Raconteuse Animation

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Positions: Hybrid Roles

 

Pay Ranges: Salaries commensurate with experience, length and complexity of projects.

 

Location: Onsite, Remote Work

 

Job Type: Contract · Temp-Permanent · Permanent Full-Time

 

About Us: Raconteuse Animations small, up-and-coming studio, is looking to build a tech team with diverse skillsets that will enable us to manage the core technical aspects of production, and balance these essential roles with budget constraints for flexibility and cost efficiency.

 

Job Title: Technical Director (TD)

Pay Range: $120,000 - $150,000 per year

Role Overview: We are looking for a Technical Director to oversee and guide the technical elements of our animation pipeline. This role involves managing the technical execution of animation projects, optimizing workflows, and ensuring seamless integration of artistic and technical processes. You will collaborate with artists, animators, and other technical teams to deliver outstanding animation results and drive continuous improvement in our production techniques.

Key Responsibilities:

• Technical Leadership:

  • Lead the technical direction for animation projects, providing expertise in animation workflows, tools, and technologies.

  • Develop and implement best practices for animation production, ensuring high-quality outputs and efficient processes.

  • Oversee the technical setup, integration, and maintenance of animation systems, including software, hardware, and pipelines.

• Pipeline Optimization:

  • Design, build, and optimize animation pipelines to streamline production and enhance workflow efficiency.

  • Identify and address technical challenges and bottlenecks in the animation pipeline, proposing and implementing effective solutions.

  • Collaborate with artists and technical teams to integrate new tools and technologies that support creative goals and improve production processes.

• Project Management:

  • Manage technical aspects of animation projects from concept through final delivery, ensuring alignment with artistic vision and project requirements.

  • Coordinate with project managers and supervisors to define technical needs, set milestones, and track progress.

  • Provide technical guidance and support to team members, including troubleshooting issues and offering solutions.

• Innovation and Development:

  • Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in animation and visual effects.

  • Drive innovation by researching and recommending new tools, techniques, and technologies that enhance the animation process.

  • Foster a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement within the animation team.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Animation, Visual Effects, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

• Extensive experience as a Technical Director or in a similar technical leadership role within an animation or visual effects studio.

• Proficiency in animation software (e.g., Maya, Blender, Houdini) and a deep understanding of animation pipelines and production processes.

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to address complex technical challenges and optimize workflows.

• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with technical and creative teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python, MEL) for automation and pipeline development.

• Knowledge of rendering technologies and systems, including render farms and cloud-based solutions.

• Familiarity with project and asset management systems used in animation studios.

• Proven track record of driving innovation and implementing new technologies in a production environment.

 

Job Title: Software Engineer/Developer

Pay Range: $90,000 - $120,000 per year

Role Overview: We are seeking a skilled Software Engineer/Developer to take on a dual role involving both the engineering and development aspects of animation software. This unique position combines technical expertise with creative problem-solving to build and enhance animation tools and systems. You will collaborate with artists, designers, and other engineers to create powerful solutions that drive high-quality animations and interactive experiences.

Key Responsibilities:

• Animation Software Engineering:

  • Design, develop, and optimize software tools and systems for animation, including rigging, rendering, and simulation systems.

  • Architect and implement features that enhance animation workflows and capabilities.

  • Collaborate with animation artists and designers to understand their needs and translate them into effective technical solutions.

  • Ensure the software is scalable, reliable, and performs efficiently across various platforms.

• Animation Software Development:

  • Develop and maintain applications and plugins that integrate with industry-standard animation software (e.g., Maya, Blender, Unity, Unreal Engine).

  • Write clean, maintainable code and conduct thorough testing to ensure software quality.

  • Troubleshoot and debug issues related to animation software and workflows.

  • Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies to continuously improve our animation tools.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Animation, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

• Proven experience as a Software Engineer/Developer with a focus on animation or graphics-related software.

• Proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Python, C#, or similar, with experience in animation-specific APIs and libraries.

• Strong understanding of animation principles, including rigging, kinematics, and rendering.

• Experience with 3D graphics programming and familiarity with animation software and engines (e.g., Maya, Blender, Unity, Unreal Engine).

• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with shader programming and GPU-based rendering techniques.

• Knowledge of real-time animation and game development processes.

• Familiarity with version control systems like Git and agile development methodologies.

• A portfolio showcasing relevant projects or contributions to animation software development.

 

Job Title: IT Specialist/System Administrator

Pay Range: $70,000 - $90,000 per year

Role Overview: We are looking for a talented IT Specialist/System Administrator to manage and optimize our IT infrastructure while providing specialized support for our animation systems. This dual-role position involves overseeing the stability and efficiency of our IT environment, ensuring that our animation software and hardware operate smoothly. You will be instrumental in maintaining system performance, implementing IT solutions, and supporting our creative teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• IT Specialist Duties:

  • Administer and maintain servers, workstations, and network infrastructure to ensure reliable and secure IT operations.

  • Manage user accounts, permissions, and access control to various systems and software.

  • Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and perform routine maintenance to minimize downtime.

  • Implement and manage backup solutions, disaster recovery plans, and data security measures.

  • Provide technical support and training to staff, addressing IT-related issues promptly and effectively.

• Animation Systems Administration:

  • Support and optimize animation software and hardware, including render farms, graphics workstations, and related peripherals.

  • Collaborate with animation and VFX teams to troubleshoot and resolve software and hardware issues related to animation production.

  • Ensure compatibility and integration between animation tools and IT infrastructure.

  • Manage and deploy updates, patches, and upgrades for animation software and systems.

  • Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in animation IT to recommend improvements and innovations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Animation, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

• Proven experience in IT administration, system management, or a similar role, with a focus on supporting creative or animation environments.

• Proficiency in managing operating systems (Windows, Mac OS, Linux), network infrastructure, and server environments.

• Experience with animation software and hardware, including render farms, 3D workstations, and graphics processing units (GPUs).

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to handle complex technical issues and multitask effectively.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate with technical and creative teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with animation-specific software (e.g., Maya, Blender, Houdini) and industry-standard tools.

• Knowledge of scripting or automation tools to streamline IT and animation workflows.

• Familiarity with cloud-based solutions and virtualization technologies.

• Certifications related to IT administration, network management, or animation systems are a plus.

 

Job Title: Animation 3D Modeler/Texture Artist

Pay Range: $60,000 - $80,000 per year

Role Overview: We are looking for a skilled 3D Modeler/Texture Artist who excels in both creating high-quality 3D models and applying detailed textures to bring them to life. This dual-role position involves designing and modeling intricate 3D assets and crafting realistic or stylized textures to enhance the visual quality of our animations. You will collaborate closely with animators, designers, and other artists to ensure cohesive and visually compelling results.

Key Responsibilities:

• 3D Modeling:

  • Create detailed and accurate 3D models for characters, environments, props, and other assets.

  • Develop models from concept art, sketches, and reference materials, ensuring they meet artistic and technical requirements.

  • Optimize models for performance, including polygon count, UV mapping, and rigging compatibility.

  • Collaborate with the animation team to ensure models are prepared for animation and rigging.

• Texture Artistry:

  • Apply textures to 3D models to achieve desired visual effects, including realism or stylization.

  • Create and manage texture maps, such as diffuse, specular, normal, and displacement maps.

  • Utilize various texturing techniques, including hand-painting and procedural generation, to enhance the visual quality of assets.

  • Ensure textures are consistent with the overall art direction and seamlessly integrated into the animation pipeline.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Art, Animation, Computer Graphics, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

• Proven experience as a 3D Modeler and Texture Artist with a strong portfolio showcasing relevant work.

• Proficiency in 3D modeling software (e.g., Maya, Blender, 3ds Max) and texture painting tools (e.g., Substance Painter, Photoshop).

• Solid understanding of 3D modeling techniques, UV mapping, and texturing processes.

• Ability to work within a variety of art styles and adapt to project requirements.

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with game engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine) and real-time rendering.

• Knowledge of shader programming and material creation.

• Familiarity with sculpting tools (e.g., ZBrush) and advanced texturing techniques.

• Experience working in a collaborative environment with animators and other artists.

 

Job Title: Render Wrangler

Pay Range: $25 - $40 per hour

Role Overview: We are looking for a detail-oriented Render Wrangler to oversee and streamline our rendering pipeline. This role involves managing render queues, optimizing performance, and troubleshooting issues to ensure that our animation projects are processed efficiently and meet our quality standards. You will work closely with artists, technical directors, and other team members to ensure that the rendering process supports the creative vision of our projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Render Management:

  • Oversee and manage render queues, ensuring that all tasks are processed in a timely and efficient manner.

  • Monitor and optimize rendering performance to maximize resource utilization and minimize render times.

  • Implement and manage render farm infrastructure, including load balancing and resource allocation.

• Issue Troubleshooting:

  • Identify and resolve rendering issues, including technical glitches, errors, and performance bottlenecks.

  • Collaborate with artists and technical teams to troubleshoot and address any issues related to rendering.

  • Provide technical support and guidance to team members on rendering-related matters.

• Pipeline Optimization:

  • Develop and implement best practices for the rendering pipeline to improve efficiency and consistency.

  • Work with technical directors to refine and enhance rendering workflows and processes.

  • Ensure that render outputs meet quality standards and adhere to project specifications.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Animation, Visual Effects, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

• Proven experience in a render wrangler or similar role within an animation or visual effects studio.

• Proficiency in rendering software and tools (e.g., RenderMan, Arnold, V-Ray) and familiarity with render farm management systems.

• Strong understanding of rendering processes, including lighting, shading, and compositing.

• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to handle complex technical issues and multitask effectively.

• Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with artists, technical teams, and other stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python, MEL) for automation and pipeline enhancements.

• Knowledge of cloud-based rendering solutions and distributed computing.

• Familiarity with industry-standard software (e.g., Maya, Blender, Houdini) and asset management systems.

• Experience working with large-scale production environments and high-performance computing resources.

 

Job Title: Technical Support Specialist

Pay Range: $30 - $50 per hour

Role Overview: We are seeking a skilled Technical Support Specialist to provide technical assistance and resolve issues related to our animation software and systems. This role involves troubleshooting technical problems, supporting artists and animators, and ensuring that our technology infrastructure is running optimally. You will be a key player in maintaining the productivity and efficiency of our animation pipeline.

Key Responsibilities:

• Technical Support:

  • Provide expert technical support to artists, animators, and production staff for animation software and tools.

  • Troubleshoot and resolve software and hardware issues, including crashes, bugs, and performance problems.

  • Assist with the setup, configuration, and maintenance of animation software and related systems.

• System Maintenance:

  • Monitor and maintain the performance of animation systems, including workstations, render farms, and storage solutions.

  • Implement updates, patches, and upgrades to ensure software and systems are current and functioning correctly.

  • Collaborate with IT teams to manage network and infrastructure issues that impact animation workflows.

• Training and Documentation:

  • Develop and deliver training sessions and documentation to help team members use animation tools and systems effectively.

  • Create and maintain knowledge base articles, troubleshooting guides, and best practice documents.

  • Stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technological advancements to provide informed support and recommendations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Animation, IT, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

• Proven experience in a technical support role within an animation or visual effects studio.

• Proficiency with animation software and tools (e.g., Maya, Blender, Houdini), as well as industry-standard hardware and systems.

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve technical issues efficiently.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with technical and non-technical team members.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python, MEL) for automation and tool customization.

• Knowledge of network and infrastructure management as it relates to animation production.

• Familiarity with project management and asset management systems used in animation studios.

• Experience in creating and delivering technical training and support materials.

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We thank all applicants for their interest in joining our team. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.