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Pipeline Developer Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... in animation, VFX, or game development. * Proficiency in Python including experience with PyQt ... Proficiency with common developer tools including Visual Studio Code, Postman, and similar toolsets.

... in animation, VFX, or game development. * Proficiency in Python including experience with PyQt ... Proficiency with common developer tools including Visual Studio Code, Postman, and similar toolsets.

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Work closely with programmers to establish and refine the animation pipeline. * Develop high-quality gameplay animations that meet project standards and ensure animations align with the animation ...

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

Work closely with programmers to establish and refine the animation pipeline. * Develop high-quality gameplay animations that meet project standards and ensure animations align with the animation ...

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

Work closely with programmers to establish and refine the animation pipeline. * Develop high-quality gameplay animations that meet project standards and ensure animations align with the animation ...

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Work closely with programmers to establish and refine the animation pipeline. * Develop high-quality gameplay animations that meet project standards and ensure animations align with the animation ...

Collaborate with Design and Engineering to troubleshoot and resolve in-game animation issues and technical challenges * Identify opportunities to improve the animation pipeline and workflow, and ...

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Pipeline Developer Animation information

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How much do pipeline developer animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for pipeline developer animation in the United States is $50.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53.37 and $58.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pipeline Developer in Animation, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pipeline Developer in Animation, you need strong programming skills (especially in Python), understanding of animation workflows, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Maya, Houdini, Shotgun, and version control systems is typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication set standout candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure the smooth integration and automation of processes, enabling artists and technical teams to work efficiently and deliver high-quality animated content.

What are Pipeline Developers in Animation?

Pipeline Developers in animation are technical professionals who design, implement, and maintain the software tools and workflows that connect various stages of the animation production process. They ensure that artists, animators, and technical directors can move assets and data seamlessly between different software applications and departments. Their work helps to automate repetitive tasks, fix bottlenecks, and improve production efficiency. Pipeline Developers often write scripts, develop plugins, and provide technical support to the team throughout the animation pipeline.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

In media, high-paying roles like senior pipeline developers or lead animation engineers can earn $150,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in scripting and software tools, and working in large studios or production companies. These positions often require strong technical expertise, knowledge of animation pipelines, and sometimes certifications or specialized training.

What is the difference between Pipeline Developer Animation vs Pipeline TD?

AspectPipeline Developer AnimationPipeline TD
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Animation, or related fieldBachelor's in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, VFX companies, game developmentVFX studios, animation houses, game studios
Industry UsageFocuses on animation pipeline tools and workflowsFocuses on technical pipeline automation and software integration

While both roles involve pipeline development, the Pipeline Developer Animation specializes in creating and maintaining workflows specific to animation and visual effects, whereas the Pipeline TD focuses on automating and integrating technical pipelines across various production stages. Both roles require strong scripting skills and industry experience but differ in their primary focus areas within the production pipeline.

What are some common challenges Pipeline Developers face in animation studios, and how can they overcome them?

Pipeline Developers in animation studios often encounter challenges such as integrating new tools with legacy systems, ensuring smooth data flow between departments, and supporting diverse artist workflows. To overcome these, it’s important to maintain clear documentation, collaborate closely with artists and technical directors, and stay adaptable to rapidly evolving production needs. Regular communication with end users and iterative testing can help ensure the pipeline remains efficient and user-friendly.

What is the pipeline of animation production?

The animation production pipeline involves several key stages: pre-production, which includes storyboarding, concept art, and scripting; production, where animators create the actual animation using tools like Maya or Blender; and post-production, which involves editing, compositing, and rendering. As a pipeline developer in animation, understanding these stages and the software tools used is essential for creating efficient workflows.

What is the highest paying job in animation?

In animation, senior roles such as Lead Animator, Animation Director, or VFX Supervisor tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures annually. These positions require extensive experience, advanced skills in software like Maya or Houdini, and strong leadership abilities.

How to become a pipeline developer?

To become a pipeline developer in animation, you typically need a strong foundation in computer science, programming skills in languages like Python or C++, and experience with pipeline tools such as Autodesk Maya, Houdini, or Nuke. Gaining knowledge of scripting, automation, and version control systems, along with a portfolio of relevant projects, can improve job prospects. Many roles also require a degree in computer science, animation, or a related field.
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What cities are hiring for Pipeline Developer Animation jobs? Cities with the most Pipeline Developer Animation job openings:
What states have the most Pipeline Developer Animation jobs? States with the most job openings for Pipeline Developer Animation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Pipeline Developer Animation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Pipeline Developer Animation jobs are:
Infographic showing various Pipeline Developer Animation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 68% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,153 per year, or $50.6 per hour.
Pipeline Developer, Creative Technology - InterPositive

Pipeline Developer, Creative Technology - InterPositive

Netflix

Los Angeles, CA

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Netflix rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 75 rated media


Job description

At Netflix, our mission is to entertain the world. Together, we are writing the next episode - pushing the boundaries of storytelling, global fandom and making the unimaginable a reality. We are a dream team obsessed with the uncomfortable excitement of discovering what happens when you merge creativity, intuition and cutting-edge technology. Come be a part of what's next.

The Role:

The Pipeline Developer, Creative Technology will report to the Senior Manager, Creative Technology and support the team working at the frontier of machine learning in filmmaking, where models and workflows are built in-house and evolve rapidly. This role is responsible for the team's production pipeline as it continues to take shape - bridging Nuke, ShotGrid (Flow Production Tracking), custom color workflows, and the inference paths that connect production work to the team's machine learning systems. It's a high-leverage position on a small, fast-moving team imagining what an AI-native production pipeline can be.

Responsibilities:

  • Maintain, extend, and evolve the team's production pipeline end to end - Nuke, ShotGrid (Flow PT), color, asset and shot management, and the connective tissue between them

  • Design and implement the integration layer between production tools and the team's ML inference workflows, partnering closely with the team's Machine Learning Engineers to make model-driven steps feel native to the pipeline

  • Own the team's color-managed workflow - ACES configuration, EXR sequence handling, and ensuring consistent color across DCCs, review tools, and ML pipelines

  • Build and maintain Python tooling that spans Nuke, ShotGrid, and adjacent systems, with a Linux backbone supporting users across Linux, Windows, and Adobe applications including Photoshop and After Effects

  • Prototype rapidly - turn ideas into working tools in days rather than weeks, then iterate with the team based on real use

  • Manage tool launchers, environment management (e.g., Rez), and DCC integrations so artists and engineers have reliable, reproducible setups

  • Refine out-of-pipeline submission paths into ShotGrid for ad hoc work, research outputs, and prototype workflows that don't yet live in the main pipeline

  • Partner with Production, research, and engineering to identify pipeline friction and design solutions that scale across projects

  • Document tools, conventions, and architectural decisions clearly so the team can adopt, extend, and trust the pipeline as it grows

Qualifications:

  • 6+ years of pipeline development experience in VFX, animation, or adjacent industries, with hands-on work on shipped productions

  • Expert Python skills, with a track record of building production pipeline tooling that real teams rely on day to day

  • Deep experience with Nuke pipeline integration - gizmos, callbacks, custom nodes, and Python tooling inside and around Nuke

  • Hands-on experience integrating with ShotGrid (Flow), including the API, event daemon, webhooks, and custom workflow development

  • Strong working knowledge of color-managed workflows, ACES, and EXR sequence handling across DCCs and review tools

  • Experience supporting users on a Linux backbone alongside Windows and Adobe applications

  • Demonstrated experience working cross-functionally across technical and creative stakeholders

Skills:

  • Strong systems thinking - able to design pipeline architecture that holds up under fast iteration without becoming brittle

  • Bias toward rapid prototyping and shipping - comfortable building something rough, putting it in front of users, and refining from there

  • Fluency with agentic coding workflows (Claude Code, Codex, and similar) and a track record of using them to ship more, faster

  • Opinionated and self-directed - brings a clear point of view on what a modern pipeline should look like, while staying open to evolving it as the team learns

  • Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to translate between research, engineering, and production audiences

  • Collaborative and technically curious; finds satisfaction in well-built tools and takes pride in making other people's work easier and faster

  • Familiarity with environment and package management systems such as Rez

  • Familiarity with data warehouses and their integration with ShotGrid (Flow) is a plus

  • Comfort operating in an R&D environment where tools and workflows are still being built out - able to work effectively around rough edges, contribute to making things better, and adapt as the pipeline evolves

  • Comfort with ambiguity and a fast-moving environment

Generally, our compensation structure consists solely of an annual salary; we do not have bonuses. You choose each year how much of your compensation you want in salary versus stock options. To determine your personal top of market compensation, we rely on market indicators and consider your specific job family, background, skills, and experience to determine your compensation in the market range. The range for this role is $165,000.00 - $265,000.00.

Netflix provides comprehensive benefits including Health Plans, Mental Health support, a 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer match, Stock Option Program, Disability Programs, Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts, Family-forming benefits, and Life and Serious Injury Benefits. We also offer paid leave of absence programs. Full-time hourly employees accrue 35 days annually for paid time off to be used for vacation, holidays, and sick paid time off. Full-time salaried employees are immediately entitled to flexible time off. See more details about our Benefits here.

Netflix is a unique culture and environment. Learn more here.

Inclusion is a Netflix value and we strive to host a meaningful interview experience for all candidates. If you want an accommodation/adjustment for a disability or any other reason during the hiring process, please send a request to your recruiting partner.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and celebrate diversity, recognizing that diversity builds stronger teams. We approach diversity and inclusion seriously and thoughtfully. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service.


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About Netflix

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Netflix is the world's leading streaming entertainment service with 222 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries, feature films and mobile games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

Industry

Arts, entertainment, and recreation

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Gatos, CA, US

Year founded

1997