Grace Kumagai Portfolio

EXPERIENCE

Software Engineer
Pixar Animation Studios

April 2021 - Feb 2025

Designed, developed, and maintained C++ and Python tools and workflows for the Sets department in Maya, Presto, and Houdini.
Directed and implemented the integration of a Houdini-based vegetation toolkit into the asset pipeline.
Investigated the adoption of maya-usd by collaborating with technical directors and Autodesk to test, report, and prioritize blockers.
Co-led Pixar’s Women in Technology Employee Resource Group, developing a six-month mentorship program and leading a team of five to deliver outreach initiatives, including field trips, science projects, and virtual mentorship sessions to foster girls' interest in STEAM.

Lead Software Engineer

Blue Sky Studios

Mar 2020 - April 2021

Led an Agile-Scrum team of 7 to integrate a new USD-centric, version-controlled pipeline for layout, stereo, and effects.
Collaborated on the code for exporting data from Maya to USD and developed the UI for 20+ layout artists, ensuring stable and valid USD data for downstream departments.
Defined the architecture for the USD camera pipeline, including reiterating to improve shot-based camera fixes.
Prioritized and communicated cross-departmental workflows and roadmaps, presenting bi-weekly goals and accomplishments to key production stakeholders.
Managed the software development cycle, including gathering user stories, research, architecture, development, testing, and releases of tools and workflows to support departments working in Maya.
Reviewed developers’ code, provided feedback, and encouraged sharing and collaboration to develop team knowledge.

Software Engineer

Blue Sky Studios

Oct 2018 - Mar 2020

Created and supported Rigging & Animation plugins for Maya in C++ and Python.
Designed and developed a custom wire (curve and matrix) driven skin cluster deformer for facial and spine rigs.
Collaborated with artists and Autodesk to improve rig performance and isolate bugs in Maya’s evaluation manager

Research & Development Intern

Blue Sky Studios

Jun 2018 - Aug 2018

Designed a machine learning framework to predict rendering times of upcoming feature films.

Defined the training data by the scenes' complexity.
Constructed the ML model using Nuke and Python.
Won the 'Most Creative' award at Blue Sky Studios' internal hackathon alongside three R&D team members.

3D Programming Intern

Ubisoft Toronto

May 2017 - Aug 2017

Implemented C++ features to improve the visuals and creative control in the 3D game universe of Starlink: Battle for Atlas.
Improved existing 3D functions in the Snowdrop engine.
Collaborated with technical directors to ensure that the visuals align with the creative director’s vision.