Junior Effects Technical Director (Project Hire) - ILM San Francisco
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10148130 Location San Francisco, California, United States Business Industrial Light & Magic Date posted Apr. 15, 2026Job Summary:
Position Summary
Junior FX TDs work as part of a team under an FX Lead and/or FX Supervisor on shows. They will be working on basic FX shotwork involving simulation, rendering, and compositing. They will be required to use existing setups and adapt them to their shots when necessary. They will be expected to collaborate with the team to solve problems and communicate with production and artists across other departments.
What You’ll Do
Perform entry level shot work including simulating and rendering simple/pre-canned effects (e.g. foot hits, “easy” missile trails, sparks, underwater particulates, weather passes, simple smoke) on multiple shots across a show and render tuning
Communicating status of shots to supervisors and Production
Hand off elements to other departments e.g. comp and rendering teams
Present shot work in dailies; attend dailies and other department meetings
Data management of shots including clean up
Special projects as needed
What We’re Looking For
Bachelor's degree in computer graphics or related field or equivalent experience
0-2 years’ experience in the industry
Demo reel required
Exhibits strong teamwork and interdisciplinary thinking
Production pipeline experience
Strong, communication and follow-through
Ability to work under pressure and deadlines
Experience with Houdini required
Experience with Nuke (preferred) or other compositing software
Basic understanding of the physics of simulation
Nice to have:
Feature film/games/TV experience
Linux, Python, and Houdini Vex scripting preferred
Basic effects and simulation
Nuke
JoinILM
The hiring range for this position in San Francisco is $67,900 to $86,900 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.
About Industrial Light & Magic:
Founded in 1975 by George Lucas, ILM is the leading effects facility in the world, serving the motion picture, commercial production, and attraction industries. ILM has created visual effects for over 325 feature films and has played a key role in seven of the top 10 worldwide box-office hits of all time and has contributed to 25 of the top 50. ILM has set the standard for visual effects, creating some of the most stunning images in the history of film. At the forefront of the digital revolution, the company continues to break new ground in visual effects, VR, AR, and Immersive Cinema.
About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with Lucasfilm Ent Co Ltd, LLC Payroll Svc, which is part of a business we call Industrial Light & Magic.
Lucasfilm Ent Co Ltd, LLC Payroll Svc is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.