Manager of Software

Description

Walt Disney Animation Studios combines the very best in artistry and storytelling with cutting-edge technology to bring wonderful new characters to the big screen for audiences around the world. Constantly challenged to create innovative new technologies for animated features, theme park productions and special projects for the Walt Disney Company, Disney Animation is home to some of the most talented artists working in the film industry today.

We will be at SIGGRAPH 2010 in Los Angeles! Visit our profile to learn more.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Manager, Software to join the team at our Burbank, CA studio. We are seeking leadership for our FX/Dynamics and Look/Rendering Tools development team.

Are you ready to lead a highly skilled software development team onward to new feats of cutting edge graphics engineering? Have you shown, time and time again, an unwavering ability to build for the long term, but make sure the tools are ready to deliver the next shot now? Do you follow the latest research in simulation like a reporter looking for the next big story? Can you explain the strong points and limitations of the latest rendering techniques and give direction on new features for our paint tools? We’re looking for a Software Engineering Manager to do all this, and a bit more.

The Manager, Software will provide the direction and resource allocation for a team tasked with the development of the tools and workflows used to create digitally animated feature films. By directly managing engineers, he/she is accountable for time, budget, and quality of solutions delivered.

Keys to success in this area are the successful negotiation of competing demands, and ensuring sufficient resources (human, capital, technology) to meet needs while keeping within the budget constraints of the studio. These keys are enabled by building outstanding relationships with other technology departments and film productions, and by promoting dependability and group leadership.

This is a managerial position requiring software development project leadership experience, technical leadership experience, excellent communication and interpersonal skills as well as the proven ability to hire and support developers of all experience levels.

This role requires an overall understanding of the tools and workflows used to create digitally animated feature films. Additionally, the Manager needs to have an understanding of and proven experience with agile software development.

The FX/Dynamics and Look/Rendering Team specifically requires experience with effects simulation, shading, lighting and rendering workflows, tools and research. Experience with 2D and 3D painting software, Renderman shaders and DSO’s, Houdini, Maya API, along with cloth and hair/fur systems is also necessary.

What you’ll be doing:
• Providing overall roadmap & direction for diverse team of 10 to 15
• Managing overall resource allocation for up to 15 simultaneous and ongoing projects/products
• Effectively managing and balancing the spit of maintenance and new feature development as per Studio priorities
• Acting as trusted advisor and consultant to Productions and Studio leadership
• Working closely with other Technology Managers to ensure efficient communication of team objectives, challenges and requirements
• Building an effective development organization through mentoring and leadership
• Guiding the career development of each team member including meeting regularly with employees
• Conducting performance reviews of team members
• Ensuring excellence in group is acknowledged and rewarded