Job Overview

• Company Name: Flying Bark Productions

• Position Title: Animation Technical Director (TD)

• Location: Sydney, New South Wales (Hybrid)

• Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (3 days on-site, 2 days remote)

• Estimated Salary Range: Competitive and commensurate with experience (Typically €45,000 – €65,000 for Mid/Senior levels in the Madrid market).

• Required Experience: 3+ years of professional experience with Maya software and pipeline programming.

• Legal Requirement: Must possess a valid work permit for Spain.

• Application Essential: A 3D Animation-focused Demo Reel submitted via YouTube or Vimeo link (Google Drive links are not accepted).

The Studio: Flying Bark Productions

Flying Bark Productions is not just an animation studio; it is a global powerhouse of creativity and technical innovation. With a rich history spanning decades and a future focused on expanding the boundaries of 2D and 3D storytelling, we have become a premier destination for artists and engineers alike.

Our current slate includes some of the most anticipated titles in modern entertainment, including the Avatar: The Last Airbender feature film, Netflix’s Ghostbusters and Stranger Things animated series, and the visually stunning Tales From Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan. Joining our Madrid team means becoming a vital part of a studio that values “culture first” while delivering world-class content.

Position Overview: The Role of the Animation TD

The Animation Technical Director serves as the bridge between the artistic vision of our animators and the technical infrastructure of our software pipeline. In this role, you aren’t just a “fixer”—you are an architect of efficiency. You will liaise directly with the animation department to identify bottlenecks and create custom tools in Autodesk Maya that make their daily lives easier and their output higher in quality.

While your primary focus is the Animation team, the “TD” role at Flying Bark is collaborative. You will act as a consultant for the Modeling, Rigging, and CFX (Character Effects) teams to ensure that assets moving through the pipeline are optimized, stable, and ready for the rigors of high-end feature and episodic production.

Key Responsibilities & Scope

1. Tool Development & Process Streamlining

You will be the lead developer for “Quality of Life” tools. This involves:

• Designing, coding, and deploying Maya-based tools that automate repetitive tasks.

• Integrating tools within the existing studio pipeline to ensure data integrity.

• Developing UI/UX solutions for artists that are intuitive and minimize “technical friction.”

2. Troubleshooting & Pipeline Debugging

When a shot breaks or a rig isn’t performing as expected, you are the first line of defense.

• Diagnosing complex performance issues in Maya scenes.

• Debugging asset-related errors that prevent smooth handovers between departments.

• Identifying “recurring pain points” and developing permanent code-based solutions to prevent them from happening again.

3. Cross-Departmental Collaboration

The pipeline is an ecosystem. You will:

• Collaborate with Rigging to ensure animators have the best controls possible.

• Work with FX and Lighting to ensure that the data exported from Animation is clean and usable.

• Participate in technical “post-mortems” to discuss how to improve the workflow for future projects.

4. Documentation & Mentorship

A tool is only useful if people know how to use it.

• Maintaining clear, concise documentation for all new tools and workflows.

• Mentoring junior artists or fellow TDs on best practices for Python scripting and Maya optimization.

• Updating the studio’s internal Wiki with troubleshooting guides.

Candidate Profile: What We Are Looking For

We are seeking a candidate who is equal parts programmer and artist. You should have a deep empathy for the creative process and a passion for solving puzzles.

Technical Requirements

• Maya Mastery: Minimum of 3 years of professional experience using Maya in a high-pressure production environment.

• Python Proficiency: You should be an expert in Python and Python 3. Familiarity with PySide/PyQt for building interfaces is essential.

• The “Full View”: A thorough understanding of the entire animation pipeline—from the initial model to the final render. You should understand how a decision in Modeling impacts the Groom, and how a Groom choice impacts the final Compositing stage.

• Shading & Assets: A demonstrated understanding of shading networks and how assets are constructed.

Preferred Skills (The “Plus” Factors)

• Shotgrid: Experience with the Shotgrid API and Shotgrid Toolkit (formerly Shotgun) is highly valued, as it is the backbone of our production tracking.

• Problem Solving: A proactive, “solutions-driven” mindset. We value people who don’t just find a bug but suggest a new way to avoid the bug entirely.

Important Application Instructions

Flying Bark Productions is a visual storytelling company. To be considered for this role, you must provide a Demo Reel.

⚠️ REEL REQUIREMENTS:

• The reel must be 3D Animation Focused, showcasing the toolsets you have built, their application in a scene, and the “before vs. after” of the workflows you have improved.

• Format: We only accept YouTube or Vimeo links.

• Note: We cannot access Google Drive links due to security protocols. Applications with Drive links will not be reviewed.

The Flying Bark Culture: Why Madrid?

Our Madrid office, located in the vibrant San Blas-Canillejas district, is a hub for international talent. We believe that happy artists make better films. When you join the “Bark,” you aren’t just getting a job; you’re joining a community.

Perks & Benefits

• Hybrid Flexibility: We respect work-life balance. You’ll spend three days in our modern office collaborating in person and two days working from the comfort of your home.

• Social Life: Our “Kulture Klub” ensures there is never a dull moment. From weekly cake days and movie nights to massive wrap parties, we celebrate every milestone.

• Dog-Friendly: Our office is open to your four-legged friends! We believe a dog-friendly environment reduces stress and boosts morale.

• Growth Opportunities: With a full slate of projects and a strategy for international expansion, the ceiling for your career is as high as you want to climb. We offer internal training and support for those looking to move into Lead or Supervisory roles.

• Inclusion: We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Detailed Technical Expectations

For the successful Animation TD, technical excellence is a baseline. Below is a deeper dive into the specific mathematical and technical concepts you will interact with daily:

Pipeline Mathematics

While much of the role is focused on tool logic, a strong grasp of 3D mathematics is required to debug rigs and transformations. You will frequently work with:

• Vector Operations: Calculating distances and orientations for custom constraints.

• Matrix Transformations: Manipulating global and local coordinates to ensure seamless asset placement.

• Deformation Logic: Understanding how linear skinning and blend shapes interact within the Maya evaluation graph.

Optimization Targets

Your goal is to keep the “Frame Per Second” (FPS) high for animators. This involves:

• Implementing Proxy Workflows for heavy geometry.

• Utilizing GPU Caching to allow animators to see complex environments without slowing down their rigs.

• Scripting automated cleanup routines to remove “ghost” nodes and unused metadata from production scenes.

How to Apply

If you have the technical chops, a valid permit to work in Spain, and a passion for some of the biggest franchises in animation, we want to hear from you.

Please ensure your CV is up to date and your Vimeo/YouTube link is clearly visible at the top of your application.

Flying Bark Productions: Where great stories are built, one line of code at a time.