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Vfx Pipeline Python Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Vfx Pipeline Python information

What is a VFX Pipeline Python Developer?

A VFX Pipeline Python Developer is a specialized software developer who creates and maintains tools, scripts, and workflows for visual effects (VFX) production using the Python programming language. They work closely with artists and technical directors to automate repetitive tasks, integrate different software applications, and ensure a smooth flow of data throughout the production pipeline. Their role is crucial in managing large volumes of assets and complex processes, helping VFX teams deliver high-quality results efficiently. Python is widely used in the VFX industry due to its flexibility and ease of integration with popular VFX software like Maya, Nuke, and Houdini.

How does a VFX Pipeline Python Developer typically collaborate with artists and other technical teams during a project?

A VFX Pipeline Python Developer works closely with artists, supervisors, and other technical departments to design, implement, and maintain tools that streamline the visual effects workflow. They frequently gather requirements from artists to understand pain points, develop custom scripts or plugins to optimize tasks, and ensure that tools integrate smoothly with existing software. Regular communication is key, as developers often provide technical support and updates while adapting tools to evolving production needs. This collaborative environment fosters both creative problem-solving and technical growth.

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

To excel as a VFX Pipeline Python Developer, you need strong programming skills in Python, expertise in computer graphics, and a solid understanding of VFX production workflows, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Maya, Houdini, Nuke, and asset management systems, as well as experience with APIs and scripting, is typically required. Effective communication, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork are vital soft skills for collaborating with artists and technical staff. These skills ensure the efficient development and maintenance of robust VFX pipelines, enabling smooth project delivery in a fast-paced, creative environment.

What is the difference between Vfx Pipeline Python vs Vfx Technical Director?

AspectVfx Pipeline PythonVfx Technical Director
CredentialsProficiency in Python, scripting, and pipeline toolsAdvanced VFX knowledge, leadership, and scripting skills
Work EnvironmentPipeline development, scripting, and tool creationOversees technical aspects, manages teams, and ensures pipeline efficiency
Industry UsageUsed across studios for automation and pipeline integrationLeads technical departments, often involved in pipeline design

Vfx Pipeline Python roles focus on scripting and automating workflows within the VFX pipeline, requiring strong Python skills. Vfx Technical Directors have broader responsibilities, including overseeing technical teams and pipeline architecture. While both roles require technical expertise, the Pipeline Python role is more specialized in scripting, whereas the Technical Director has a leadership and strategic focus.

What are popular job titles related to Vfx Pipeline Python jobs in California? For Vfx Pipeline Python jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Vfx Pipeline Python jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Vfx Pipeline Python jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Vfx Pipeline Python jobs? Cities in California with the most Vfx Pipeline Python job openings:
Senior Technical Artist - Expression of Interest - ILM San Francisco

Senior Technical Artist - Expression of Interest - ILM San Francisco

The Walt Disney Company

San Francisco, CA

$149K - $179K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Walt Disney Company rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 126 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 48 rated entertainment


Job description

Job Posting Title:

Senior Technical Artist - Expression of Interest - ILM San Francisco

Req ID:

10153466

Job Description:

This posting is an opportunity to submit your resume for future consideration; this is not a role that is open at this time. We anticipate this role may be open in the future, but we are not actively hiring for the position. If you would like to be considered for this potential role, please submit your resume. If the role becomes available, you may receive an email or call from a recruiter.

ILM's Interactive team advances the studio's legacy of innovation by developing original immersive experiences across virtual reality, augmented reality and location-based platforms. Known for blending best-in-class visuals, sound and narrative, the team has delivered award-winning projects such as What If...? - An Immersive Story, Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series and the Oscar-winning CARNE y ARENA. Our work continues to push the boundaries of immersive entertainment and redefine how audiences engage with story.

We are seeking a Senior Technical Artist who reflects the innovative spirit, creative talent, production excellence, and passion for great storytelling that defines ILM.

The Senior Technical Artist is instrumental in creating, building, and delivering key content and workflows contributing with artists, designers, and engineers to achieve both artistic and optimization goals in the creation of next-generation immersive experiences. This role acts as a key liaison between the content and engineering teams and facilitates problem solving, strategies, and implementations between departments.

We are looking for a creative technologist who is passionate about bringing the latest technical trends in real-time development to their craft, and who reflects the innovative spirit and immersive storytelling that defines ILM Immersive.

What You'll Do
  • Conceive, prototype, implement technically advanced visuals and procedural systems.

  • Contribute to look development of the highest-caliber real-time art by creating shaders, lighting and particle effects, and partnering with character and environment artists on asset lookdev.

  • Partner with the art and engineering teams to understand, define and manage project technical requirements and project asset production.

  • Assist artists and designers via tool development, and in concept testing of new ideas, and building of rapid prototypes.

  • Look/dev passes of environmental supporting elements, atmospherics, lighting, post-processes and other VFX for scene / level. Actively participate in optimizations, identify, triage, and fix bugs as required.

  • Explore and implement new tools and techniques to continuously push the visual bar to the leading edge using scripting (Blueprints, Python) and rapid prototypes.

  • Mentor and collaborate with other Technical Artists to improve studio tools and pipelines.

  • Proactively identify problems, propose solutions, and seek out buy-in from the team regarding implementation strategy.

  • Provide hands-on support to the development team for asset performance profiling and optimization. Identify, triage, and fix bugs as required.

  • Standardize and improve best practices for production of assets, materials, shaders, LODs, asset streaming, collisions, and interactions.

  • Innovate discipline workflows and keep up to date on new tools/applications/trends in the industry.

What You'll Need
  • 5+ years experience in games, film, television, AR/VR or related fields.

  • Experience with programming/scripting languages such as Python, C++, C#, Java, VEX, or MEL and a proficiency with linear algebra.

  • Strong 3D art skills with experience and deep understanding of optimizing and constructing modeling, texturing, uv mapping, animation, shading, lighting and particle effects for real-time workflows.

  • Proficient in Maya, Houdini, Blender, Substance Designer, Substance Painter, and/or Photoshop.

  • Unreal Engine: extensive experience working with UE workflows: Blueprints, material networks, real-time lighting and simulations, post processing.

  • Shaders: in-depth knowledge of real-time shader implementations, limitations of shaders in VR, strong knowledge of PBR pipelines and subsurface shaders.

  • Materials: extensive experience in the development, authoring & organization of efficient node-based materials, hierarchies, material functions, and custom shaders via the UE4 material editor.

  • Familiarity with profiling tools in the examination & diagnosis of performance issues.

  • Team-player mindset: open & receptive to ideas, constructive feedback, direction and changes.

  • Ability to work independently and efficiently under tight deadlines. Works well with direction, but also is self-motivated and will seek out or devise solutions to unexpected challenges.

Desired skills and experience:
  • Passion for playing and making games, experience or interest in VR and AR.

  • Visual Effects production / pipeline experience.

  • Interest and capacity to work with proprietary toolsets.

* A portfolio / reel submission - including a detailed breakdown of your work in each section - is required with all applications

JoinILM

The hiring range for this position in San Francisco is $134,300 to $171,800 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:

ILM San Francisco

Job Posting Primary Business:

ILM San Francisco

Primary Job Posting Category:

Technical Artist - Studios

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

San Francisco, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-06-09

What Walt Disney Company employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Walt Disney logo

About Walt Disney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Disney, we're storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world. "We create happiness." That's our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you'll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!

Industry

Amusement, gambling, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burbank, CA, US

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