Effects Technical Director (All Levels)

Founded in 1975 by George Lucas, ILM is the leading effects facility in the world, serving the motion picture, commercial production, and attraction industries.
$67,000 - $169,300
Backend
Mid-Level Software Engineer
In-Person
1,000 - 5,000 Employees
3+ years of experience
Gaming · Entertainment

Description For Effects Technical Director (All Levels)

Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), a pioneering visual effects company founded by George Lucas, is seeking an Effects Technical Director to join their team in San Francisco. This role combines technical expertise with creative artistry, focusing on generating FX animation, simulations, and particle systems for feature films. The position offers a competitive salary range of $67,000-$169,300 and requires 3-5+ years of production experience.

The ideal candidate will work on creating complex visual effects for major film productions, utilizing advanced technical skills in C++, Python, and various 3D animation software. They will be responsible for designing and implementing particle effects, fluid simulations, and shader development, while working collaboratively with a team of industry professionals.

ILM has an impressive track record, having contributed to seven of the top 10 worldwide box-office hits and created visual effects for over 325 feature films. The company continues to push boundaries in visual effects, VR, AR, and Immersive Cinema, making it an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about combining technology with creative storytelling.

The role offers comprehensive benefits including medical coverage, financial benefits, and potential bonus opportunities. Working at ILM means being part of The Walt Disney Company's legacy of creating world-class entertainment experiences, with access to cutting-edge technology and the chance to work on groundbreaking projects that define the future of visual effects.

Last updated 4 hours ago

Responsibilities For Effects Technical Director (All Levels)

  • Designs and creates FX animation, procedural simulation, dynamic simulation, particle and fluid systems
  • Responsible for setting-up and wrangle heavy particle effects and enormous crowd shots
  • Pipeline scripting and development
  • Compositing and blue-screen extractions
  • Write plug-ins, debug simulations and write surface shaders
  • Write/hack procedural surface shaders and volumetric shaders
  • Animate moderate objects

Requirements For Effects Technical Director (All Levels)

Python
Linux
  • 3-5+ years production experience or feature film experience with effects simulation work
  • Demo reel required
  • Advanced simulation experience with Houdini, Maya, 3DS Max or other software
  • C++ skills
  • Linux and Python scripting ability
  • Experience in MEL
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills
  • Problem-solving skills and initiative
  • Ability to work in team environment
  • Strong aesthetic eye

Benefits For Effects Technical Director (All Levels)

Medical Insurance
  • Medical benefits
  • Financial benefits
  • Bonus opportunities
  • Long-term incentives

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