Multisite Workflow Pipeline Engineer

020 7494 9513

Multisite Workflow Pipeline Engineer

We have an exciting opportunity to be a part of a multisite setup for Union VFX. Previous experience working across multiple sites within a VFX environment and implementing new workflows is essential. The position is based in the UK

Role Details

Our new site is an exciting expansion of our London studio and our staff and clients should have the same welcoming and high-end technical experience in multiple locations. The Multisite Workflow Pipeline Engineer (MWPE) will be helping lead development on setting up our pipeline and file system protocols for managing multiple sites. They will work with and support the Pipeline Supervisor in designing and developing a robust approach to managing VFX production data across different storage clusters. They will be required to design, present and implement their own solutions to multisite workflows using a mixture of existing 3rd party products and (where required) creating new technology to fit the needs of the company. 


All elements of the newly developed systems will need to work seamlessly within our existing pipeline workflows and provide an intuitive and clear way for artists to interact and manage the data required for the completion of their work. The MWPE will also be responsible for testing, documenting and supporting any new systems they create. They will also be required to provide face to face training on any systems they implement for Artists and other members of the Technology team. They will also provide written or visual training material to ensure that long term support is available and that other members of the Technology team can help troubleshoot and fix any bugs within the system. 


It may be required to refactor or update existing pipeline tools and workflows as part of the process of implementing a multisite solution. In all aspects of the role the MWPE will produce efficient, clear code using internal and 3rd party libraries and adhere to Union’s coding standards and pipeline philosophies. 


The MWPE will regularly communicate progress on their tasks to the Pipeline Supervisor in daily and bi-weekly meetings, as well as to other stakeholders when required. They will make use of task tracking and planning software to make sure that the process of their projects and tasks is clear throughout the lifecycle of the projects they are involved in.  The MWPE role should be filled by someone who can be forward looking and proactive in identifying and communicating any need for new tasks, solutions and issues within the systems being proposed and developed.


The MWPE will be part of an experienced and talented team and it will be a varied and challenging role that will require strong multi-tasking skills, strong communication skills and the ability to prioritise requirements.  They will have a good awareness of the overall VFX pipeline and as part of the role they will be exposed to new techniques, software and processes and it is expected that they will learn and grow their skills as part of working within the team. 

The MPWE will have a flexible and calm approach that is solutions focussed, good organisational and time management skills, strong creative problem solving skills and the ability to drive things forward independently.



Skills, experience and knowledge


Required:

  • Computer Science degree (or similar) 

  • Excellent knowledge of Python 2.7/3.x. Ideally this will be illustrated through employment history or personal projects

  • 4+ years experience within the VFX or CG Animation industry

  • An ability to thrive in a small team environment and well as complete assigned tasks independently

  • Strong creative and critical thinking skills required for designing and implementing complex pipeline systems.

  • A flexible approach to changing priorities and tasks

  • A familiarity with Shotgrid/Shotgun and its use in a production context

  • Excellent communications skills and an ability to relay technical information and concepts to non-technical staff

  • Detail oriented with strong ability to multitask

  • General knowledge of image formats and processing

  • Strong knowledge of the Shotgrid/Shotgun Python API

  • A familiarity with using git for source control


Preferred but not required:


  • Strong knowledge of the Shotgrid/Shotgun Toolkit API

  • Solid knowledge of the Python APIs for 1 or more of key software packages used for digital content creation: E.g: Maya, Nuke, Houdini, etc

  • Experience working in a multisite VFX studio environment.

  • Experience with programmatically interacting with storage systems

  • An understanding of general network structures and architecture used within the VFX industry

  • Good working knowledge of Linux/UNIX based computer systems.

  • Knowledge of other relevant programming languages (E.G C++, Java, MEL, etc)

  • A solid understanding of Git workflows and collaborative version control

  • Experience in working within a Scrum project management style, and a familiarity with Jira Software to help track tasks

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