Technical Development Manager

Reports to: Studio management Works closely with: 2D, 3D, Pipeline & IT departments

UFX Studio, part of the Umedia Group and dedicated to visual effects, animation and production technology, is looking for a Head of Technical Development to define and drive its technology strategy. Reporting to studio management, you will cover the full VFX production chain, with particular focus on 2D, 3D, pipeline and artificial intelligence technologies.

You will identify the studio’s technical needs, evaluate emerging technologies, oversee their integration into production workflows, and help create new VFX workflows and services - in particular through the thoughtful use of generative AI, machine learning, automation and proceduralism., * Define the studio’s technology roadmap together with management, and contribute to R&D investment decisions.

• Maintain an active watch on developments in VFX, film, animation, AI and software, and assess their relevance to the studio.
• Turn technological innovations into concrete, production-ready applications.

2D & 3D development

• Oversee 2D tools and workflows: compositing/finishing, roto, paint/prep, tracking/matchmove, keying, denoising, and pass/layer management (notably in Nuke).
• Drive 3D workflows: modeling/sculpting, texturing/look development, layout, FX/simulation, lighting, animation, rendering, USD, asset management and proceduralism (Houdini, Maya, Blender, Unreal Engine or equivalents).
• Identify high-value operations that can be automated or enhanced with software or AI tools.

Artificial intelligence & machine learning

• Define and drive the studio’s AI integration strategy: generative AI, image/video-to-image/video, AI-assisted roto and tracking, upscaling, asset generation, synthetic data, and intelligent pipeline automation.
• Distinguish technologies with genuine production value from passing trends, and set the rules for AI use (confidentiality, intellectual property, data security, traceability, compliance, human and artistic control).

Pipeline, automation & management

• Working with the Pipeline and IT teams, design internal tools, APIs, scripts and services, and help structure USD / OpenColorIO / OpenEXR / Alembic pipelines.
• Manage and develop technical staff, allocate projects, and support teams through the rollout of new tools.
• Bridge artists and developers by translating creative challenges into technical requirements and vice versa.

At least 8-12 years in VFX, computer graphics, pipeline or software development, including significant experience as a technical lead, in R&D, or in technical supervision. Experience at an international VFX studio is a strong plus.

Essential technical skills

• Excellent understanding of 2D and 3D VFX workflows and VFX pipeline architecture.
• Ability to design robust tools for artists; solid understanding of rendering, compositing and data management.
• Experience in workflow automation and optimization; strong computer graphics background.

Highly valued

• CGI background, Maya API, Houdini, USD, cloud computing, render farm / distributed computing.

Management skills and personal qualities

• Technical leadership, ability to structure an R&D team, project management and prioritization.
• Curiosity about new technologies, pragmatism, autonomy and initiative.
• Comfortable in both artistic and technical environments; a clear communicator and rigorous about documentation.
• Sensitivity to confidentiality and intellectual property considerations related to productions and AI.
• Fluent in French and English, with excellent ability to communicate on technical, creative and strategic topics in an international environment.