Do you see problem-solving not just as fixing, but as empowering?
We’re looking for someone who can bridge creativity and code - a person who turns complex challenges into elegant tools that make artists faster, better, and freer to create.
We are seeking an Associate Technical Director (ATD) to join our Tokyo-based team at Megalis VFX, supporting shows across departments from asset through lighting and compositing. You’ll be part of a highly collaborative pipeline group that builds, maintains, and evolves the studio’s core workflows.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives on curiosity, who wants to understand how things work, improve them, and help others do their best work. Remote work may be an option for the right candidate.
Key Responsibilities
- Shot and Asset Support: Diagnose, debug, and resolve technical issues artists encounter in Maya, Houdini, Katana, Nuke, or other production tools.
- Pipeline Tools and Automation: Develop, test, and maintain production-critical Python tools and scripts that improve efficiency across departments.
- Workflow Optimization: Identify bottlenecks in day-to-day artist workflows and design solutions that simplify or automate repetitive tasks.
- Render and Publish Systems: Assist with render farm troubleshooting, publishing errors, and data flow between departments and storage systems.
- Cross-Department Collaboration: Work closely with leads, supervisors, and developers to ensure tools meet both creative and technical needs.
- Documentation and Knowledge Sharing: Maintain clear documentation, internal wikis, and quick-reference guides for artists and production staff.
- Innovation and Scalability: Contribute to the evolution of the Megalis pipeline by exploring new approaches, APIs, and open-source integrations (USD, Rez, ShotGrid, etc.).
What You’ll Bring
- At least one year of experience as a TD, Pipeline TD, or Technical Assistant in a VFX or animation environment.
- Strong Python scripting skills with a focus on production tools and automation.
- Familiarity with Maya, Houdini, Katana, Nuke, and render management systems such as Deadline.
- Understanding of Unix/Linux environments, version control (Git), and file-based workflows (USD, Alembic, EXR).
- An ability to translate artist feedback into practical, stable, and intuitive technical solutions.
- Proactive problem-solving mindset — you enjoy digging into logs, tracing dependencies, and finding root causes.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills; the ability to support artists across multiple disciplines.
- Proficiency in English is preferred but not essential; Japanese language ability is an asset but not essential.
Why Megalis?
You’ll join a studio where technology and artistry are seen as equal partners, and where your work directly enables world-class storytelling. We value initiative, collaboration, and continuous learning. Whether you’re in Tokyo or working remotely, you’ll be part of a global team united by craft and curiosity.
If you’re ready to help shape the backbone of the creative process, and enjoy solving problems that make other people’s work shine, we’d love to hear from you.