Hybrid Backend TA

at Flying Bark Productions

• Job title: Backend TA
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Mid level, Senior
• Salary: Not specified
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Tech skills: Lua, Python, Shell Scripting
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Sydney, Australia

About the role

• Backend Technical Assistant providing technical support in Lighting, FX and Compositing teams for animation projects. Responsible for maintaining backend libraries, resolving bug reports, and ensuring quality control of shots.

Responsibilities

• Providing daily technical support to the Lighting, FX and Compositing crews.
• Maintaining and updating backend asset and shot libraries such as lighting templates, FX caches and comp scripts.
• Reviews, triages and resolves bug reports related to backend tools and workflows.
• Quality control of shots delivered from Animation and FX and preparing them for Lighting and Compositing.
• Assisting with look development, lighting setups and shader assignments when required.
• Support for FX simulations and troubleshooting scene performance or render issues.
• Assists with pipeline-related tasks across Houdini, Katana and Nuke.
• Building strong working relationships with key members of production and crew.

Requirements

• Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to problem-solving.
• Able to script using Python (Katana, Nuke, Houdini), Lua (Katana Opscripts) and or VEX (Houdini) and possibly shell scripting.
• Working knowledge of Houdini, Katana, Nuke and ideally Maya (ideally within a production-based environment).
• Understanding of shader networks and shader optimisation are a benefit.
• Understand rendering workflows and scene optimisation.
• Able to consistently meet deadlines in a fast-paced production setting.
• Excellent communication skills and a willingness to share information in a team environment.
• Flexible and responsive to change.
• Passion for animation, visual effects and storytelling.

Benefits

• Breakfast is served daily - on us!
• Cake days, movie nights, wrap parties & a culture club dedicated to coordinating our busy social calendar!
• Access to mental health resources and free counselling via our Employee Assistance Provider, Support Act.
• Training and support opportunities whenever possible.