Lead Pipeline Engineer/Head of Pipeline

As INDG’s software branch, Grip simplifies content production by combining CGI, rule-based generative AI, and post-production into an easy-to-use content generator that transforms master ad creatives into infinite variations for clients that include The Coca-Cola Company, L'Oréal, LVMH, and Beiersdorf.

As our new Head of Pipeline & Rendering Engineering you will manage the pipeline team, as well as work in close collaboration with the rest of our R&D Team, our Artists, and the Grip Software Development Team. You and the team will be responsible to define, architect, and develop the core of our production and automation pipeline – the actual heart of Grip’s capability to create and deliver product images at unprecedented scale and quality.

You will be spearheading our Graphics development projects, mentoring colleagues, and providing first-hand technical and automated solutions for our artists and the ecosystem behind Grip. Together with our Development and Operations teams, you will also ensure the pipeline is well set up and working at maximum efficiency.

Automation is in your heart, and you aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty with developing some code. Creating an automated and state-of-the-art pipeline for breathtaking visual results with the pipeline team is your number one goal. You’ll also deeply understand and give guidance around the inner aspects of Computer Graphics, Rendering, Modelling, Compositing, Workflows, and further aspects of 3D content production at scale. It is your passion to combine your knowledge in these areas with automation driven by code, inside and outside of 3D applications.

What will you be doing?

• In close collaboration with our CTO and different technical and artistic teams, define, develop, and run the next version of our rendering technology (both from a creative tooling & pipeline perspective and our end-user software).
• Guiding and making pipeline technology choices and defining the future architecture of our technology platform.
• Close collaboration with our Grip development and technical teams to identify shared (technical) approaches.
• Collaborating with our artists to develop the tools and automation they need.
• Build, test, & deploy frequent changes and updates to the pipeline.
• Document and possibly train artists to use the pipeline, pick up enhancements, and implement directly.

Would be amazing if you have:

• 7+ years of experience in Computer Graphics and Science discipline (ideally as a M.Sc. / PhD) or 3+ years of practical experience in Computer Graphics industry in a similar role (with CG and Science focus)
• Proven experience in leading and coaching a team
• Experience and knowledge about practical application and usage of OpenUSD
• Experience with industry standards in PBR rendering (BRDF/BSDFs), standard interchange formats (OpenPBR/MaterialX/MDL/USD)
• Hands-on software engineering and architecture (basic)
• Experience in the visual effects or computer animation industry
• Experience developing tools and/or plugins within industry software packages such as Maya, 3DS Max, Houdini and/or Nuke
• Experience with VRay, Cycles and/or Arnold
• Strong knowledge of Python / TypeScript / MaxScript / MEL / Blink and/or related scripting languages
• Experience working with revision control systems and defined coding standards
• In-depth PBR knowledge including industry standard definitions such as Disney Principled BRDF, Unreal shading model, ADMF, and/or similar
• VFX, visualization, Feature Animation or Episodic production experience
• Experience developing and running pipelines on Windows / Linux
• Upper-Intermediate English level

Nice to have:

• Experience developing Cloud-native pipelines
• Knowledge of the VFX Reference Platform
• Good grasp on color-management (ACES, sRGB, color-spaces & gamut)
• Experience with simulation software such as Houdini
• Experience with look-dev software such as Katana
• Experience with real-time platforms such as Omniverse / Unreal

Working at Grip

At Grip, we believe whatever you give your full attention becomes worthwhile. We choose to focus our attention on developing and utilizing technology to create beautiful images and videos. Because we’re doing something we care about, working here isn’t merely a means to an end; it’s our life.

Our team comprises learners and doers from over 50 countries, representing a wide range of backgrounds, identities, experiences, and perspectives. We don’t just allow remote work; we fully embrace it. We’re committed to excellence, and we’re always looking for more people who want to focus their care and attention on making beauty scalable through technology.

The procedure

If you’re ready to bring your project management powers to a role where you can make a difference, we want to hear from you. Send your resume and portfolio in English to jobs@indg.com.