Ivan Imanishi
Software Engineer Supervisor at Image Engine Design Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Summary
🤩
Rockstar🎓
Top SchoolIvan Imanishi is a software engineering leader with 16 years of experience specializing in animation and VFX pipeline tooling, currently supervising engineering at Image Engine in Vancouver. He designs and implements large, complex systems across asset management, simulation, shading and renderfarm orchestration, with deep scripting and plugin expertise for Maya, Houdini and Nuke. A polyglot developer comfortable in C++, Python, Java, JavaScript and more, he blends backend core-engine work with UI and tooling improvements—evidenced by substantial contributions to prominent open-source projects like Gaffer and Cortex. His work addresses subtle domain challenges such as color-space conversions, deep image support and robust file-sequence handling, reflecting attention to edge cases that matter in production. Previously he led R&D and special effects teams in Brazil, building productivity tools and shading systems for major studios. He pairs hands-on engineering with team leadership, shipping practical, production-hardened solutions in demanding VFX environments.
16 years of coding experience
22 years of employment as a software developer
University of São PauloHigh School, High School, High School, High School at Colégio Santa Cruz
English, Portuguese
Github Skills (15)
file-handling10
uid10
c-language10
cprogramming-language10
front-end-development10
python10
image-processing10
color-conversion10
colorspace10
test-automation9
backend9
ui-design9
back-end-development9
user-interface8
interface-design8
Programming languages (2)
Github contributions (5)
ImageEngine/cortex
May 2010 - Jan 2023
Libraries for visual effects software development
Role in this project:
Backend Developer
Backend DeveloperContributions:14 releases, 12 reviews, 78 commits in 12 years 9 months
Contributions summary:Ivan primarily contributed to the core libraries for visual effects software development, focusing on improving the handling of data types and color transformations. They addressed edge cases related to alpha channel values and added support for color conversions (linear to Panalog and vice-versa). Furthermore, the user extended the functionality of file sequence handling and included support for deep image formats.
javascriptvisual-effectswebgl
GafferHQ/gaffer
Sep 2014 - Jan 2023
Gaffer is a node-based application for lookdev, lighting and automation
Role in this project:Full-stack Developer
Full-stack DeveloperContributions:3 releases, 22 reviews, 93 commits in 8 years 5 months
Contributions summary:Ivan contributed significantly to the Gaffer project, demonstrating skills in both UI and backend development. Their work included improving the UI with features like error handling and advanced plug value widgets, and backend improvements such as improved handling of file extensions and command-line argument parsing. The contributions spanned multiple files, encompassing both Python (UI and application logic) and C++ (core engine), revealing a full-stack development focus.
gaffernodejsautomationlightinglookdev
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