipeline
• Design and maintain facility HDAs and templates with an emphasis on intuitive, artist friendly tools and optimizing process and data-flow to suit current production needs, while keeping an eye on the future
• Act as an additional point of support for shot based issues, alongside leads and supervisors
• Actively triage production technical issues and communicate with IT, Development or 3rd Party Vendors as required
• Communicate successes and challenges faced by the departments to the Workflow Supervisor

• Proven experience developing tools for VFX feature films
• A degree or equivalent education and experience in Computer Graphics, Computer Science, or other related course
• A solid understanding and interest in multiple areas within VFX production and software development (e.g. asset management, support, colour science, lighting, fx, etc) a plus
• Prior production experience or work as an FX artist/Lead is highly regarde d

Technical skills

• Experience developing and supporting Houdini tools
• Advanced knowledge of procedural scene assembly tools such as Gaffer, Katana, or Houdini Solaris, as well as working knowledge of other DCCs such as Maya, Nuke or equivalent
• Working knowledge of Arnold or equivalent offline production renderer
• Experience with Shotgun, RV, and interacting with production asset management systems
• Strong Python experience
• Strong understanding of CG shot production workflow

Core skills

• Curiosity. A genuine interest in understanding why we approach the work the way we do, a passion for improving that process and the drive to deliver results
• Have a knack for helping others, taking pleasure in continually improving their day-to-day experience
• Ability to effectively troubleshoot while dealing with competing priorities and projects
• Ability to take direction and feedback from a supervisor or a peer
• Team oriented with good communication skills. Able to work independently but not in isolation, as well as part of a close team
• Pragmatism. Knowing how to fit a solution to the scope of the problem and the available time
• Willingness to extend beyond your current specializations to help a larger production effort as and when required, and to cross-train in other disciplines
• Ability to adapt quickly to new technologies and applications