Rigging & Animation Software Developer

Flying Bark Productions is a dynamic and innovative animation studio dedicated to pushing the boundaries of character animation and storytelling. We are working on exciting projects such as Avatar: The Last Airbender feature film, Netflix's Stranger Things animated series, as well as our production Tales From Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan. 

We have an exciting opportunity for the right candidate in joining their R&D Software Development team in Sydney to help shape the future of our CG Rigging & Animation pipeline.

We are looking for a passionate and technically skilled Rigging & Animation Software Developer to join our R&D team. This role is crucial in developing and improving rigging tools, animation workflows, and technical solutions that enhance our animation pipeline. You will work closely with Animation & Rigging teams to ensure efficiency, flexibility, and high-quality results in our productions.

About the role:

• Development of scalable systems, procedures and tools that help the smooth and efficient running of the studio’s departments, including their inputs, internal workflows and outputs;
• Research new technologies (such as pose prediction) and how to implement them into production pipelines when efficiencies can be found.
• Investigate how machine learning can optimize rigging and animation processes, as well as ways of linking collected data (mocap & motion targeting) to rigs.
• Build software-Agnostic Tools or solutions that aren’t tied to a single program, then also help with maintenance and support.
• Develop advanced rigging techniques for more natural and realistic movements and deformation quality.
• Design rigs that adapt easily to various characters and styles.
• Propose ways to automate workflow to streamline repetitive tasks to save time and reduce errors.
• Enhance performance feedback to help animators work more efficiently
• Look into refactoring code for better support & maintenance
• Maintain good communication between different studio departments and the technical departments;
• Effectively working both autonomously and under the direction from supervisors as required;
• Ability to flag issues that may impact on the successful delivery of the various production;
• Assist with training, documentation and implementation of any newly adapted workflows;
• Ability to manage time effectively, and complete all tasks within production deadlines.
• Must work well in a team, with strong communication skills and attention to detail;

About you:

• 5 years experience developing tools and scripts for animation pipelines within a production environment
• Understanding of artist workflows and pain points.
• Knowledge of procedural animation and physics-based rigging solutions.
• Proficiency in Python and Maya API (C is a plus plus).
• Knowledge of USD, as well as Groom & CFX workflows
• Knowledge of procedural animation and physics-based rigging solutions.
• Familiarity with real-time engines (Unreal Engine, Unity) is a plus.
• A passion for innovation and staying up to date with industry advancements.
• Knowledge in various simulation systems (muscle, cloth: nCloth, Bifrost, Ziva).
• Knowledge with other animation packages (Unreal, Blender, Houdini). Tech knowledge of APEX/KineFX in relation to CreatureFX is a bonus.
• Keen and demonstrable interest in machine learning, such as PyTorch and TensorFlow.
• Knowledge of deep learning architectures for animation and pose prediction.
• Version control with Git.
• Able to showcase existing tools & development projects to illustrate their methods.
• Ability to prototype and validate new approaches.
• Ability to write documentation and technical specifications.
• Ability to create progress reports and demonstrations.
• Ability to create measurable improvements in productivity.
• Ability to gather and interpret user requirements.

What do we do? 

Flying Bark Productions is a renowned independent producer of family-focused animation entertainment. For over 50 years, our 2D and 3D production facility has created award-winning feature films and TV series. 

Why work with us? 

• We work on some pretty cool projects - check out our website: https://www.flyingbark.com.au/ 
• We have an industry leading studio space in Alexandria, complete with a cinema, quiet room, Zen Garden, games room, and state of the art animation facilities. 
• Breakfast is served daily - on us! 
• We have cake days, movie nights, wrap parties & a culture club dedicated to coordinating our busy social calendar! 
• The Barkers have big hearts too, with our Paws for a Cause fundraising arm raising much needed funds for charities such as Beyond Blue, RSPCA and the Cancer Council. 
• We love dogs and you will often see some of our regular fluffy companions in the studio. 
• We have a hybrid approach to work with flexible work from home days on offer.
•  Career development is important to us so we offer training and support opportunities whenever possible. 
• Our employees say our culture is the best they've ever experienced - everyone is welcome and celebrated! 
• You'll have access to mental health resources and free counselling via our Employee Assistance Provider Support Act. 

Flying Bark Productions is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.