USD Pipeline Developer

One Of Us is a visual effects studio founded in London in 2004 by co-directors Rachael Penfold, Dominic Parker and Tom Debenham.

With a dynamic team of over 350 highly skilled professionals, we take pride in pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling with experience in all stages of production, from concept through to planning, photography and post-production.

From breathtaking fantasy landscapes to gripping action sequences, our portfolio spans a diverse range of genres and award winning projects such as Pinocchio, The Witcher and The Crown.

We are seeking a Senior Pipeline Developer with a strong background in implementing and supporting USD-based pipelines in VFX studios. In this role, you will collaborate closely with pipeline colleagues, Heads of Department (HODs), and technical supervisors to ensure that the artistic vision of USD is successfully integrated into the pipeline. You will also be responsible for developing and maintaining tools that enhance our production efficiency while providing ongoing support to ensure seamless operations.

Additionally, you will play a key role in documenting workflows, sharing knowledge, and promoting standardized best practices across the studio. Your expertise will help ensure consistency, efficiency, and scalability in our pipeline development.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and maintain tools to optimize the VFX production pipeline, ensuring smooth USD integration.

Collaborate with artists and technical teams to identify workflow pain points and deliver efficient solutions.

Ensure performance optimization of USD-based scenes, improving load times and system efficiency.

Integrate USD-based workflows with traditional asset management systems such as ShotGrid or ftrack.

Develop asset resolvers using URI-based approaches to enhance USD compatibility with asset management tools.

Create QC and review applications tailored to USD workflows.

Develop artist-friendly DCC tools to simplify common pipeline actions within Maya and Houdini (Solaris).

Provide technical support and troubleshooting, ensuring the pipeline meets production demands.

Document pipeline workflows, tool usage, and best practices, making it easier for artists and developers to onboard and work efficiently.

Share knowledge through training sessions, documentation, and mentorship, helping standardize workflows across the studio.

Advocate for best practices and pipeline standardization, ensuring a unified approach to USD development.

Key skills:

Expertise in Maya and Houdini (Solaris) and deep understanding of USD implementations in both.

Strong proficiency with DCC APIs, such as maya.cmds, hou, and PySide.

In-depth knowledge of the USD file format, particularly in relation to scene performance and load times.

Strong understanding of CG/FX artist workflows and how USD concepts (e.g., assets, variants) align with production needs.

Experience in integrating USD-centric approaches with asset management systems (ShotGrid, ftrack), including schema design and URI-based asset resolvers.

Proficiency with USD Python/C++ APIs (UsdRender, UsdHydra, UsdSkel).

Experience in developing USD-based QC and review applications.

Proven ability to develop custom DCC tools that enhance artist workflows.

Familiarity with ShotGrid Toolkit is highly desirable.

Key attributes:

Clear Communicator – Ability to translate complex technical concepts for different audiences and keep stakeholders informed.

Active Listener – Engages with artists and teams to fully understand their needs and implement effective solutions.

Problem Solver – Analytical thinker with a strong ability to simplify and resolve technical challenges creatively.

Time Management – Strong estimation skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively and seek help when needed.

Knowledge Sharer – Proactively documents, trains, and mentors team members to promote standardized workflows.

Self awarenes- and an ability to resolve and diffuse problems treating colleagues and clients with kindness and respect.

Positive energy- focusing on results and having a positive impact on those around you.

Adaptable to change- with the ability to stay focused and maintain a positive attitude.

Experience needed:

The ideal candidate has experience working in both medium and large studios and is passionate about optimizing workflows for artists and technical teams.

Extensive experience of implementing and supporting USD-based pipelines in VFX studios.

In return we offer:

25 days holiday, plus bank holidays

2 paid volunteering days per calendar year

Hybrid working

Company pension and life insurance

Medicash healthcare cover

A calendar full of wrap parties and other social events

Hours and location

Our core hours are 9.30am to 6.30pm or 10am to 7pm Monday to Friday.

We have a great office in Old Street where you would be based. This is a Hybrid working role and you would be required to work from the office 2 days of the week.

Flexibility - We’re open to variations in working patterns providing you can manage the demands of the role so please talk to us about your preferences when you apply.

To apply

You need to have a current and full work permit for the region that you’ll be working in. Please disclose if you need sponsorship support to be able to work for One of Us.

What we VALUE

How you approach your day at One of Us is just as important to us. We want to create an environment in which everyone feels comfortable and happy to work. The visual effects industry has a reputation for stress and exploitation. We strive to do things differently. We are proof that it is possible to produce the very finest work, while looking after people and being a responsible company.

We Accept YOU

We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes us stronger, more creative and ultimately better at what we do. Being respectful and kind to people irrespective of race, colour, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression or disability is what we expect of everyone who works for One of Us. If you feel the same, come and join us.

One of Us as a force for good!

We care about our staff, clients, the community we work in and the world we live in. We want to have a positive social impact. This commitment means we have begun our journey to becoming a certified B Corp and not only make beautiful pictures, but to create a fairer, more sustainable future.