General Summary
At LAIKA, innovation meets artistry in every frame-and behind the scenes, our engineers bring these visions to life through pipelines that blend the physical with the digital. We're looking for a Fabrication Pipeline Engineer to help build and evolve the technical foundation that supports our award-winning characters, environments, and storytelling. This role sits at the intersection of software engineering and digital artistry, empowering teams across puppet fabrication, rapid prototyping, and our emerging Virtual Art Department (VAD) workflows. If you thrive on solving creative problems with technical precision-and love helping artists do their best work-you'll feel right at home here.

Job Functions

• Design & Build Tools: Develop robust scripts, tools, and plugins (primarily in Python and/or C++) to support digital fabrication across Maya, Houdini, and other DCC and CAD applications.
• Support Creative Workflows: Partner with artists, TDs, and production teams to streamline complex workflows-translating creative concepts into smart, scalable technical solutions.
• Drive Innovation: Contribute to new VAD and real-time production workflows by integrating game engines, camera tracking systems, and virtual production tools into our pipeline.
• Maintain Stability: Champion best in source control (Git, Perforce) and continuous integration to ensure our systems stay smooth and production ready.
• Problem-Solve in Real Time: Troubleshoot issues in the pipeline, offer proactive support, and deliver fast, thoughtful solutions to keep production humming.
• Optimize & Document: Continuously improve pipeline performance-from puppet fabrication to rapid prototype-and create clear, user-friendly documentation for a wide-range of technical backgrounds.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in software development, pipeline engineering, or technical roles in animation, VFX, or games.
• Strong proficiency in Python and/or C++; familiarity with C# is a bonus.
• Experience working with Maya and Houdini; CAD software like Autodesk Inventor or Fusion 360 is a bonus.
• Familiarity with version control (Git, Perforce) and CI/CD workflows.
• Knowledge of computer graphics fundamentals-rendering, rigging, animation, shading, etc.
• Experience with virtual production pipelines and hardware (motion capture, LED walls, camera tracking) a plus.
• Experience with real-time technologies, including Unreal Engine, Unity, or virtual production hardware is also a bonus

You're a Great Fit if You...

• Love collaborating with artists and tech teams alike.
• Enjoy building systems that make the impossible possible (and the possible delightful).
• Have a knack for creative problem-solving and a passion for storytelling tech.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to walk; stand; sit; use hands to operate standard office equipment; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear both in person and by telephone. The employee must lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee works under typical office conditions and is exposed to variable indoor temperatures. The noise level is usually quiet or moderate.

Location
On-site in Hillsboro, OR.

Salary
Salary is commensurate with skills and experience.

Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Please review our EMPLOYMENT DISCLAIMER and MATERIALS SUBMISSION AGREEMENT.