Lead Software Engineer, RenderMan

Skydance offers a dynamic, inclusive, and ever-evolving culture where innovative ideas are welcomed, and growth fostered. The partnership between unique creativity and technological advancements are demonstrated within each pillar of the company. At the heart of it all is a commitment to boldly entertaining and relevant storytelling.While all Animation studios look to hire people who are creative and hard-working, Skydance Animation is specifically looking for pioneers who seek to push the limits of what the world’s most collaborative art form can achieve, and to give those pioneers the space and the resources to build a new studio that’s doing something different.Skydance Animation is seeking a highly skilled Software Engineer with a specialty in RenderMan to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for developing, optimizing, and maintaining our rendering pipeline using Pixar's RenderMan. This role involves close collaboration with artists, technical directors, and other engineers to ensure the highest quality rendering output and efficient workflows. The candidate should possess strong programming skills, deep knowledge of rendering techniques, and experience with RenderMan.Responsibilities

Provide leadership through expert knowledge to a production studio adopting RenderManInterface with Pixar RenderMan Engineering team to stay abreast on upcoming changes and devise an on-ramp for adopting and integrating new featuresStay current with the latest advancements in rendering technology and implement new techniques to improve visual quality and efficiencyAdvise and participate in developing and maintaining the rendering pipeline using RenderManAdvise and participate in the Integration of RenderMan into the studio’s existing workflows and tools, which are primarily in Houdini/Solaris, with some in MayaImplement techniques to manage geometry complexity, optimize lighting and shading computations, and improve overall rendering efficiencyLead the design and architecture of rendering solutions using RenderMan, ensuring scalability, performance, and maintainabilityIn partnership with the productions provide timelines, milestones, and on-time delivery of rendering projectsCommunicate with stakeholders, including artists, producers, and other technical teams, to understand requirements and provide updates on progressAssist with debugging issues that require deep RenderMan knowledgeCollaborate with the Skydance cloud rendering provider and IT group to maximize resource usage while minimizing cost per render-unitProvide guidance and mentorship to junior and mid-level engineers, fostering technical growth and best practicesRequirements

Bachelor or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Graphics, or a related field6+ years of experience in rendering engineering or a similar role in the visual effects, animation, or gaming industryProven experience with Pixar's RenderMan in a production environment utilizing Houdini with SolarisStrong proficiency in C++ and PythonDeep understanding of rendering techniques, including ray tracing, global illumination, subsurface scattering, motion blur, depth of field, and physically based renderingExperience with shader development using MaterialX Lama, RSL, OSL, or similar shading languagesExcellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative, international environmentEffective communication and teamwork skillsThe salary range for this position in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey is $170,000 – $185,000. The salary offered may vary based on the candidate’s location, qualifications, experience and relevant expertise, among other factors. The range indicated is for base salary only and does not reflect the total compensation package, including bonus, benefits, etc.

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