Sr Manager Studio Pipeline

General Summary
Join LAIKA, the renowned stop motion animation studio, as our Senior Manager of Studio Pipeline and lead the transformation of production workflows through cutting-edge technology. In this role, you'll oversee the development of integrated database systems and custom applications that connect workflows and data across all departments, from story development to post-production. Collaborating with department heads and studio leadership, you'll drive innovation, maintain data integrity, and ensure efficiency and scalability in every facet of production. 

This is an opportunity to shape the future of LAIKA's unique blend of physical and digital filmmaking, working alongside a talented team of software engineers, technical directors, and external contractors. 

Job Functions 

• Lead a High-Impact Team: Build and manage a team of engineers, technical directors, and contractors, fostering innovation and driving adoption of pipeline technologies across the studio.
• Architect and Innovate: Design and implement integrated studio pipeline systems and custom applications on the Autodesk Flow PT platform, enhancing LAIKA’s animated feature film productions.
• Collaborate with Creatives: Partner with production stakeholders to understand workflows across story, design, fabrication, cinematography, animation, VFX, and post-production, ensuring tools align with production needs.
• Modernize Legacy Systems: Lead large-scale projects to modernize and integrate legacy systems with digital asset management, finance, and operations platforms, delivering lean, automated, and scalable solutions.
• Enhance Production Applications: Develop and optimize custom web applications for stage management and the seamless integration of physical fabrication, stop motion animation, and VFX workflows.
• Standardize and Strategize: Establish best practices for technical project management, coding standards, database schema, and platform consistency, while collaborating with studio leadership to define long-term strategies for pipeline technology.
• Leverage Data Insights: Develop reporting and analytics using standardized data sources, empowering data-driven decision-making across all phases of production. 

Qualifications 

• Technical Expertise: 10+ years of experience developing enterprise-grade, database-backed software in feature film, gaming, or manufacturing environments, with 5+ years leading large engineering teams.
• Innovative Leadership: Proven ability to manage and inspire cross-functional teams, modernize legacy systems, and deliver scalable, automated platforms.
• Platform Mastery: Advanced experience with Autodesk ShotGrid/Flow PT and modern web application frameworks such as Django, Flask, or React.
• Production Savvy: Deep understanding of VFX, animation, or entertainment production pipelines; familiarity with design and manufacturing systems is a plus.
• Agile Advocate: Experience with Agile development methodologies (Kanban, Scrum) and technical project management.
• Creative Problem-Solving: Passion for bridging the gap between creative artistry and cutting-edge technology, ensuring seamless collaboration and innovation across departments. 

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to walk; stand; sit; use hands to operate standard office equipment; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear both in person and by telephone. The employee must lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee works under typical office conditions and is exposed to variable indoor temperatures. The noise level is usually quiet or moderate.   

Location 
On-site in Hillsboro, OR, and also eligible for hybrid work.
Salary 
Salary is commensurate with skills and experience.
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

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