Zoic Studios
BC - VFX Animation Technical Director (TD) - Stop Motion VFX Project
Job Summary
The VFX Animation Technical Director is responsible for supporting and developing the animation pipeline, particularly focused on Maya and USD workflows, to enhance animator efficiency. The role involves designing tools, assisting with scene updates, troubleshooting pipeline issues, and collaborating with other technical directors. Candidates should have extensive experience in VFX or animation pipelines, with proficiency in Maya scripting and pipeline support. The position offers flexibility to work remotely within British Columbia and involves collaboration on a creative stop-motion animated project.
Required Skills
Benefits
Job Description
VFX Animation Technical Director (TD)
All applicants must be residents of British Columbia, Canada.
Must be legally entitled to work in Canada ie. Citizen, PR, Open Work Permit.
At this time, we’re pleased to offer this role as an option to work from home OR work from our Vancouver studio in the beautiful Gastown area, close to the Waterfront Station in Downtown. (Remote is not available outside of BC; there is no hybrid)
About Zoic
Zoic Studios is a Visual Effects company that specializes in high end visual effects for television, film, and advertising. Our mantra is Visual Evolution - we focus on every part of the process, from the final picture to the pipeline used to create them.
Are you looking for your next creative and technical challenge? Come join our team!
Why Join Zoic?
- We are an Artist owned and operated VFX studio.
- We love what we do and always stay curious about new technology and techniques.
- We respect work/life balance in a hectic industry.
- We work with a team from all walks of life and backgrounds.
We are excited to share an incredible stop-motion animated feature project that promises creativity, collaboration, and a fantastic chance to showcase your skills!
Summary of Position
The VFX Animation TD is responsible for working with VFX leadership to provide support and development for the VFX animation team, in our USD-based pipeline. This position will design, develop, and support novel tools to improve animation workflows, assist animators in scene casting and updating, and investigate potential issues encountered by artists.
Job Functions
- Support a large team of animators working on complex content in Maya, leveraging Maya-USD and a host of custom software.
- Collaborate with other Animation TDs to design, develop, and support new tools that empower animators to execute complex shots efficiently.
- Collaborate with VFX TDs to facilitate clean handoff of animation content downstream.
- Support animators with technical tasks including scene casting, updating, and publishing.
- Diagnose and fix problems that may arise in a USD-based pipeline including composition quirks, compatibility issues, etc.
- Diagnose and fix asset management related issues, as needed.
- Support the team through documentation and training.
- Author and maintain thorough test suites to complement tools development.
Qualifications
- 4+ years' experience as a TD developing and supporting feature animation and/or VFX pipelines.
- Solid foundation in software design and development with an emphasis on VFX.
- Expertise with Maya's Python APIs required; knowledge of Maya's C++ API, a plus.
- Expertise with Python's standard library, along with industry standard APIs such as Pyside2/PyQt.
- Experience with one or more additional DCCs including Nuke, Houdini, and Katana, a plus.
- Experience with USD debugging and development, preferred.
- Experience with Version Control Systems, specifically Git and Gitlab or Github, preferred.
- Experience developing on Linux, preferred
Additional information
- British Columbia Employees Pay Range: $45 - $65(The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location of the position)
- Zoic does not cover relocation costs.
- Any and WFH remote positions require the candidate to have a reliable internet connection via ethernet and be located in BC, working on Pacific Standard Time.
- This job description contains the basic requirements for the position and is NOT intended to be a complete list of responsibilities; other duties may be assigned.
- Due to the volume of applications, we receive, we regret that only those selected to interview will be contacted.
Zoic Studios
A visual effects and animation studio creating content for film, television, and advertising industries.
See more jobsSafe Remote Job Search Tips
Verify Employer Thoroughly
Research the company's identity thoroughly before applying. Check for a professional website with contacts, active social media, and LinkedIn profiles. Verify details across platforms and look for reviews on Glassdoor or Trustpilot to confirm legitimacy.
Never Pay to Get a Job
Legitimate employers never require payment for applications, training, background checks, or equipment. Always reject upfront payment requests or demands for bank details, even if they claim it's for purchasing necessary work gear on your behalf.
Safeguard Your Personal Information
Protect sensitive data like SSN, bank details, or ID copies. Share this only after accepting a formal, written job offer. Ensure it's submitted via a secure company system or portal, never through insecure channels like standard email attachments.
Scrutinize Communication & Interviews
Watch for communication red flags: poor grammar, generic emails (@gmail), vague details, or undue pressure. Be highly suspicious of interviews held only via text or chat apps; legitimate companies typically use video or phone calls.
Beware of Unrealistic Offers
If an offer's salary or benefits seem unrealistically high for the work involved, be cautious. Research standard pay for similar roles. Offers that appear 'too good to be true' are often scams designed to lure you into providing information or payment.
Insist on a Formal Contract
Always secure and review a formal, written job offer or employment contract before starting work or sharing final personal details. Ensure it clearly defines your role, compensation, key terms, and conditions to avoid misunderstandings or scams.