Double Negative’s R&D department develop ground-breaking software to ensure that the studio remains at the cutting-edge of global VFX production.

Our R&D Programmers support multiple film projects in parallel, from initial design through on-set supervision and production to post-production, by delivering pioneering tools that enable our artists to tackle increasingly complex challenges, with stunning results.

R&D Programmers at DNeg are tasked with a variety of responsibilities spanning the full software development life-cycle; designing, supporting and maintaining software, integrating tools into our Pipeline, and even further extension as work adapts and new challenges arise.

At Double Negative the R&D Software Tester is more than just a traditional testing role. We are looking to expand the team with a smart, driven Tester with a passion for the visual effects industry. We realise that functionality is just part of what makes software quality. As an R&D Software Tester, you will be responsible for steering the future of our groundbreaking in-house toolset.

You will work closely with our team of around 65 R&D programmers, as well as our artists, helping to determine what works and what doesn’t. With an understanding of workflows, a keen eye for detail and design, as well as an analytical mind, you will help to shape projects and improve them.

Needs to Do:
• Work closely with both the R&D programmers as well as the 2D & 3D department artists
• Understand the requirements of the tools written and the workflow they are used within so that their fit for purpose can be tested before being released into a production environment
• Convey concerns and bugs clearly back to the R&D department
• Highlight UI issues that compromise the usability of a tool
• Understand feedback from the artists and convey those concerns back to R&D
• Suggest improvements to the testing framework with the aim of making tools ready for production in a quicker time-frame

Needs to Know:
• Experience with VFX pipelines and processes
• Experience with compositing tools (e.g. Nuke)
• Experience with 3D tools (e.g. Maya, Houdini etc.)
• Experience working with external renderers (PRMan, Mental Ray etc.)
• QA domain experience
• Solid knowledge of Python including development processes and tools
• Solid knowledge of C++
• Experience of improving and maintaining automated testing frameworks is desirable
• Experience with bug tracking and Test Management Systems is desirable

Needs to Be:
• A keen eye for detail and a passion for user-interface design
• Analytic problem solving, fault finding, and troubleshooting
• Well organised with the ability to prioritise, multi-task and work with minimal supervision
• Self motivated and a good team player
• Excellent communication – ability to present your views in a persuasive, influential way
• An appreciation and desire to work on cutting edge creative software in the visual effects industry

If you are looking for an exciting opportunity to begin your career as a VFX R&D Programmer, and to work on some of the world’s most anticipated films and TV series, then we want to hear from you! Please email your cover letter and CV to jobs@dneg.com