Senior Python Developer

880 Productions is looking for an experienced Senior Python Developer with a strong VFX pipeline background to help build the next generation of our asset management and production technology stack. You will join a small, highly skilled engineering team with deep experience across VFX and virtual production; contributing your Python expertise as we rebuild our virtual production pipeline from the ground up.

This role sits at the centre of our studio's technical evolution. We are designing and implementing brand-new database systems, USD-driven asset workflows, and open-source-aligned tooling (Rez, USD, VFX Platform) to support our transition into Unreal Engine and hybrid real-time/VFX workflows. You'll work closely with artists, TDs, supervisors and engineers across New Zealand and Los Angeles to build robust, modern systems that support one of the most ambitious film projects in the world.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain Python tools and services that underpin our asset tracking, publishing, and pipeline automation systems.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of new asset management and database systems, ensuring they scale across both real-time and traditional CG workflows.
• Build, evolve, and support USD-centric workflows for asset structure, layering, composition,versioning, validation, and interchange.
• Work closely with the Unreal, Pipeline, and Virtual Production teams to integrate USD assets and metadata into our real-time pipeline.
• Implement and extend open-source tooling (USD, Rez, VFX Platform components) to ensure our pipeline remains modern, modular, and maintainable.
• Help define schemas, naming conventions, lifecycle rules, and asset standards aligned with USD best practices.
• Collaborate with artists, TDs, and supervisors in a small senior team to identify workflow gaps and deliver reliable, well-engineered solutions.
• Ensure all tools and services are robust, well-tested, documented, and built for long-term sustainability.
• Contribute to the architectural direction of our greenfield virtual production pipeline, including APIs, data models, publishing flows, and integration points.
• Support our transition to Unreal Engine by enabling smooth ingestion of USD assets, maintaining data integrity, and connecting asset workflows across departments.

About You

• Strong professional Python development experience, ideally within a VFX, animation, or virtual production pipeline team.
• Deep understanding of USD and its application as a core data model (composition arcs, layering,schemas, variants, references, asset structure).
• Familiarity with open-source pipeline technologies such as Rez, USD tooling, and VFX Platform standards.
• Experience with asset management workflows including publishing, versioning, metadata, dependency tracking, and validation in a VFX pipeline.
• Understanding of CG workflows (modeling, rigging, lookdev, animation, lighting, FX) and how asset data flows between them.
• Experience integrating Python tools with DCC applications (Maya, Houdini, Nuke, Katana) or real-time engines.
• Experience or interest in connecting USD pipelines to Unreal Engine is a strong bonus.
• Ability to work effectively in a small, senior engineering team—bringing ideas, solving problems, and delivering clean, maintainable tools.
• Strong engineering fundamentals: modular design, testing, documentation, and long-term maintainability.
• Comfortable collaborating with artists, TDs, supervisors, and production teams across NZ and LA.

Why 880 Productions
Join a tight, highly skilled engineering group building a modern, USD-driven virtual production pipeline for the Avatar sequels. You'll help shape foundational systems, influence major architectural decisions and work at the intersection of Unreal Engine, VFX and real-time filmmaking — all within a ground-up rebuild where your contributions will have meaningful impact.

The role will be based in Wellington, NZ. You will be engaged as an independent contractor.

880 Productions is an equal‑opportunity employer and fosters a culture where ideas from all people help us grow, innovate, and tell incredible stories. We are committed to building an inclusive environment where creative and technical talent can thrive.