AI/ML Engineer

Job Description About Mihira Visual Labs Mihira Visual Labs is a research-driven CGI and VFX studio redefining filmmaking through AI- and ML-powered workflows. We specialize in the development and production of full-length animated films, empowering creators with cutting-edge tools to accelerate high-quality storytelling and IP creation. Our mission is to make world-class storytelling faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective where human imagination is the only true differentiator. Role Overview The AI/ML Engineer will spearhead the development and integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions into our VFX production pipeline. You'll work closely with pipeline developers, production managers, and creative teams to reimagine workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and push the boundaries of innovation in photorealistic rendering, stylized animation, and other CGI processes. This role combines deep technical expertise with a strong understanding of the demands of a fast-paced VFX/animation studio. Key Responsibilities - AI Strategy & Roadmap Develop and maintain a strategic plan for implementing AI/ML across the VFX pipelinecovering data wrangling, rendering, asset management, animation, and post-production. Identify new approaches to innovate current workflows to increase efficiency and cut down on time. - Algorithm & Model Development Research, design, and implement ML models (e.g., computer vision, generative models, style transfer) that improve artist efficiency, production speed, enhance image quality, or enable new creative possibilities. Optimize models for performance on local GPU/CPU clusters or cloud-based infrastructures. - Pipeline Integration & Automation Collaborate with pipeline engineers to seamlessly integrate AI agents or tools into existing software stacks (e.g., Maya, Houdini, Nuke), ensuring minimal disruption to artists workflows. Develop automated solutions for tasks like rotoscoping, clean-up, crowd simulation, environment generation, or facial capture/animation. - Infrastructure & Tooling Architect and maintain robust data pipelines, ensuring the secure collection and organization of high-quality datasets for training AI models. Evaluate and deploy containerization/MLOps tools (Docker, Kubernetes, MLflow, etc.) for scalable model training, inference, and monitoring. - Performance Optimization Profile model performance, memory usage, and render times; implement optimizations in frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or custom GPU pipelines. Work with DevOps/IT teams to configure and manage dedicated GPU farms or cloud compute resources. - Research & Development Stay updated with state-of-the-art ML/DL techniques, particularly in generative AI, computer vision, and real-time rendering. Introduce emerging methods (e.g., stable diffusion, large language models, neural rendering) to innovate new production techniques. - Documentation & Reporting Create clear technical documentation for AI solutions, ensuring maintainability and scalability. Present progress, insights, and ROI to executive leadership, project stakeholders, and cross-functional teams. Qualifications & Skills - Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, AI/ML, or related field. A PhD is a bonus but not mandatory. - 5+ years of professional experience in applied machine learning or data science. - Previous experience in VFX, animation, gaming, or related entertainment industries is a bonus. - Programming: Expert-level Python (C++ is a plus). - ML Frameworks: Deep understanding of TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, or similar libraries. - Computer Vision & Generative Models: Familiarity with CNNs, GANs, autoencoders, stable diffusion, or neural radiance fields. - Pipeline Tools: Experience with integration in VFX software (Maya, Houdini, Nuke) and plugin APIs.[Optional] - DevOps & MLOps: Comfortable with containerization (Docker), orchestration (Kubernetes), CI/CD, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP). - Proven track record of translating production challenges into AI/ML solutions that deliver measurable efficiency gains or cost savings. - Experience with model optimization (quantization, pruning) and GPU/CPU performance tuning. - Collaboration: Excellent communication to bridge technical and creative teams, explaining complex concepts in clear, accessible language. - Agility: Adapts quickly to evolving project needs, production pipelines, and new AI techniques. - A genuine interest in cinema, animation, or gaminga plus if you have prior knowledge of the Baahubali IP or similar large-scale IPs. - Creativity in applying AI to artistic challenges, from photorealistic digital humans to stylized animated sequences.