Tech Lead - Pipeline Development

POSITION SUMMARY BOT VFX, a visual effects services company with global clients, is looking for a Tech Lead – Pipeline Development as a full-time permanent role. The position is preferably based out of Chennai, India. The Tech Lead – Pipeline Development oversees the technical execution, software architecture, continuous delivery practices, and technical standards across the studio's pipeline engineering group. Reporting directly to the Head of Pipeline , the role ensures that core technical frameworks, internal APIs, and artist-facing tools are designed and configured in a manner that efficiently and predictably enables every part of the delivery workflow. Whether your background is in Visual Effects, Feature Animation, High-Throughput Media Processing, Enterprise Systems, or Distributed Data Software, the ideal candidate possesses a deep technical background in software engineering coupled with strong system-design and developer-mentorship skills. They should have the leadership ability to translate strategic pipeline vision into modular, high-quality code and maintain operational stability across high-pressure show deliveries. POSITION RESPONSIBILITY Translate architectural roadmaps and high-level designs defined by the Head of Pipeline into detailed technical specifications, modular code, and sprint tasks. Write clean, efficient, and well-documented Python and/or C++ code for core pipeline modules, internal APIs, and tool integrations. Enforce established software engineering practices within the development team, including peer code reviews, continuous integration (CI/CD) practices, and unit testing. Provide day-to-day tasking, code guidance, and hands-on technical mentorship to Pipeline Developers and Pipeline TDs to elevate team-wide code quality. Implement user-friendly graphical interfaces (via PySide/Qt) that translate complex backend logic into intuitive tools for end users. Integrate designated open-source technologies (e.g., AYON/OpenPype, USD) and commercial DCC APIs (Nuke, Maya, Houdini) into the production workflow. Act as the primary technical contact for developer-level bug fixing and deep code-level troubleshooting during active production cycles. REQUIRED SKILLS At least 8+ years of professional software development experience, with at least 2–3 years in a technical lead, module lead, or senior software engineering role guiding developers. Advanced proficiency in Python (Python 3) and/or C++ , with a strong command of object-oriented design and software design patterns. Hands-on experience building desktop graphical applications using Qt / PySide or equivalent UI frameworks. Strong practical experience with Git , automated testing, continuous integration (CI/CD) workflows, REST APIs, and database structures. Strong technical background in at least one of the following areas: Visual Effects (VFX) or Feature Animation pipeline engineering 3D Graphics, Rendering, Simulation, or Image/Video Processing software development Enterprise Software Engineering, High-Throughput Media Processing, or Distributed Systems Architecture Excellent problem-solving skills, strong PR review habits, and the ability to mentor developers on technical implementation details. PREFERRED SKILLS ( Learnable on the Job ) Practical experience working with core VFX Digital Content Creation (DCC) APIs (e.g., Nuke, Maya, Houdini). Knowledge of standard 3D data exchange formats and scene description frameworks (e.g., Universal Scene Description / USD, Alembic). Experience with open-source pipeline architectures (e.g., AYON/OpenPype) or production management databases (ShotGrid/Shotgun, Ftrack). Proficiency in Linux development environments and shell scripting.