Sr Effects Technical Director - Expression of Interest

Job ID 10123508 Location San Francisco, California, United States Business Industrial Light & Magic Date posted Jun. 11, 2025

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Job Summary:

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.

We are looking for a Sr FX Technical Director who reflects the innovative spirit, creative talent, production excellence, collaborative mindset and passion for great filmmaking that define ILM.

The Senior FX Technical Directors are responsible for autonomously generating complex simulations, particle FX, lighting, rendering and moderate-level compositing of very complex shots, needing only initial direction and guidance from their supervisors.

What You’ll Do

Design and create complicated FX animation, procedural simulation, dynamic simulation, particle and fluid systems
Set up and wrangle heavy particle effects and enormous crowd shots
Develop small scale, show-specific tools for non-FX TDs and other FX TDs
Pipeline scripting
Compositing
Write plug-ins, set-up sequences, and debug simulations
Write/hack procedural, volumetric shaders, and surface shaders with proficiency
Animate moderate objects with proficiency
Understand or develop new techniques quickly and debug complicated problems
Set a standard for all Technical Directors by continually improving the speed, quality of our work and adaptability

What We’re Looking For

5+ years production experience or feature film experience with effects simulation work
Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or computer graphics
Demo reel required
Excellent knowledge of 3D Studio Max, Maya, Houdini, Renderman, Arnold and Mental Ray, and the ability to quickly learn proprietary tools (including Zeno)
Ability to work with competency, energy, and enthusiasm together within a team environment with minimal supervision to complete a shot
Excellent listening and communication skills, able to receive direction and criticism
Excellent presentation/communication skills in dailies/shot review by clearly and briefly outlining what has been accomplished and what next should be addressed in the shot
Engages in the creative process without ego, and accepts all final decisions with a positive and supportive attitude
Demonstrates an excellent aesthetic eye, anticipating potential problems and using knowledge of how to use the tools to achieve the desired look
Demonstrates superb problem-solving skills and takes the initiative to offer ideas and suggestions
Prioritizes tasks and manages time very well
Preferred Skills:
- Linux and scripting ability in Python
- Experience in MEL
Technical Skills:
- Advanced simulation experience with either Houdini, Maya, 3DS Max or other software, and the ability to write expressions
- C++

The hiring range for this position in San Francisco, CA is $127,100 to $166,800 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.

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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.

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