Visualization Pipeline Engineer

General Summary
The Visualization Pipeline Engineer develops and maintains the technical infrastructure and workflows that underpin LAIKA’s previsualization process. This role involves creating and integrating software tools for Unreal Engine, Maya, Houdini, and other DCC applications to enable efficient visualization workflows among artists, directors, and production teams. 

Job Functions 

• Build and maintain robust software pipelines to support visualization and previs workflows using Unreal Engine, Maya, and other DCC tools.
• Develop tools, scripts, and plugins that seamlessly integrate with existing studio infrastructure and third-party applications.
• Work closely with artists, technical directors, and other production teams to gather requirements, troubleshoot issues, and implement new features and/or improvements.
• Translate creative and production needs into technical solutions that enhance the previs workflow.
• Write clean, efficient, and well-documented code, primarily in Python and/or C++.
• Ensure source control (e.g., Git, Perforce) and CI/CD practices are followed to maintain a stable and scalable pipeline.
• Monitor and optimize performance in virtual production/previs environments.
• Identify and resolve bottlenecks across the pipeline, from asset creation to real-time visualization.
• Provide day-to-day support to artists and production teams, assisting with pipeline-related issues and delivering timely solutions.
• Document workflows, processes, and best practices appropriate for users of varying technical backgrounds. 

Qualifications 

• 3+ years of experience in software engineering (algorithms, data structures, program design), film pipeline development, or a similar role in animation, or games.
• Proficient with Unreal Engine for visualization or similar real-time engines.
• Strong scripting/programming skills (e.g., Python, C++, C#).
• Experience integrating and working with Maya, Houdini, and other common DCC tools (plugins, APIs, batch processing, etc.)
• Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git, Perforce) and continuous integration pipelines.
• Understanding of computer graphics fundamentals (rendering, shading, rigging, animation, etc.)
• Experience with virtual production pipelines and hardware (motion capture, LED walls, camera tracking) a plus.
• Familiarity with other game engines or visualization tools (Unity, Cinema 4D, etc.) a plus.
• Previous experience in a film or animation environment a plus. 

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  
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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