Effects Technical Director (Project Hire) - ILM San Francisco
The Walt Disney Company, San Francisco, CA, United States
Effects Technical Director (Project Hire) – ILM San Francisco
Job ID: 10137926
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Business: Industrial Light & Magic
Date posted: Apr. 10, 2026
Job Summary We are looking for an Effects TD who reflects the innovative spirit, creative talent, production excellence, collaborative mindset and passion for great filmmaking that define ILM.
The Effects TD generates FX animation, procedural simulation, dynamic simulation, particle and fluid systems for feature film visual effects. They are responsible for lighting, rendering and moderate-level compositing of complex shots with guidance from their supervisors.
What You’ll Do
Designs and creates FX animation, procedural simulation, dynamic simulation, particle and fluid systems
Responsible for setting‑up and wrangle heavy particle effects and enormous crowd shots
Excellent pipeline scripting ability
Solid compositing ability; can wrangle blue‑screen extractions, working understanding of Nuke
Can write plug‑ins, debug simulations and write set up and surface shaders with proficiency
Can write/hack procedural surface shaders and volumetric shaders with proficiency
Can animate moderate objects with proficiency
Can pick‑up new techniques quickly and easily and can debug just about anything
Sets a standard for all Technical Directors in continually raising the bar for speed, quality of work and adaptability
What We’re Looking For
3‑5+ years production experience or feature film experience with effects simulation work
Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering or computer graphics
Demo reel required
Ability to work with competency, energy and enthusiasm within a team environment with gentle supervision to complete a shot.
Exhibits 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 / Competencies:
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++ skills
Compensation The hiring range for this position in San Francisco, CA is $90,400 to $118,700 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.
Equal Employment Opportunity 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.
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Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Business: Industrial Light & Magic
Date posted: Apr. 10, 2026
Job Summary We are looking for an Effects TD who reflects the innovative spirit, creative talent, production excellence, collaborative mindset and passion for great filmmaking that define ILM.
The Effects TD generates FX animation, procedural simulation, dynamic simulation, particle and fluid systems for feature film visual effects. They are responsible for lighting, rendering and moderate-level compositing of complex shots with guidance from their supervisors.
What You’ll Do
Designs and creates FX animation, procedural simulation, dynamic simulation, particle and fluid systems
Responsible for setting‑up and wrangle heavy particle effects and enormous crowd shots
Excellent pipeline scripting ability
Solid compositing ability; can wrangle blue‑screen extractions, working understanding of Nuke
Can write plug‑ins, debug simulations and write set up and surface shaders with proficiency
Can write/hack procedural surface shaders and volumetric shaders with proficiency
Can animate moderate objects with proficiency
Can pick‑up new techniques quickly and easily and can debug just about anything
Sets a standard for all Technical Directors in continually raising the bar for speed, quality of work and adaptability
What We’re Looking For
3‑5+ years production experience or feature film experience with effects simulation work
Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering or computer graphics
Demo reel required
Ability to work with competency, energy and enthusiasm within a team environment with gentle supervision to complete a shot.
Exhibits 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 / Competencies:
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++ skills
Compensation The hiring range for this position in San Francisco, CA is $90,400 to $118,700 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.
Equal Employment Opportunity 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.
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