About the role
Role Overview
Location: London, UK (Hybrid or Fully Remote within the UK). Visa and relocation support are not provided for this role.
The role focuses on building a resilient, intelligent VFX pipeline to remove technical friction and support the 2D division, including Compositing, Paint & Roto, Editorial, and Review Tools. Responsibilities involve building Python tools, integrating machine learning solutions (such as Switchlight, SAM3, and ComfyUI workflows), and collaborating with global teams across London, Montreal, Melbourne, and Mumbai.
Responsibilities
- Develop, test, and maintain artist-friendly Python and PySide tools across 2D workflows.
- Integrate practical machine learning solutions into the active pipeline to automate complex tasks and accelerate shot delivery.
- Collaborate with Compositing Supervisors, VFX Supervisors, and Heads of 2D to proactively identify and resolve workflow bottlenecks.
- Maintain and expand core software libraries, ensuring clean code, Git version control, and clear documentation.
- Support and enhance deep Nuke API integrations, custom gizmos, and media processing workflows.
- Offer technical guidance, share best practices, and mentor junior team members across the global department.
Mandatory Requirements
- Significant experience in VFX pipeline development with a solid understanding of 2D production workflows.
- Expert Python development skills, with a focus on modern design patterns, clean code, and standard libraries.
- Strong experience building custom GUI applications and tools using PySide or PyQt.
- Deep experience with the Nuke API, programmatic control, and workflow automation.
- Practical experience deploying machine learning models directly into production pipelines.
- Solid understanding of open-source VFX frameworks such as OpenImageIO, OpenColorIO, FFmpeg, and OpenRV.
- Strong software engineering fundamentals in a Linux environment, including Git, code reviews, testing, and performance monitoring.
- Approachable communication skills and a user-centric mindset when building tools for artists.
Preferred Qualifications
- Hands-on experience with ComfyUI or Stable Diffusion for custom generative AI pipelines and node development.
- Containerisation experience (Docker or similar) for deploying scalable machine learning inference services.
- Experience with render farm queue managers such as Deadline or Tractor.
- Web development skills using FastAPI, React, or similar for building pipeline dashboards.
- Experience setting up CI/CD workflows in GitLab.
- Scripting experience with ShotGrid / Flow Production Tracking APIs and database handling (SQL/NoSQL).
- Experience guiding agentic AI workflows to design and construct scalable, well-architected solutions.
- Prior hands-on experience as a 2D Compositor.
Workplace Information
- Accessibility: The London studio is fully accessible, featuring step-free entry, accessible toilets on all floors, and quiet spaces.
- Commitments: The company is committed to supporting disabled colleagues, providing an inclusive workplace, and promoting equity across all demographics.
- Hiring Practices: Applications are reviewed manually without the use of artificial intelligence screening. Adjustments or support during the application process are available upon request.