Lighting TD (MId-level) at Atlantis Animation, spain

Job Overview

• Company Name: Atlantis Animation
• Job Title: Lighting TD (Technical Director)
• Industry: 3D Animation / Television
• Location: Santa Cruz de Tenerife
• Work Model: 100% On-site (Remote work not available)
• Employment Type: Full-Time, Temporary Employee Contract
• Contract Duration: 8 Months
• Start Date: March 9, 2026
• Salary Range: Competitive (Commensurate with Mid-to-Senior experience)
• Tech Stack: Arnold, Python, USD, ShotGrid (Flow), ACES

Atlantis Animation – Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

Atlantis Animation is a premier creative hub located in the stunning Canary Island of Tenerife. By merging top-tier creative talent with sophisticated technology, we have established ourselves as a leading studio for high-quality animated series and feature films. Our portfolio includes global successes like Tara Duncan and Miraculous Ladybug (Season 5), both broadcast on Disney Channel and Disney+.

Atlantis Animation is currently scaling our technical team for an ambitious new production: ‘Messi and the Giants’. Produced by Sony Music Vision, Sony Pictures Television Kids, and Leo Messi Management, this series is an epic saga following a young boy named Leo on a fantastical journey. We are seeking a technically brilliant and artistically minded Lighting Technical Director (TD) to ensure this world is illuminated with the highest level of visual fidelity and efficiency.

Role Overview

As a Lighting TD, you will occupy a critical junction between the artistic vision of our Lighting Artists and the technical infrastructure of our production pipeline. Your primary objective is to deliver high-quality, optimized renders while building the tools that empower the entire lighting department.

This is a role for a problem-solver who thrives in a USD-based pipeline. You will not only be responsible for the “look” of the render but also for its performance—diagnosing bottlenecks, reducing noise, and managing memory usage in a modern path-tracing environment. You will be expected to write robust, production-ready Python tools that streamline workflows, ensuring a seamless transition of assets from LookDev through to Compositing.

Key Responsibilities as  Lighting TD

1. Technical Problem Solving & Tool Development

• Diagnose and resolve complex technical hurdles within the lighting and rendering stages.

• Develop, maintain, and optimize custom Python-based tools and scripts to automate repetitive tasks.

• Troubleshoot rendering issues such as path-tracing noise, excessive render times, and memory spikes specifically within Arnold.

• Create well-documented, user-friendly tools that can be easily adopted by the wider lighting team.

2. Workflow & Pipeline Integration

• Partner with the Pipeline team to integrate lighting tools into the broader studio infrastructure.

• Ensure smooth data flow across departments, including Look Development, FX, and Compositing.

• Maintain clean, organized scripts and contribute to internal documentation (e.g., Studio Wiki) to preserve institutional knowledge.

3. Look Development & Rendering Support

• Collaborate with Surfacing and LookDev artists to ensure shaders and textures react accurately within our lighting and color pipelines.

• Implement and manage color management standards, specifically ACES, ensuring consistency across the production.

• Deliver high-quality lighting renders that meet the creative standards of Sony and Disney, adhering to strict production deadlines.

4. Optimization & Efficiency

• Apply expert-level knowledge of physically based rendering (PBR) to achieve realistic light behavior.

• Optimize render settings to maximize visual impact while staying within the studio’s technical overhead.

Requirements & Qualifications for Lighting TD

Professional Experience:

• Industry Background: Proven experience as a Lighting TD within the TV animation or feature film industry.

• Seniority: Demonstrated ability to handle Mid+ to Senior level responsibilities with minimal supervision.

• Production Tools: Extensive experience with Arnold and production tracking software such as ShotGrid (Flow).

Technical Skills:

• Scripting: Advanced proficiency in Python for tool development.

• Pipeline Knowledge: Strong understanding of USD (Universal Scene Description) and how it facilitates multi-departmental collaboration.

• Color Science: Expert knowledge of color spaces, bit depth, and data representation (ACES).

• Mathematics & Physics: Deep comprehension of physically based rendering and optimization techniques.

Core Competencies:

• Attention to Detail: An uncompromising eye for visual quality and technical cleanliness.

• Communication: Fluent in English (both written and spoken) with the ability to explain technical concepts to creative teams.

• Legal: Must hold a valid EU/Spanish work permit.

Preferred Assets (Nice to Have):

• Professional experience with Qt for UI development.

• Working knowledge of Nuke for lighting-to-comp integration.

• Prior experience in Shading/Surfacing.

What We Offer

• High-Stakes Production: The chance to contribute to a flagship international series for Disney and Sony Pictures.

• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a diverse team of international professionals in an inclusive, high-energy studio.

• Location: Live and work in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, offering a unique blend of urban culture and “heavenly” natural beauty.

• Professional Growth: Exposure to a modern, USD-based pipeline and the opportunity to leave your mark on the studio’s technical legacy.

Application Process

To apply, please submit your CV and a technical portfolio or “tool-reel” that demonstrates your Python scripting ability and lighting/rendering quality.

1. Portfolio Review: Our leads will evaluate your technical solutions and render efficiency.

2. Technical Interview: A deep dive into your Python skills and USD pipeline experience.

3. Cultural Fit: An opportunity to meet the team and discuss life at the Tenerife studio.