Technical Project Manager - Glendale, CA

Role: Technical Project Manager On Premise Visual Effects Render Farm

Location: Glendale, CA

Duration: Long Term

Job Description

Position Overview

• We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Technical Project Manager to spearhead the design, implementation, and operational transition of an on-premise visual effects (VFX) render farm. This pivotal role requires a blend of project management expertise, technical acumen in computer graphics and high-performance computing, and strong leadership to deliver a state-of-the-art rendering solution that empowers our creative pipeline.
• As the Technical Project Manager, you will collaborate cross-functionally with IT, software development, creative teams, and third-party vendors to ensure the new render farm is delivered on time, within budget, and exceeds performance expectations. Your strategic vision, organizational skills, and technical insights will be critical to driving the project from inception to successful deployment and ongoing support.

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning & Strategy:

• Develop a comprehensive project plan outlining scope, objectives, timelines, deliverables, and resource requirements for the render farm implementation.
• Work with stakeholders to define project success metrics and risk management strategies.
• Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses to ensure optimal solution design.
• Stakeholder Coordination & Communication:
• Serve as the primary point of contact between technical teams, creative leads, executive management, and external partners.
• Facilitate regular project meetings, status updates, and documentation to ensure alignment and transparency.
• Translate complex technical requirements into actionable objectives for non-technical stakeholders.

Technical Leadership:

• Oversee the technical evaluation and selection of render management software, hardware, and supporting infrastructure.
• Ensure scalability, reliability, and security best practices are incorporated into the render farm s architecture.
• Coordinate with IT and engineering teams to integrate the render farm with existing pipelines, storage solutions, and network infrastructure.
• Facilitate performance benchmarking and optimization throughout the deployment process.

Vendor & Resource Management:

• Source and manage relationships with hardware and software vendors, negotiating contracts, warranties, and SLAs.
• Coordinate procurement, logistics, and installation of all necessary render farm components.
• Manage external consultants and contractors, ensuring work is delivered to specification and schedule.
• Risk & Issue Management:
• Proactively identify project risks, technical challenges, and bottlenecks; develop and execute mitigation plans.
• Maintain a project risk register and ensure issues are tracked and resolved efficiently.

Testing, Validation & Documentation:

• Lead acceptance testing, validation, and quality assurance processes for the render farm solution.
• Document system architecture, workflow integration, and operational procedures.
• Ensure comprehensive training plans and user manuals are developed for end-users and support teams.

Deployment & Operational Handover:

• Oversee the rollout and initial operation of the render farm, ensuring minimal disruption to creative workflows.
• Provide ongoing support during the transition period and facilitate knowledge transfer to in-house teams.
• Continuously evaluate and refine workflows to maximize efficiency and performance post-deployment.
• Required Qualifications
• Bachelor s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field. Master s degree or relevant certifications (PMP, PRINCE2, Agile, etc.) are highly desirable.
• 5+ years of technical project management experience, preferably in the visual effects, animation, or high-performance computing industries.
• Proven track record delivering complex infrastructure projects, ideally involving on-premise solutions.
• Solid understanding of computer graphics, rendering workflows, and render management software (e.g., Deadline, Qube!, OpenCue).
• Experience with storage and networking technologies, server virtualization, and system integration principles.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities to facilitate collaboration across diverse technical and creative teams.
• Demonstrated vendor management and contract negotiation expertise.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Hands-on experience with the deployment and operation of large-scale render farms for VFX or animation studios.
• Familiarity with industry-standard 3D software (e.g., Maya, Houdini, Blender, Nuke) and renderers (e.g., Arnold, V-Ray, RenderMan).
• Experience with containerization, orchestration, and cloud-hybrid render solutions.
• Knowledge of automation tools and scripting languages (Python, Bash, etc.).
• Understanding of security best practices, data governance, and intellectual property protection within media pipelines.
• Demonstrated ability to drive change management and adoption in creative or technical environments.
• Key Attributes

Leadership:

• Inspires and motivates teams, drives accountability, and fosters a culture of innovation.
• Technical Curiosity: Passionate about emerging technologies and staying current with industry advancements.

Resilience:

• Adapts quickly to changing priorities and manages ambiguity with confidence.
• Collaboration: Builds strong relationships across departments and with third-party partners.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous in planning, documentation, and quality assurance.

Reporting Structure

• The Technical Project Manager will report directly to the Director of Technology and will work closely with the Heads of VFX, IT, Pipeline, and Production, as well as external vendors and technical consultants.
• Opportunities for Growth
• Lead future technological initiatives in rendering, automation, and cloud integration.
• Play a critical role in shaping the studio s technical direction and creative capabilities.
• Mentor junior project managers, coordinators, and technical staff.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing and process improvement across the organization.

Application Process

• Qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter outlining their relevant experience, project achievements, and passion for visual effects technology. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews, which may include technical assessments and case study presentations focused on render farm deployment scenarios.

About Our Studio

• We are a leading force in visual effects and animation, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of storytelling and technology. Our teams thrive on collaboration, innovation, and a relentless commitment to excellence. Join us as we build the next generation of on-premise infrastructure to support breathtaking visual artistry.