Hybrid Pipeline Engineer

at Skydance

• Job title: Pipeline Engineer
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Mid level, Senior
• Salary: Not specified
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Tech skills: Django, Docker, Flask, GraphQL, Kubernetes, Linux, MongoDB, Postgres, Python
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Madrid, Spain

About the role

• Pipeline Engineer developing software features for concurrent film productions at Skydance Animation. Collaborating within a creative environment to push animation technology limits.

Responsibilities

• Develops, tests, and documents features in the proprietary software used across concurrent film productions, under the direction of senior engineers and leads.
• Assists in analyzing existing workflows and procedures related to the company pipeline.
• Collaborates with IT infrastructure, Client Services, Wrangling, Production, and Show TD teams to help investigate and resolve issues with hardware, software products, or internal systems.
• Supports end users in operating new or updated programs, including writing basic user documentation.
• Stays informed on current trends in animation technology and tools relevant to the production pipeline.
• Applies engineering best practices in code quality, version control, and testing.
• Learns and works within established technical frameworks and architectural patterns set by the team.
• Participates actively in team brainstorming and planning sessions, sharing ideas and asking thoughtful questions.
• Communicates proactively with teammates and leads about task progress and any blockers encountered.
• Follows the guidance of supervisors, senior engineers, and leads, and actively seeks feedback to improve.
• Demonstrates a growth mindset and shows curiosity about both the technical and creative aspects of animation production.
• Contributes to a positive and collaborative team environment.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in software engineering, ideally in VFX, animation, or a related media/tech industry.
• Exposure to animation or VFX production workflows is a plus but not required.
• BS degree in Computer Science, or equivalent practical experience (3+ years) in a software engineering role.
• Solid foundational engineering skills, with an understanding of code quality, readability, and maintainability.
• Ability to contribute effectively within a team in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.
• Working knowledge of Python 3+ — ability to write clean, functional scripts and tools independently.
• Familiarity with Agile workflows and task tracking tools such as Jira, daily standups, and sprint planning.
• Basic familiarity with USD and its role in production pipelines; experience with integrations in DCC apps (Maya, Houdini/Solaris, Nuke) is a plus.
• Some experience with PyQt or PySide for tool development.
• Awareness of ASWF libraries such as OpenColorIO, OpenVDB, or OpenTimelineIO.
• Familiarity with Rez (package management) and/or Autodesk ShotGrid/Flow is beneficial.
• Comfortable working in a Linux development environment — bash scripting, common command-line tools (grep, find, sed, etc.).
• Experience with Git or another version control system.
• Basic understanding of relational or non-relational databases (e.g. PostgreSQL, MongoDB).
• Awareness of containerization and deployment concepts (Docker, Kubernetes, or similar).
• Some exposure to web service patterns (REST APIs preferred; GraphQL or RPC a bonus).
• Familiarity with a Python web framework (FastAPI, Flask, or Django) is a plus.
• Understanding of CI/CD concepts; hands-on experience is a plus (GitLab or GitHub Actions preferred).
• Experience with pytest or another Python testing framework.
• Build system knowledge (such as CMake) is a bonus.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible working hours
• Paid time off