Software Team Lead – Lux (Surfacing, Lighting and Rendering)

Job description

Software Team Lead – Lux (Surfacing, Lighting and Rendering) Brahma AI’s Surfacing and Lighting artist teams transform raw 3D assets into high-quality photorealistic and stylised imagery. Surfacing artists create textures and materials (via tools like Mari and Substance), while lighting artists assemble scenes and refine lighting, materials, and volumetrics using Katana and/or Solaris. As part of the Lux team, you’ll develop tools across these workflows, covering material libraries, texture optimisation, smart materials, scene assembly, render setup, automation, multi-shot workflows, farm management, and creative lighting tools. This role combines hands-on development with team leadership. You’ll contribute directly to development, act as Product Owner for some tools, and support others with technical guidance. Working with stakeholders, you’ll define requirements, shape roadmaps, and guide delivery across Animation, VFX and IXP (Interactive Experience) projects. You’ll lead your team in translating requirements into clear user stories, maintain delivery momentum, and collaborate with managers, project teams, and trainers to promote adoption. You’ll also mentor developers, review designs and code, and uphold high engineering standards through best practices. Must have: Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or relevant professional experience Programming experience in C++ and/or Python Strong knowledge of DCCs for CG production (Katana, Houdini, Mari, etc.) Previous team leadership experience Experience of software development in a Linux environment Experience with source control systems and developing collaboratively as part of a team Nice to have: Experience developing machine learning models Experience developing AI-based solutions Experience with unit/integration testing Experience in Qt, Boost, Knowledge of the core principles of Surfacing, Lighting and Rendering Experience in OpenGL, OpenColorIO, OSL, MaterialX, USD Experience with Katana C++ SDK and the Houdini C++ HDK Experience with Houdini development using HOM and HDA Experience with Houdini development creating interactive viewer tools. DNEG Dedicated Unit (DDU) The DDU operates within BRAHMA AI and works closely with DNEG to develop technology used directly in production. The team builds tools, platforms and workflows that support VFX and Feature Animation pipelines across DNEG’s global studios. Much of the work focuses on artist-facing tools, large production pipelines, simulation and rendering workflows, and systems that need to run reliably across distributed teams.