Job Summary:   

Warner Bros. Pictures Animation (WBPA) collaborates with world-class artists to weave compelling original stories and breathe new life into beloved characters and worlds to create animated features designed to captivate audiences of all ages. We are guided by the fundamental principles of hope, heart and humor. These values drive a slate of films that encompass a variety of animation techniques and span multiple film genres. 

WBPA is seeking an experienced Technical Director (TD) to support this mission and collaborate in building the studio’s foundation. As an early member of a growing team reporting to the studio’s Head of Creative Technology, TDs work closely with artists and technology leadership to implement tools and workflows and support artists’ use of tools. 

 

Given the high-impact nature of the role and the nimble dynamic at the studio, the ideal candidate is a strong communicator and flexible collaborator. A successful individual will work with artists and production staff across various departments and representatives of WBPA’s vendor studios to empower artists in ways that enable productivity, promote collaboration, and maximize creative choice. 

  

Your Role Responsibilities:  

• Work with artists, technology leadership, production management and engineering team to research tool needs, design, architect, build, and deploy systems integrating third party DCCs and internal software. 

• Support tool use for future improvement, adapt to on-going needs and evolving workflows while maintaining iterative development of tools. 

• Assist other TDs and Prod Tech team in troubleshooting issues; provide front-line support to productions across a wide array of show-specific workflows. 

• Work productively and collaboratively in codebases built from scratch, as well as in codebases inherited from other developers/partner organizations. 

• Participate in code reviews to build a shared development culture. 

• Contribute to the design of core utilities for the studio, understanding the scope of studio needs. 

• Contribute to tool documentation and artist training. 

 

Your Qualifications and Experience:  

• Undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Computer/Electrical Engineering, Computer Graphics, or related field. 

• 3+ years production experience in animation, games, television, or VFX. 

• Accomplished in Python coding, shell scripting, and user interface development. 

• Proficiency with common DCC’s including Maya, and Photoshop.  

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Ability to establish priorities and fluctuate between working independently and within a group. 

• Ability to work onsite at our Burbank, CA studios (hybrid schedule) a minimum of 3 days per week. 

 

Preferred Qualifications:  

• Proficiency in compiled languages, PySide, Git, Rez, and JavaScript.  

• Familiarity with common toolsets like OCIO, OTIO, USD 

• Familiarity with Unreal, Houdini, Nuke, Blender, RV, AVID, FLIX, Storyboard Pro, and Harmony 

The Legal Bits 

In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation, or a range thereof, for roles in locations where legally required. Actual compensation will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to location, skill set, experience, and/or performance. Pay Range: $55.00 (CBA scale) - $67.00 per hour. This role qualifies for benefits according to the appropriate Collective Bargaining Agreement.