The Walt Disney Company

Production Innovation Technologist (PH)

The Walt Disney Company$158K — $205K *
Media
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years in compositing supervision or senior compositing roles on complex feature films or high-end productions.
  • Expert in advanced compositing workflows and strong artistic judgment under pressure.
  • Deep practical knowledge of neural networks and generative systems.
  • Advanced Python scripting skills for automation and tool development.
  • Experience with 3D element creation using Maya, Blender, or Unreal Engine.
  • Significant experience with ComfyUI for complex graph design and custom node development.
  • Ability to work independently while influencing broader technical and creative strategies.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as a recognized expert in advanced compositing and hybrid workflows, ensuring high-quality, shot-ready output.
  • Advise creative leadership on complex shots and workflows as a technical authority.
  • Lead the technical strategy for integrating emerging technologies in production.
  • Design, adapt, and fine-tune models to address production challenges using advanced ML techniques.
  • Evaluate new ML approaches to improve production workflows based on actionable insights.
  • Architect end-to-end workflows that incorporate emerging technology outputs into existing pipelines.
  • Collaborate with machine learning engineers to create artist-usable systems from research prototypes.

Benefits

  • Medical, financial, and other benefits depending on the position offered.
  • Opportunity for a bonus and/or long-term incentive units.
Full Job Description
Job Posting Title: Production Innovation Technologist (PH) Req ID: Job Description: We are seeking a Production Innovation Technologist with deep expertise in advanced 3D compositing and applied emerging and generative technologies. This role is recognized as a go-to expert within the organization, accountable for solving the most complex creative and technical challenges and for shaping how emerging technologies are operationalized within production. This position operates with a high degree of autonomy, translating ambiguous creative and production objectives into scalable, production-ready solutions that influence project direction, resource allocation, and workflow strategy. The role balances creative intent, technical feasibility, and production realities, delivering consistently shot-ready results while driving the evolution of pipelines, tools, and methodologies across shows. As a senior technical authority and creative thought partner, you will evaluate, adapt, and deploy new technologies in real production contexts, guiding decision-making at the project and functional level. While this role has no formal people management responsibilities, it exerts significant influence through technical leadership, mentorship, and cross-functional collaboration. This position is a Project Hire. Key Responsibilities: Technical & Creative Leadership 3 Serve as a recognized expert in advanced compositing and hybrid CG/ML workflows, delivering high-quality, shot-ready work that meets or exceeds studio standards. 3 Act as a technical authority and advisor to creative leadership, production, and engineering partners on complex, high-risk shots and workflows. 3 Lead the technical strategy for applying emerging and generative technologies to production needs, focusing on reliability, repeatability, and artistic control rather than exploratory output alone. Emerging & Generative Technologies 3 Design, train, fine-tune, and adapt models using techniques such as LoRA, IP adapters, Gaussian Splatting, and custom PyTorch pipelines to solve production-scale challenges. 3 Evaluate new ML and generative approaches, identifying failure modes, constraints, and opportunities, and translating findings into actionable production guidance. 3 Combine machine learning techniques with traditional compositing and CG methods to improve iteration speed, consistency, and visual fidelity at scale. Pipeline & Workflow Ownership 3 Architect and implement end-to-end workflows that integrate emerging technology outputs into established pipelines (modeling, texturing, layout, lighting, compositing). 3 Own workflow reliability, scalability, and performance, proactively identifying bottlenecks and driving continuous improvement based on production feedback. 3 Partner with Senior Technology Workflow TDs to transition successful prototypes into fully supported production-integrated tools and pipelines. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Influence 3 Collaborate closely with Machine Learning Engineers, translating research prototypes into artist-usable, production-ready systems. 3 Provide clear, structured, and prioritized feedback to development teams on usability, limitations, and readiness for deployment. 3 Influence technical and creative direction across multiple projects, often working directly with senior leaders on high-impact initiatives. Advanced Shot & Asset Work 3 Create, modify, and render complex 3D elements as required to support compositing using Maya, Blender, and/or Unreal Engine. 3 Ensure outputs meet the highest standards for visual quality, continuity, and integration within live-action and CG environments. Standards, Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing 3 Set and model best practices for organization, naming, versioning, documentation, and handoff. 3 Mentor senior and mid-level artists and technologists through technical guidance and knowledge sharing, without formal supervisory responsibility. 3 Contribute to internal standards, documentation, and technical reviews that raise overall capability across the function. Required Qualifications: 3 7+ years of experience in compositing supervision or senior-level compositing roles on visually complex feature films or equivalent high-end productions. 3 Expert-level knowledge of advanced compositing workflows and strong artistic judgment in high-pressure production environments. 3 Deep practical understanding of neural networks and generative systems, including how prompting, conditioning, and model architecture impact consistency, fidelity, and failure modes. 3 Advanced Python proficiency for scripting, automation, workflow orchestration, and tool development. 3 Demonstrated success applying emerging and generative technologies directly within production pipelines, not solely in R&D contexts. 3 Proven ability to create and integrate 3D elements for shot work using Maya, Blender, and/or Unreal Engine. 3 Significant experience with ComfyUI, including complex graph design, extensions, and custom node development. 3 Ability to work independently with minimal guidance, while influencing broader technical and creative strategy across projects. The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA is $158,800.00 to $205,400.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. Job Posting Segment: TWDSTECH Job Posting Primary Business: Production Technology Primary Job Posting Category: Production Innovation - Studios Employment Type: Full time Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code: Burbank, CA, USA Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code: Date Posted: 2026-04-10

About The Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company started as a cartoon studio and evolves into sports coverage and television shows. Using the company's portfolio of brands to differentiate our content, services, and consumer products, Walt Disney seeks to develop creative, innovative, and profitable entertainment experiences and related products.

The Walt Disney Company Careers

Join the magical world of The Walt Disney Company, a place where dreams come true and imagination meets innovation. As a global leader in entertainment and media, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that invite you to be part of a beloved brand known for its influential culture, diversity, and dynamic growth. Work You’ll Do Embark on a career journey with The Walt Disney Company and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of media and entertainment. Engage in work that matters, contributes to storytelling excellence, and brings joy to millions around the globe. Transform your professional life by joining a team that values creativity, leadership, and visionary thinking. The Walt Disney Company stands at the forefront of industry innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in entertainment and beyond. Lead with us from a unique position in the marketplace, where your skills in technology, creativity, and management converge to create extraordinary experiences. Collaborate with a diverse group of talented professionals, united in their passion for delivering magical experiences. Our team at The Walt Disney Company is composed of over 200,000 dedicated individuals who thrive in an environment that fosters growth, mentorship, and innovation. Introducing The Walt Disney Company Leadership and Professional Growth Programs We are committed to developing leaders who can navigate the challenges of the digital era and drive success across our various business segments. Our leadership programs are designed to hone your skills and prepare you for executive roles within the company. Do Innovative Work Join our team and contribute to projects that redefine the entertainment landscape. From groundbreaking films and television series to pioneering technological advancements, your work at The Walt Disney Company will set new standards in the creative and business worlds. Be Part of a Great Team Experience a culture that is inclusive, collaborative, and forward-thinking. Work alongside the best in the business and see how diversity and inclusion fuel our creativity and success. The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to a diverse workforce is evident in our hiring practices, training programs, and our everyday operations. Future-Proof Your Career With a wide array of benefits, continuous learning opportunities, and a network of supportive colleagues, your career at The Walt Disney Company is equipped for longevity and success. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health care, employee discounts, and access to exclusive company events and previews. Explore Job Opportunities and Internships Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking for your next challenge or a student seeking a transformative internship, The Walt Disney Company offers positions across a spectrum of fields and disciplines. Explore our career portal to find job opportunities that match your skills and passions. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions, apply through our streamlined application process, and take the first step towards a magical career. We look for individuals who are passionate, curious, and eager to contribute to our legacy of storytelling and innovation. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with the latest company news, career tips, and insider perspectives—all from the people who make The Walt Disney Company a place of inspiration and excitement. Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts and updates that align with your career interests. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at The Walt Disney Company. Join us, and be part of the magic that only happens here at The Walt Disney Company!
Learn more about The Walt Disney Company
Size
190,000 employees
Market Cap
$155.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$4.9 billion
Founded
1923
5 Year Trend
+3.9%
Revenue
$60.7 billion
NASDAQ

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