Senior Effects Technical Director/Effects Dev, Feature Animation - Expression of Interest
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10146842 Location Vancouver, Canada Business Industrial Light & Magic Date posted Mar. 25, 2026Job Summary:
This role is considered Hybrid, which means the employee will work 2-3 days onsite at a Company designated location and occasionally from home.
This posting is an opportunity to submit your resume for future consideration; this is not a role that is open at this time. We anticipate this role may be open in the future, but we are not actively hiring for the position. If you would like to be considered for this potential role, please submit your resume. If the role becomes available, you may receive an email or call from a recruiter.
Position Summary
The Senior Effects TD operates independently to generate a wide range of FX Elements to match the aesthetics of the project. Utilizing all aspects of Houdini to create highly realistic dynamic simulation to the heavily stylized procedural setups for feature Animation and visual effects projects.
The Senior Effects TD also completes lighting, rendering and moderate-level compositing of complex shots with guidance from their supervisors.
What You’ll Do
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
Develop novel approaches for Complex / Stylized FX Setups
Stylized and Photoreal Look development in Mantra / Karma
What We’re Looking For
At least 5 years relevant professional VFX experience and at least a college level diploma in computer graphics, fine arts, design, or photography, or related field; OR at least 7 years relevant professional VFX experience in lieu of education.
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
Expert Level experience with Houdini
Ability to quickly pickup knowledge in other DCC / tools
Skilled in, or eager to master various animation techniques including; procedural animation, keyframing and simulations such as rigid bodies, soft bodies, fluids, particle dynamics etc.
Strong grasp of visual story telling, animation and film making fundamentals, specifically timing, light, colour composition, silhouette, appeal etc.
Basic Nuke Experience
Good knowledge of physics and natural phenomena
Linux and scripting ability in Python
As part of your application please submit a demo reel, shot breakdown, or equivalent showcasing your work. A current resume is required.
JoinILM
The hiring range for this position in Vancouver is C$126,700 to C$154,600 per year based on a 40-hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. 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 full range of medical, financial, and/or other variable pay or benefits, may be offered 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 ILM (Vancouver) Inc., which is part of a business we call Industrial Light & Magic.