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Pipeline Technical Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pipeline Technical Director

Santa Monica, CA ยท On-site

$53 - $62.50/hr

For more information on how we process your personal information, please review the Privacy policy located at -privacy-notice. --- As a Pipeline Technical Director, you will have a deep involvement ...

Pipeline Technical Director

Santa Monica, CA ยท On-site

$53 - $62.50/hr

For more information on how we process your personal information, please review the Privacy policy located at As a Pipeline Technical Director, you will have a deep involvement in designing and ...

Technical Director Category: Leadership and Management Roles Main location: United States, Virginia ... pipelines. Identify, evaluate, and champion opportunities to apply AI and generative AI (e.g., code ...

Company Profile Technical Director, Research & Development For nearly 40 years, Melaleuca has been ... Proven success leading product innovation pipelines and developing breakthrough consumer products.

Technical Director Overview We are seeking a highly capable, hands-on Technical Leader who can ... pipelines, and containerization. - Demonstrated success leading engineering teams or technical ...

Technical Director / Senior Technical Manager / Senior Technical Lead Overview We are seeking a ... pipelines, and containerization. - Demonstrated success leading engineering teams or technical ...

Technical Director Overview We are seeking a highly capable, hands-on Technical Leader who can ... pipelines, and containerization. - Demonstrated success leading engineering teams or technical ...

Technical Director / Senior Technical Manager / Senior Technical Lead Overview We are seeking a ... pipelines, and containerization. - Demonstrated success leading engineering teams or technical ...

Technical Director Overview We are seeking a highly capable, hands-on Technical Leader who can ... pipelines, and containerization. - Demonstrated success leading engineering teams or technical ...

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Pipeline Technical Director information

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$26K

$115.5K

$232K

How much do pipeline technical director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for pipeline technical director in the United States is $115,510.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $154,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pipeline technical director?

Pipeline Technical Directors (Pipeline TDs) are professionals in the visual effects, animation, and game industries who design, implement, and maintain the technical workflow (pipeline) used by artists and developers. They ensure that data, assets, and software tools flow efficiently between different departments, enabling smooth collaboration and production. Pipeline TDs often write scripts, integrate software, troubleshoot technical issues, and optimize processes to support creative teams. Their work is crucial for keeping projects on schedule and ensuring the compatibility of various tools and technologies.

How does a pipeline technical director typically collaborate with artists and developers during a production?

Pipeline Technical Directors (TDs) play a crucial role in bridging the gap between creative artists and software developers. They regularly meet with artists to understand workflow challenges and identify areas where automation or new tools can enhance productivity. At the same time, Pipeline TDs work closely with developers to ensure that technical solutions are robust, scalable, and compatible with existing systems. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are key, as Pipeline TDs often translate artistic needs into technical requirements while providing ongoing support and training throughout the production cycle.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pipeline technical director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pipeline Technical Director, you need strong programming skills (often in Python or C++), deep knowledge of computer graphics, and experience with production workflows, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Maya, Houdini, Shotgun, and version control systems is essential, along with experience developing and maintaining custom pipeline solutions. Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills help address technical challenges and support artists across departments. These abilities are crucial for ensuring efficient, seamless production processes and enabling creative teams to deliver high-quality content on time.

What is the difference between Pipeline Technical Director vs Pipeline Supervisor?

AspectPipeline Technical DirectorPipeline Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire pipeline development, sets technical standards, manages team workflowsSupervises daily pipeline operations, manages team members, ensures task completion
Required SkillsAdvanced technical knowledge, leadership, scripting, pipeline architectureTeam management, technical understanding, communication skills
Work EnvironmentSenior technical role, often in larger studios or production housesOperational role, often in the same environments as the technical director

The Pipeline Technical Director focuses on the overall technical strategy and pipeline architecture, while the Pipeline Supervisor manages daily operations and team coordination. Both roles require technical expertise, but the director has a broader, strategic scope.

More about Pipeline Technical Director jobs

What cities are hiring for Pipeline Technical Director jobs?

Cities with the most Pipeline Technical Director job openings:

What states have the most Pipeline Technical Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Pipeline Technical Director jobs include:

Infographic showing various Pipeline Technical Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,510 per year, or $55.5 per hour.

Pipeline Technical Director

Skydance

Santa Monica, CA โ€ข On-site

$53 - $62.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Skydance offers a dynamic, inclusive, and ever-evolving culture where innovative ideas are welcomed, and growth fostered. The partnership between unique creativity and technological advancements are demonstrated within each pillar of the company. At the heart of it all is a commitment to boldly entertaining and relevant storytelling.
 
While all Animation studios look to hire people who are creative and hard-working, Skydance Animation is specifically looking for pioneers who seek to push the limits of what the world’s most collaborative art form can achieve, and to give those pioneers the space and the resources to build a new studio that’s doing something different.
 
If you’ve ever dreamt of what the early days of Hollywood must have been like, of what it takes to roll up your sleeves and break new ground, figure out a new process, and to one day say, “I was there when it all began,” then welcome aboard…
 
For more information on how we process your personal information, please review the Privacy policy located at https://privacy.paramount.com/recruitment-privacy-notice.
 
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As a Pipeline Technical Director, you will have a deep involvement in designing and developing innovative tools to overcome specific challenges related to the department’s developments for our next animated feature film. This effort seeks to implement solutions that off-the-shelf software would not provide while maximizing productivity and meeting the high quality standard set by the company. The scope of the developments may be from a simple python script to a larger development involving complex algorithms.  

Responsibilities
  • TDs are embedded within the productions to closely collaborate and support the artists and production management

  • Reports to the Production Technology Supervisor on the status of technical development projects, tool performance, production operations and support

  • Develop and maintain the required tools following the requirements supplied by the production departments and following the Production Engineering Team guides

  • Partner with Artists and other Engineers to iterate, debug, document, and refine tools and processes for feature film production

  • Acts as the first line of support to solve day-to-day problems artists may encounter

  • Work on short-term needs, originated by shot challenges 

Requirements
  • Undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Computer Graphics, or comparable discipline and/or technical and creative knowledge gained through equivalent experience 

  • 3+ years of experience; preferably within computer animation, visual effects, or the game industry

  • Experience supporting animation pre-production departments such as Story, Editorial, and Previs, a plus

  • Expert in Python

  • Experience programming with one or more of the following software: Maya, Houdini, and Nuke

  • Experience with Post and Preproduction workflows

  • Experience with one or more Non-linear editing suites:  e.g. Avid Media Composer, Premiere, Resolve

  • Familiar with common media encodings and transcoding software: e.g. ffmpeg

  • Experience in Linux, Mac and Windows operating systems

  • Experience working with a source version control system (git)

  • Experience with agile development and scrum methodology

  • User interaction design with a working knowledge of standard UI toolkits (e.g. Qt/PySide)

  • Experience with pipeline and plugin development in third party DCC tools preferred

  • Experience with software development languages such as Java, Javascript, C++ preferred

  • Experience with other toolkits and systems such as Docker, Git, AWS preferred 

The compensation range for this non-exempt position in Los Angeles, CA is $53.00-62.50/hour. The rate offered may vary based on the candidate’s location, qualifications, experience and relevant expertise, among other factors.  The range indicated is for base salary only and does not reflect the total compensation package, including bonus, benefits, etc. 
 
#Animation

Skydance is a diversified media company founded by David Ellison in 2010 to create high quality, event-level entertainment for global audiences. The Company brings to life stories of immersive worlds across its feature film, television, interactive, and animation divisions.
 
Recruitment Fraud Alert
It has come to our attention that there may be fraudulent activity by individuals impersonating our Talent Acquisition team. Skydance will only contact you from an official “@skydance.com” email address. If you suspect that you are being contacted by an unauthorized person or believe that the correspondence you have received is suspicious, please do not click on any links or attachments in such emails and submit any questions or concerns to our information security team at https://skydance.com/report-suspected-fraud/.