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- Tasks: Accelerate feature delivery and improve build systems for industry-leading software tools.
- Company: Join Foundry, a global leader in creative software for the Media and Entertainment industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, health insurance, pension scheme, and personal development time.
- Other info: Dynamic hybrid work environment with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the VFX industry while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Expertise in CMake, Python, and strong C++ knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
We are a global company with a mission to advance the art and technology of visual experience. We know that creating an inclusive environment that values and encourages different perspectives is critical for our success, and the success of our people. We are learning, listening and taking action to be better and foster trust in our community. Our goal is to ensure every person working at Foundry feels safe and free to be themselves, to share their ideas or concerns and that there is equal access to opportunities for all.
The Role
As a Senior Engineer on the Engineering Experience team, your mission is to accelerate feature delivery by removing friction from the development lifecycle. You will own the C++ build stack, ensuring our core infrastructure is robust enough to handle the complex, multi-layered dependencies required by our products. You will work directly with the product development teams to help maintain and improve our build systems and pipelines. You will help educate our engineers in these processes, and help to create a fully automated release delivery pipeline to customers. This is a unique opportunity to play a vital role in the team that develops industry-leading software tools for the VFX industry. You will bring your existing skills, and also learn new ones, as we continuously strive for improvement in software development and deployment.
Job Requirements
- Expertise in CMake and Python.
- Strong C++ knowledge (in particular compilation, linking, library management, and ABI compatibility).
- Experience with C++ package managers (in particular Conan).
- Expertise in cross‑platform development and debugging across Linux (CentOS/Rocky), Windows, and MacOS.
- Proven ability to debug complex build failures in unfamiliar codebases.
- Passion for improving the daily lives of fellow engineers and obsession with reducing developer toil.
Nice to Have, Keen to Learn
- Experience with multiple compiler toolchains (GCC, Clang, MSVC) and their respective quirks.
- Previous experience in the VFX/Media & Entertainment industry or familiarity with the ASWF ecosystem.
- Experience with shell scripting languages is highly beneficial.
- Experience with continuous integration tools, like GitLab CI, Jenkins or GitHub Actions.
- Experience with complex application testing, especially desktop applications.
- Experience with Docker containerisation.
Job Responsibilities
- Accelerate Delivery: Treat the build system as a product. Proactively gather feedback from the development team to identify friction points, reduce build‑wait times, and improve the “time‑to‑first‑contribution” for new starters, increasing the rate at which our product teams can deliver working software to our customers.
- Master the Stack: Own our Conan recipes and C++ build logic, ensuring high performance and reliability.
- Navigate Complexity: Manage the lifecycle of dozens of third‑party dependencies, resolving the challenges that arise when upstream updates trigger breaking changes or ABI shifts.
- Infrastructure as Code: Manage a hybrid farm of physical and virtual build nodes across Linux, Windows, and macOS.
- Mentor & Educate: Act as a subject matter expert for product engineers, teaching best practices in CI/CD and build modularity.
- Design self‑service tooling: Build intuitive CLI tools and workflows that empower developers to manage their own environments, reducing their reliance on manual infrastructure support.
Benefits
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Pension scheme & life assurance
- Health cash plan & medical insurance
- Season ticket loan
- Company’s social events
- Personal annual development time
- Passion days
- Anniversary day off
Company Overview
Foundry has a 30‑year heritage in developing creative software for the Media and Entertainment industry. Its portfolio of award‑winning products solves complex visualization challenges to turn incredible ideas into reality. Working with creative leaders around the globe, Foundry products are used to create breathtaking visual effects and animation and have been integral in the making of every VFX Academy Award‑winning film since 2007.
Executive employer: Foundry Group
Contact Detail:
Foundry Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Foundry on LinkedIn or other platforms. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your application noticed.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you have a GitHub or personal project that showcases your C++ expertise, share it during interviews. It’s a great way to demonstrate your passion and technical know-how.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the technical interview! Brush up on your CMake and Python skills, and be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex build failures in the past. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Foundry.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your expertise in CMake, Python, and C++ to show us you're the right fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about the role and how you can contribute to our mission. Share specific examples of how you've improved build systems or mentored fellow engineers.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, mention any complex build failures you've debugged or challenges you've overcome in previous roles. We love to see how you tackle tough problems!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Foundry Group
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your C++ skills, especially around compilation and linking. Familiarise yourself with CMake and Python, as well as any package managers like Conan. Being able to discuss your experience with cross-platform development will definitely impress.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to talk about how you've debugged complex build failures in the past. Have specific examples ready that showcase your ability to navigate unfamiliar codebases and resolve issues efficiently. This is key for the role!
✨Understand the Company Culture
Foundry values inclusivity and collaboration, so be ready to discuss how you can contribute to a positive team environment. Share your thoughts on reducing developer toil and improving processes, as this aligns with their mission.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the team's current challenges or the tools they use. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can make an impact from day one.