Virtual Production Technical Manager

Job Title

Virtual Production Technical Manager

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

College of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Glimpse of the Job

The Virtual Production Institute, recipient of $25 million in funding from the State of Texas, is seeking a highly skilled Virtual Production Technical Manager. You will play a crucial role in modern filmmaking and technical production management. Working with various 3D and content playback pipelines using virtual sets, motion capture systems, and real-time rendering software as you collaborate closely with directors, cinematographers, and visual effects teams to create immersive virtual environments and integrate live-action footage with digital elements seamlessly. This is a rewarding opportunity as your skills ensure that the virtual production process runs smoothly, enhancing a captivating visual storytelling experience producing feature films, TV shows, commercials, and music videos.

Essential Duties/Tasks

Technical Production Management:

• Prepares and runs Unreal Engine environments for in-camera VFX shooting workflows
• Manages 2D video plate preparation, including ingest, versioning, and stitching
• Executes Unreal Engine setup, calibration, and operations during preproduction and shoots
• Identifies and implements customization, optimization, and blueprint requirements for environments
• Maintain and optimize tracking systems, including building lens files for Stype and Sisu
• Establishes and maintains color pipelines per project requirements
• Maintains high standards of quality and speed in virtual production workflows
  
  
  

Systems and Infrastructure Management:

• Oversees stage hardware and systems operation
• Manages networking and ICVFX infrastructure
• Implements and maintains version control systems such as Perforce
• Operates and maintains robotic cameras and cranes
• Manages physical lighting protocols including DMX, artnet, and sACN
  
  
  

Quality Control and Production Support:

• Ensures technical quality standards are maintained across all productions
• Provides technical support during live production
• Troubleshoots and resolves technical issues in real-time
• Maintains documentation of technical procedures and workflows
  
  
  

Collaboration and Communication:

• Works closely with Virtual Production Supervisor and PVFA/VPI tech team
• Participates in production planning and technical coordination meetings
• Collaborates with team members toward common goals
• Communicates technical requirements and solutions clearly and concisely
  
  
  

Technical Development and Optimization:

• Develops and implements Unreal Blueprint solutions
• Creates and maintains Python scripts for workflow optimization
• Manages OCIO/ACES color pipeline implementation
• Optimizes media server operations including Pixera
  
  
  

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five years of experience in related field including demonstrated experience with Unreal Engine, including Blueprints and Livelink
  
  
  

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to execute technically difficult work under pressure
• Understanding of OCIO/ACES color pipelines
• Experience with version control systems
• Strong knowledge of stage hardware and systems
• Proficiency in networking and ICVFX infrastructure
• Technical understanding of live-action cinematography, cinema cameras, film back, aperture, shutter, and FOV
• Audio and timecode systems knowledge – possess a strong understanding of audio, timecode systems, Genlock and Evertz systems
• Excellent knowledge of Unreal Engine, Maya/Blender, and visual effects pipelines
• Ability to lift and move technical equipment and manual dexterity for equipment operation
• Work beyond normal office hours and/or on weekends. Travel required.
  
  
  

Preferred Experience:

• Experience with Pixera and other media servers
• Knowledge of physical lighting protocols (DMX, artnet, sACN)
• Proficiency in scripting (Unreal Blueprints and Python)
• Experience with robotic cameras and cranes
• Traditional filmmaking on-set experience
  
  
  

What You Need To Know

Salary: Compensation will be commensurate to selected hire’s experience  

Cover Letter/Resume: A cover letter and resume will assist us in our review of your application materials

Who We Are

The Virtual Production Institute (VPI) initiative received $25 million in funding from the State of Texas to pursue the development of new applications of visual computing and interactive technologies and translating their use across multiple industries, entertainment, and the arts at the Bryan/College Station and the Texas A&M - Fort Worth campus in downtown Fort Worth. The VPI is committed to educating and training a new generation of industry- and practice-ready engineers, technologists, and artists.

The Virtual Production Institute is part of Texas A&M University’s College of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts (PVFA). To learn more about PVFA, visit us at: College of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts website.

Why Texas A&M University?

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. Amenities associated with a major university, such as: sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you. Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes. In addition, you have access to many benefits and perks, such as:   

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums   
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays    
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation  each month   
• Automatically enrolled in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Free exercise programs and release time for health and wellness programs   
• All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training programs, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more    
• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee
• Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees
  
  
  

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Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.