Senior Effects Technical Director

Founded in 1975 by George Lucas, ILM is the leading effects facility in the world, serving the motion picture, commercial production, and attraction industries.
$124,900 - $152,300
Backend
Senior Software Engineer
Hybrid
1,000 - 5,000 Employees
5+ years of experience
Gaming · Entertainment

Description For Senior Effects Technical Director

Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), founded by George Lucas in 1975, is seeking a Senior Effects Technical Director for their Vancouver office. This is a hybrid role requiring 2-3 days onsite.

The role involves creating sophisticated visual effects for feature films, focusing on FX animation, procedural simulation, and particle/fluid systems. As a Senior Effects TD, you'll work independently while collaborating with supervisors and various departments to deliver high-quality visual effects.

The ideal candidate brings at least 5 years of professional VFX experience, combining technical expertise with artistic vision. You'll need proficiency in industry-standard software like Maya, 3DS Max, or Houdini, along with Python scripting abilities and a solid understanding of simulation physics.

ILM offers a competitive compensation package ranging from C$124,900 to C$152,300 annually, plus benefits. The company has an impressive track record, having contributed to 25 of the top 50 box-office hits and created visual effects for over 325 feature films.

This position offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of the digital revolution, contributing to groundbreaking projects in visual effects, VR, AR, and Immersive Cinema. You'll be part of a legacy that continues to set industry standards while mentoring junior artists and collaborating with world-class talent.

The role combines technical skills with creative artistry, requiring both independent work and team collaboration. You'll be responsible for complex shot work, accurate time estimation, and maintaining high-quality standards under production deadlines.

Last updated 18 days ago

Responsibilities For Senior Effects Technical Director

  • Design and create FX animation, procedural simulation, dynamic simulation, particle and fluid systems
  • Light complex/multiple elements; communicates status of shots to supervisors and Production
  • Provide accurate time estimates for shotwork
  • Hand off elements to other departments i.e. comp and rendering teams
  • Present shot work in dailies; attend dailies and other department meetings
  • Mentor junior effects artists
  • Data management of shots including clean up

Requirements For Senior Effects Technical Director

Python
Linux
  • At least 5 years relevant professional VFX experience and college level diploma in computer graphics, fine arts, design, or photography
  • Demonstrates an excellent aesthetic eye
  • Exhibits strong teamwork and interdisciplinary thinking
  • Production pipeline experience
  • Strong communication and follow-through
  • Ability to work under pressure and deadlines
  • Experience with either Maya, 3DS Max, Houdini, or similar software
  • Basic understanding of the physics of simulation
  • Linux and scripting ability in Python
  • Advanced simulation experience with either Houdini, Maya, 3DS Max or other software
  • Ability to write expressions

Benefits For Senior Effects Technical Director

Medical Insurance
401k
  • Medical Insurance
  • 401k

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