Senior Staff R&D Engineer - All Disciplines

Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), founded in 1975 by George Lucas, is a leading visual effects company known for creating iconic moments in motion picture history. The Research and Development (R&D) group at ILM develops groundbreaking technology that empowers artists to create dazzling visuals. With over 70 visually-minded software engineers working alongside more than a thousand digital artists, ILM operates in a fast-paced, collaborative environment across studios in San Francisco, Vancouver, London, Sydney, and Mumbai.

As a Senior Staff R&D Engineer, you'll work on developing tools and production techniques across all areas of visual effects and feature animation production. This includes image processing, compositing, rotoscoping, simulating natural phenomena, lighting, texturing, modeling, rigging, and animation. You'll also work on tools and pipeline systems for managing complex 3D scenes and user interfaces for data management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop innovative algorithms, artist-friendly user interfaces, and optimize data management processes
• Work on long-term software development projects and provide day-to-day artist support
• Collaborate with commercial software vendors to develop and deploy machine-learning-based tools
• Lead teams and projects, influencing development direction

Required Skills and Experience:

• Proficiency in C++ and Python on Linux
• Knowledge of visual effects principles
• Experience with machine learning techniques and toolsets
• Familiarity with standard data formats (OpenEXR, OpenVDB, Alembic, USD)
• Ability to design artist-friendly interfaces using GUI toolkits
• Strong software development principles
• 15+ years of professional software development and/or VFX production experience
• BS and/or advanced degree in computer science or related field

This hybrid role requires working 2-3 days onsite at the Vancouver location. The position offers a competitive salary range of C$153,600 to C$196,700 per year, along with comprehensive benefits including health insurance, childcare options, paid time off, retirement programs, and tuition assistance.

Join ILM and be part of a team that continues to push the boundaries of visual effects and technology in the entertainment industry.