Expression of Interest – Feature Animation, Technical Directors and R&D Engineers, Sydney

Job Position(s): Expression of Interest - Feature Animation, Technical Directors and R&D Engineers, Sydney

Netflix is building a pipeline of Technical Directors and R&D Engineers for its Animation Studios team based in Sydney, Australia. This is an expression of interest listing for the technical arm of feature animation production, covering pipeline development, rendering systems, rigging infrastructure, and the engineering work that keeps a large-scale animation studio running. It suits mid-to-senior level TDs and engineers who have worked inside a feature animation pipeline and understand production from the inside.

About the Role

Netflix Animation Studios is actively expanding its Sydney presence and wants to hear from technical professionals before specific roles are posted. Whether your background is in simulation, lighting pipelines, procedural rigging, or research and development for animation tools, this expression of interest feeds directly into the studio’s hiring pipeline for feature animation projects. A typical day in this department sits at the intersection of production problem-solving and software engineering, working closely with artists to build and maintain the systems that deliver finished frames.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain pipeline tools that support the feature animation production workflow from asset creation through to final render delivery.
• Collaborate with department leads to identify technical bottlenecks and engineer solutions that scale across a full production.
• Write and maintain code in Python, C++, or similar languages to extend and integrate core animation software platforms.
• Research emerging techniques in areas such as simulation, procedural generation, or real-time rendering and assess their application to studio productions.
• Support artists on the floor by troubleshooting technical issues within the animation pipeline without disrupting shot progress.
• Document technical systems and contribute to a shared knowledge base that supports both current productions and future feature film slates.

What You Bring

• Demonstrated experience as a Technical Director or R&D Engineer inside a feature animation or VFX pipeline studio environment.
• Proficiency with industry-standard animation software including Maya, Houdini, or Katana, depending on your area of specialisation.
• Strong scripting and software development skills, with production credits that reflect real pipeline ownership rather than support roles.
• Familiarity with render farm infrastructure, asset management systems, and the broader technical architecture of a large animation studio.
• Experience shipping at least one feature film or long-form animated production in a technical capacity.

Why This Role

Netflix Animation Studios is building original feature animation from the ground up, which means technical staff have genuine influence over how the pipeline is architected rather than inheriting a decades-old system. The Sydney studio is part of a global operation, giving technical staff access to resources and production scale that few animation studios can offer. For engineers and TDs who want their work tied directly to theatrical-level feature animation production, this is a serious place to build a long-term career.

Submit your expression of interest for Technical Directors and R&D Engineers at Netflix Animation Studios in Sydney and a member of the talent team will be in touch if your background matches an upcoming role.