Pipeline Lead - Australia

20 Feb 2026 · Open to remote work for the right candidate · Explore the integration of AI and machine learning tools · Open to candidates from VFX, animation or gamedev studio backgrounds · Sydney-Based Animation Studio — Open to Remote Across Australia & Regionally · Our clien ...

Job description

20 Feb 2026

• Open to remote work for the right candidate
• Explore the integration of AI and machine learning tools
• Open to candidates from VFX, animation or gamedev studio backgrounds

Sydney-Based Animation Studio — Open to Remote Across Australia & Regionally

Our client, a leading animation studio in Sydney, is seeking a Pipeline Lead to provide senior technical leadership across their end-to-end production pipeline. This role will drive the design, evolution, and day-to-day health of studio workflows spanning animation, VFX, and real-time/games content, including the considered integration of emerging AI and machine learning tools.

The Pipeline Lead will work closely with Supervisors, Production, Department Leads, and Artists to ensure the pipeline is robust, efficient, and scalable—empowering teams to deliver world-class work while adapting to the changing landscape of production technology.

Applicants from animation, VFX, or games/real-time backgrounds are encouraged. The studio values people who are collaborative, technically curious, and excited about building smart, future-ready pipelines.

Remote applicants across Australia—and potentially from key regional time zones—are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities: Pipeline Leadership & Technical Direction

• Lead the design, architecture, and ongoing development of the studio's production pipeline (based in Unreal Engine).
• Own the technical roadmap for pipeline tools and workflows, balancing long-term strategy with short-term production needs.
• Identify, prototype, and implement new technologies, workflows, and AI-assisted solutions that improve efficiency and creative capability.
• Ensure pipeline stability, scalability, and alignment with production schedules and artistic goals.
• Contribute to broader technology planning, resourcing, and prioritisation in collaboration with studio leadership.

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Partner closely with Animation, Lighting, Previz/Layout, Assets, Editorial, Production, and R&D/Engineering teams.
• Work with Supervisors and Department Leads to define requirements, troubleshoot issues, and design show-specific and studio-wide workflows.
• Champion clear communication, documentation, and training to support adoption and consistency across teams.

Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Lead and support a team of Pipeline TDs, Tools Developers, and Technical Artists.
• Provide hands-on mentorship, code reviews, and guidance on best practices in development, testing, version control, and deployment.
• Support hiring, onboarding, and performance development, and collaborate with external vendors or contractors where required.

Technical Development & Production Support

• Oversee the design, development, and maintenance of custom tools, scripts, plug-ins, and automation systems.
• Ensure strong integration across core software and platforms (e.g. Maya, Houdini, Nuke, Blender, Unreal/Unity, ShotGrid, FTrack).
• Support productions through all phases, responding quickly to technical blockers and evolving show requirements.
• Maintain high standards for documentation, reliability, and maintainability.

AI Tools & Emerging Technology

• Evaluate and integrate appropriate AI/ML tools into the pipeline, with a strong focus on security, ethics, and industry best practice.
• Lead or contribute to R&D initiatives in areas such as procedural workflows, generative tools, asset optimisation, real-time pipelines, and metadata/asset tagging.
• Educate and guide both technical and creative teams on the effective and responsible use of new tools.

Skills & Experience Essential

• Significant experience in a senior pipeline or technical leadership role within animation, VFX, games, or real-time production.
• An understanding and some experience within an Unreal pipe.
• Strong understanding of production workflows, asset lifecycles, and cross-department dependencies.
• Proven experience building, maintaining, or evolving complex studio pipelines.
• Advanced Python skills and experience with modern software engineering practices.
• Hands-on experience integrating industry-standard DCCs and production management tools.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Highly Valued

• Experience experimenting with or implementing AI/ML tools in a production context.
• Familiarity with USD, real-time engines (Unreal/Unity), procedural workflows, or automation frameworks.
• Experience with cloud-based or hybrid remote/on-site pipelines.
• A pragmatic approach that balances innovation with production realities.

Personal Attributes

• Collaborative, approachable, and solutions-focused.
• Passionate about mentoring and supporting technical teams.
• Comfortable operating in fast-paced production environments.
• Curious, adaptable, and excited about the future of animation and VFX technology.

This role is based in Sydney, but our client is open to:

• Remote applicants across Australia, and
• Potential regional applicants where time zones reasonably overlap.

The studio provides flexible arrangements and supports hybrid or fully remote setups depending on candidate experience.