Pre-Production Technical Director

About Netflix Animation Studios

Netflix Animation Studios is on a mission to entertain the world with bold, immersive animated films that are timeless and impactful. We are paving the way for the future of animation by building a community of amazing artists and talent across three vibrant locations globally. Come join us!

Job Summary

The Pre-Production Technical Director is responsible for supporting creative and visual objectives through pipeline troubleshooting, user support, technical direction, and tool development for front-end craft groups, including Story, Edit, Art, Concept, Design, Visual Development, and Previs. As a technical expert, the Pre-Production Technical Director exhibits a deep understanding of processes, technology, and tools within these domains. They contribute technical expertise to the design and development of artist workflows and tools, ensuring that the pre-production process is efficient and integrated with the overall production pipeline.

What You’ll Do

Technical Responsibilities:

• Understand visual requirements, suggest new technologies, or design procedures, techniques, and tools.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance for all Pre-Production department technology.
• Contribute to the direction, evolution, and maintenance of Pre-Production technology.
• Design, develop, and write well-maintainable and consistently high-quality code.
• Track and resolve complex technical issues in partnership with TDs and Software Engineers.
• Work closely with other TDs and Software Engineers to drive key development initiatives.
• Ensure Pre-Production technology, tools, and procedures support the creative process.
• Provide solutions to visual problems using existing tools or implementing new ones.
• Troubleshoot and optimize Pre-Production tools, software, and workflows.
• Actively drive QA, technical testing, and validation of new technology and tool releases.
• Understand adjoining department processes to maximize pipeline efficiency and quality.
• Actively participate in brainstorming and problem-solving, contributing technical expertise.
• Support the organization’s overall technical goals as required.

Bidding & Scheduling Responsibilities:

• Be aware of development initiative deadlines and actively keep them on track.
• Continuously monitor scope of challenging development initiatives; ensure adjustments have estimates.
• Prioritize and break down technical projects into organized parts.
• Work with the Supervising TD to prepare estimates and pitches as required.

Talent & Performance Management Responsibilities:

• Work with Supervising TD for Front-End to provide technical guidance to Pre-Production TDs.
• Help develop skills of mid-level TDs within the Front End Craft Group.
• Mentor mid-level TDs and assist in orientation for senior new starters.
• Create synergies between work groups to promote efficiency and innovative approaches.

Communication Collaboration & Relationship Development Responsibilities:

• Strong communication skills for technical ideas, project status, problems, and rollout plans.
• Able to communicate with Program Managers for scheduling and planning complex initiatives.
• Able to discuss complex issues with Senior Software Engineers, developers, and supervisors.
• Able to present to small teams (tool demos, show contract process, support dashboards).
• Good written communication skills for specs, tickets, and status updates.

Behaviors

• Takes a collaborative approach, always working towards team goals and success.
• Is artist-focused, passionate about improving the artist experience and workflow.
• Acts as a proactive contributor, eager to learn and help the team succeed.
• Stays supportive and approachable, fostering a friendly and open environment.
• Is detail-oriented, ensuring high standards in all work.
• Remains trustworthy and reliable in all responsibilities.

What You’ll Need

• Relevant education in software engineering and/or film creation process.
• 5+ years of proven pipeline TD experience in large-scale animated features, TV series, games, or VFX.
• Proven technical achievements within feature animation or VFX.
• An understanding of traditional techniques appropriate to the Pre-Production craft group.
• Comprehensive experience using and troubleshooting software: Maya, Flix, Avid, Storyboard Pro, Premiere, Photoshop.
• Comprehensive understanding of technical details within the Pre-Production department.
• Ability to code review and troubleshoot problems as they arise.
• Expert knowledge in Python and PyQt or another GUI toolkit.
• Knowledge of concepts like data flow, data dependencies, metadata, publishing, and retrieval.
• Solid understanding of C++ is a plus.
• A strong understanding of USD and its general concepts.
• Knowledge of Flow Production Tracking (ShotGrid).
• Knowledge of code management software such as git and GitHub and code review processes.
• Knowledge of software development practices such as Agile and how to apply them in Jira.
• Degree in Animation, Film, Computer Science, Design, Engineering, Math, Physics, or equivalent experience.

Key skills/competency

• Python
• Maya
• Pipeline Development
• Troubleshooting
• Technical Direction
• USD
• ShotGrid
• Git
• Workflow Design
• Communication