Pipeline Technical Director/Engineer

At favorited, we believe that digital communities should be more than just spaces to watch content. With backing by a16z and other heavy hitters in the tech and entertainment space, we’re redefining mobile live-streaming as a fully interactive, gamified experience. Our platform is a place to connect, engage, and play, and empowers creators by enhancing audience participation, fostering deeper connections, and ensuring that creators are compensated fairly for their work. Our work culture is intense and isn’t for everyone. But if you are a self-starter who wants to build the future of social interaction alongside others who excel in their disciplines and expect the same from you, there’s no better place to be. The Problems You’ll Solve • Build a scalable pipeline that supports a rapidly growing team of CG artists • Design lightweight internal tools that simplify asset management and reduce friction between artists and engineers • OpenUSD pipeline integration • Help bridge the gap between traditional VFX and live streaming by supporting real-time CG filters and effects • Create systems that are fast, intuitive, and production-ready — even when the scope shifts last minute Responsibilities: • Architect and maintain production pipeline tools across real-time and offline workflows • Develop internal tooling and automation to support asset tracking, publishing, and ingestion • Implement OpenUSD-based asset interchange across Houdini, Unreal Engine, Nuke, and Blender • Design database-backed systems to support version control, dependencies, and team collaboration • Collaborate closely with artists and engineers to translate creative needs into reliable systems • Ensure tools are optimized, cross-platform, and built for iteration • Support live integration of VFX in Favorited’s mobile streaming experience What We’re Looking For • Architect and maintain production pipeline tools across real-time and offline workflows • Develop internal tooling and automation to support asset tracking, publishing, and ingestion • Implement OpenUSD-based asset interchange across Houdini, Unreal Engine, Nuke, and Blender • Design database-backed systems to support version control, dependencies, and team collaboration • Collaborate closely with artists and engineers to translate creative needs into reliable systems • Ensure tools are optimized, cross-platform, and built for iteration • Support live integration of VFX in Favorited’s mobile streaming experience What you see below is not necessarily a requirement but encouraged. Minimum Requirements: • 3+ years of experience in VFX, animation, or game pipeline engineering • Strong proficiency in Python • Familiarity with Houdini, Blender, Unreal Engine, Nuke, or other CG tools • Familiarity with asset management, version control, and production tracking systems • Experience building tools for Houdini, Unreal Engine, or Nuke • Understanding of pipeline architecture and cross-software workflows • Ability to work collaboratively with both technical and non-technical teammates Preferred Qualifications: • Hands-on experience with OpenUSD integration • Experience working with cloud-based infrastructure such as AWS Deadline Cloud • Experience with Perforce, ShotGrid or other project management toolsets • Experience with web or desktop-based internal tools • Knowledge of real-time or mobile production environments Nice to Haves: • Experience in mobile games or live streaming • Exposure to real-time VFX or filter systems • Comfortable writing C++, C#, JavaScript, or other secondary languages Where You’ll Work This is a full-time contract to hire position based in Santa Monica, CA. favorited is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Employees may be eligible for family and medical leave under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) or Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL). In compliance with the California Equal Pay Act, the salary range for this position is provided above. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, and location.