Senior Effects Technical Director - ILM Vancouver
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10140733 Location Vancouver, Canada Business Industrial Light & Magic Date posted May 22, 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.
Position Summary
The Senior Effects TD operates independently to generate FX animation, procedural simulation, dynamic simulation, particle and fluid systems for feature film visual effects. 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
Special projects as needed
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
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, and the ability to write expressions
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.