Python Developer (R&D)

Job Description

Position: Python Developer (VFX Pipeline R&D Team) Experience: 3+ Years Location: Chennai (On-Site) About Us Knack Studios is a full-service post-production facility with a focus on rendering your dreams into cinematic experiences. Spearheaded by filmmakers, Knack Studios is powered by equipment and technologies available for the first time in South India, making us the preferred post-production studio. In a short span of 7 years, Knack Studios has delivered 800+ successful projects in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam & Kannada. Headquartered at Chennai in a state of the art secure 20,000 square feet spread across 2 locations and an upcoming 6000 square feet facility in Hyderabad, Knack Studios offers services in Sound, Color grading and Visual Effects enabling clients to realize their artistic vision. Job Summary We are looking for a skilled and proactive Python Developer to join our R&D Team, focused on building and maintaining custom tools, pipeline automation, and process optimization for our VFX/Animation production pipeline. The role requires close collaboration with TDs, Artists, and Production Teams to develop scalable solutions while maintaining clean GitHub workflows and version control best practices. Job Responsibilities Design, develop, and maintain custom Python tools and automation scripts to streamline the VFX pipeline (Blender, Houdini, Nuke, Unreal Engine). Collaborate with the FX TDs, LookDev teams, and Asset departments to integrate tools and optimize workflows. Manage GitHub repositories, ensuring clean, well-documented code with proper version control, branching strategies, and CI/CD where applicable. Develop asset management tools, publishing systems, and pipeline integrations. Optimize existing tools and scripts for speed, scalability, and artist usability. Support the development of AI/ML-based tools in conjunction with the R&D team (e.g., data wrangling, machine learning model deployment pipelines). Build and maintain data pipelines for ingesting and managing assets, version tracking, and metadata tagging. Provide technical documentation, user guides, and training to production teams. Troubleshoot and resolve pipeline issues, working closely with IT and production supervisors. Research and implement new technologies and industry best practices to keep the pipeline cutting-edge. Qualifications 3+ years of experience as a Python Developer, preferably within a VFX/Animation/Gaming pipeline. Experience with DCC application APIs: Blender (bpy) Houdini (hou, HDA scripting) Nuke (nuke, Blink scripts) Maya (cmds, OpenMaya) – optional Unreal Engine Python API – optional Solid experience managing GitHub repositories, including branching strategies, pull requests, and CI/CD pipelines (GitHub Actions preferred). Familiarity with Ayon/Kitsu integration and production tracking tools. Understanding of data wrangling, file management, and cross-platform deployment (Linux, Windows, Mac). Knowledge of Docker or virtual environments for isolated tool deployment (optional but a plus). Understanding of AI/ML integration pipelines is a bonus (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Stable Diffusion workflows). Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to debug complex pipeline issues. Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical solutions to non-technical teams. Nice To Have Knowledge of C++, OpenGL, or Shader development. Experience with AWS, Google Cloud, or other cloud services for asset management. Familiarity with database management (PostgreSQL, MongoDB) for asset/version tracking. Previous experience working with real-time pipelines (Unreal/Unity). What You’ll Gain Be part of a forward-thinking R&D team, driving innovation in AI, automation, and pipeline efficiency. Opportunity to architect new workflows that enhance production speed and quality. Work in a collaborative environment with TDs, FX Artists, and Production Supervisors. Continuous learning opportunities through cutting-edge projects and industry-leading technologies Show more Show less