Compositing Pipeline TD (Contract)

Cause and FX has rapidly established itself as one of New Zealand’s foremost independent VFX studios, renowned for its vibrant environment and dedicated artists who consistently deliver exceptional work. We embrace innovation and state-of-the-art technologies while nurturing the growth and potential of our team. Our mutual commitment fuels our motivation, and we warmly welcome individuals who share the same level of passion and dedication.

Are you a Nuke wizard who loves being in the thick of it with compositors? Do you get just as excited solving a gnarly pipeline problem as you do seeing a beautifully composited shot come together? If so, read on.

About the Role

We're looking for a Compositing Pipeline TD to embed directly within our Compositing team and become their dedicated technical backbone. This isn't a back-room role, you'll be shoulder-to-shoulder with compositors every day, solving problems in real time, keeping tools sharp, and making sure the pipeline hums.

You'll lead the design and development of our compositing pipeline, build and maintain gizmos, templates and shared toolsets, write custom scripts and tools, and work closely with Pipeline and other TDs to keep everything integrated and running smoothly across productions.

What you'll be Doing:

• Designing, developing, and maintaining the compositing pipeline from the ground up, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of the team and their productions
• Sitting embedded within the comp team, providing immediate hands-on technical support across active projects
• Building and managing comp-side templates, gizmos, and shared toolsets to keep workflows running efficiently
• Developing custom tools and scripts to solve specific production challenges and streamline day-to-day compositing
• Collaborating with other TDs and software developers to integrate the compositing pipeline seamlessly into the wider global VFX pipeline
• Identifying and resolving performance bottlenecks to improve speed and efficiency across the board
• Implementing quality control measures to maintain pipeline integrity and troubleshoot issues as they arise
• Staying current with industry advancements and bringing in new tools and techniques that genuinely add value
• Creating and maintaining clear documentation so the whole team can work confidently and independently
• Providing training and guidance on pipeline tools, workflows, and best practices

Requirements

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Fluent Nuke practitioner - this is non-negotiable, you need to be truly at home in the software
• Strong Python scripting skills and solid experience with relevant VFX APIs and tools
• Deep understanding of compositing workflows, rendering processes, and industry-standard practices
• Proven experience as a Technical Director in the VFX industry with a focus on compositing pipelines
• A sharp eye for optimisation - you naturally spot inefficiencies and know how to fix them
• Excellent troubleshooting skills with the ability to stay calm and methodical under production pressure
• Strong communicator who can work effectively with both technical and creative team members
• Experience on large-scale visual effects productions is highly desirable
• A degree in Computer Science, Computer Graphics, or a related field or equivalent industry experience

Benefits

Work somewhere that genuinely cares

We believe great work happens when people feel connected, supported, and able to enjoy the journey along the way. Whether you are in the studio or working remotely, we focus on creating a collaborative, welcoming environment where people can do their best work and feel part of the team.

In the studio, you will find plenty of ways to recharge and have fun, from ping pong and foosball to free coffee, tea, snacks, smoothies, and end of week Friday beers.

Staying connected is a big part of our culture. From weekly quizzes and Fromage Fridays to team initiatives, studio celebrations, and regular team lunches out, we make sure everyone, wherever they are, feels included and part of the experience.