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DreamWorks Animation

Produces animated films and TV series

Lead Tools Programmer

Game EngineeringPosted on Nov 9
Full-timeMontreal, QC, CanadaNo salary listedHybrid

About the Job

Requirements

  • Strong proficiency in C++, with extensive experience developing tools or editor-focused systems.
  • At least 8 years of professional experience in game programming, with shipped titles or equivalent AAA production experience.
  • Professional experience with Unreal Engine editor tooling and engine integration.
  • Strong understanding of tools architecture, data-driven systems, and content creation workflows.
  • Demonstrated experience leading, mentoring, or technically guiding programmers on a production team.
  • Experience with version control systems such as Perforce or Git.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the design and implementation of tools supporting content creation, iteration, validation, and debugging.
  • Define and maintain tools architecture spanning Unreal Engine editor tools and standalone applications.
  • Design and oversee standalone desktop tools using frameworks such as Qt, .NET/WPF, WinUI, or similar cross-platform solutions.
  • Provide technical leadership for tools written in C++, with supporting layers in Python or C# where appropriate.
  • Act as the primary technical partner for artists, designers, and developers, translating workflow needs into effective tools.
  • Mentor and support tools programmers through code reviews, technical guidance, and best-practice development.
  • Collaborate with Pipeline, Gameplay, UI, and Production teams to integrate tools into daily workflows.
  • Oversee performance, stability, usability, and maintainability of tools used across disciplines.
  • Establish coding standards, documentation practices, and testing strategies for tools development.
  • Identify workflow bottlenecks and drive improvements through tooling, automation, and data-driven solutions.
  • Guide the evolution of tools toward extensibility, cross-project reuse, and long-term scalability.
  • Debug complex tools issues involving engine integration, file I/O, data pipelines, and external services.
  • Stay current with industry trends in tools development, automation, and developer experience.

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience building standalone desktop tools using Qt, .NET (WPF/WinForms), or similar frameworks.
  • Experience with scripting languages such as Python for tooling, automation, and glue code.
  • Familiarity with web-enabled tools using technologies such as REST APIs, Electron, or lightweight web dashboards.

About the Company

DreamWorks Animation

Produces animated films and TV series

DreamWorks Animation produces animated films and television shows for family and children audiences, creating stories and characters that appeal to multiple generations. Its products are brought to life through a full animation pipeline, including in-house technology like the Moonray rendering platform, and a studio ecosystem that supports development from concept to release. Work combines artistry and engineering to deliver feature films, TV series, and related experiences, with revenue coming from box office, licensing, merchandise, and partnerships with streaming services. The company differentiates itself with its proprietary animation technology, a large creative talent pool at its Glendale campus, and a track record of popular franchises such as How to Train Your Dragon, along with award-winning storytelling. Its goal is to produce high-quality, engaging animated content and advance animation technology while expanding its franchises across theaters, TV, and digital platforms.

Company size
1,001-5,000
Company stage
Acquired
Total funding
$15M
Headquarters
Glendale, CA
Founded
1994

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