Job Description

Maya Technical Director

At Swaybox Studios we are rewriting the rulebook of visual storytelling. As we collaborate with DC Studios/Warner Bros Pictures Animation and Matt Reeves' 6th and Idaho on a revolutionary new project, you'll play a vital role in coordinating the artistry and logistics that bring bold visions to life. This is your chance to help lead a production that's equal parts innovative and unforgettable.

Swaybox Studios is seeking an experienced Maya Technical Director to develop, roll out, and maintain tools & procedures that optimize workflows across our VFX, Animation, Rigging, and Digital Fabrication departments. You will have a deep understanding of animation workflows and work closely with our teams to create intuitive solutions, improve pipeline efficiency, and address the technical needs of our artists. You'll also collaborate with Autodesk to manage open tickets and provide feedback on feature requests. This role is key to ensuring that production pipelines run smoothly and that our teams have the tools they need to deliver high-end content.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, maintain, and optimize custom tools, scripts, and workflows within Maya to support our teams and maintain best practices within our pipeline.
• Troubleshoot and debug technical issues related to character animation and pipeline tools; providing timely support and solutions.
• Create and maintain detailed technical documentation, including training sessions, tool descriptions, and user guides to ensure clarity, and use by production teams.
• Collaborate with Supervisors and artists to understand production needs and develop tools that streamline workflows throughout the production process.
• Balance development tasks with production needs, prioritizing urgent issues while ensuring the delivery of long-term tool improvements and upgrades.
• Contribute to the continuous evolution of the pipeline; making suggestions for enhancements, and integrating new tools, technologies and methodologies as they emerge.
• Coordinate with production teams to align technical processes with project timelines and goals

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience as a Maya Technical Director, Pipeline TD, or similar role in a high-end VFX, Animation, or hybrid production environment.
• Strong proficiency in Python, PySide, PyQT, MEL, and other scripting languages used in Maya.
• Extensive experience with Maya, including customizing and developing tools for artists, optimizing workflows, and solving complex technical challenges.
• Solid understanding of animation principles and workflows.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills with a proven track record of resolving production issues quickly and efficiently.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly convey technical concepts and collaborate within our teams.
• Experience working in a fast-paced production environment, balancing the demands of development with real-time production needs.
• Ability to develop and maintain scalable, robust, and intuitive tools that support complex workflows and creative processes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in industrial design and familiarity with CAD tools and techniques.
• Familiarity with Nuke and experience developing extensions or custom tools to enhance the Nuke pipeline is a plus.
• Familiarity with character rigging and skinning techniques.
• Experience with Autodesk's support channels, including managing tickets, feature requests, and beta testing.
• Knowledge of rendering techniques and post-production processes.
• Knowledge of Digital Fabrication workflows, including 3D printing or other digital fabrication techniques, is advantageous.
• Experience with other industry-standard tools and pipelines, such as ShotGrid and Houdini is a plus.

At Swaybox Studios, we believe that great storytelling comes from diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, talents, and identities.

We do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Swaybox Studios also complies with applicable Louisiana laws governing non-discrimination in employment. We are dedicated to fostering a creative, inclusive, and respectful environment for all.

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