Sr Manager Studio Pipeline

About the position

The Sr Manager Studio Pipeline is responsible for leading the development of LAIKA's production database systems and related custom applications that connect workflows, information, and data across all our departments over the life cycle of production. This position oversees a team of software engineers, technical directors, and external contractors to implement technology that improves efficiency, productivity, and collaboration studio wide. The Sr Manager Studio Pipeline works with department heads in production and technology to deliver tools and maintain data integrity for production.

Responsibilities

• Design integrated studio pipeline systems and custom applications on the Autodesk Flow PT platform to support all aspects of LAIKA's animated feature film productions.
• Engage directly with production stakeholders to understand the life cycle of projects and workflows from story development, design, fabrication, cinematography and animation to VFX and post-production.
• Manage large-scale software engineering projects aimed at modernizing legacy systems, and integrating with digital asset management, finance, and operations systems.
• Work with production stakeholders and pipeline engineers to maintain standardized asset and task models across departments.
• Develop and improve existing custom web applications that support LAIKA's unique production methods for stage management, and integrating physical fabrication and stop motion animation with VFX.
• Build and maintain a strong team of engineers, technical directors, and support staff to implement and drive the adoption of Studio Pipeline technology.
• Establish and maintain consistent technical project management methods, coding standards, database schema, and platform consistency.
• Work with studio leadership and technology partners to develop a long-term strategy for Studio Pipeline systems.
• Develop reporting and analytics capabilities utilizing standardized data sources across all phases of production.

Requirements

• 10+ years' experience developing enterprise database backed software in a feature film, games, or industrial manufacturing setting.
• 5+ years' experience leading large teams of engineers and managing technical contractors.
• Proven track record of updating and integrating legacy systems and processes into lean, automated, and scalable platforms.
• Advanced experience with Autodesk ShotGrid/Flow PT platform.
• Advanced experience in a VFX, animation or entertainment production environment.
• Advanced experience with modern web application framework: Django, Flask, React - or similar.
• Experience with design and manufacturing systems and workflows preferred.
• Experience with Agile development, Kanban, Scrum, and related methodologies.