Senior Effects Technical Director

The Senior Effects Technical Director is responsible for independently creating FX animation, procedural simulation, dynamic simulation, particle, and fluid systems for feature film visual effects. This role also involves lighting, rendering, and moderate-level compositing of complex shots under supervisor guidance. Key responsibilities include designing and creating FX elements, providing accurate time estimates, handing off elements to other departments, presenting shot work in dailies, mentoring junior artists, and managing shot data. The ideal candidate possesses at least 5 years of VFX experience, an excellent aesthetic eye, strong teamwork skills, production pipeline experience, and proficiency in software like Maya, 3DS Max, or Houdini, along with scripting abilities in Python.

Must Have

• Create FX animation and simulations
• Light complex elements
• Provide accurate time estimates
• Mentor junior effects artists
• 5+ years VFX experience
• Experience with Maya, 3DS Max, or Houdini
• Python scripting ability
• Linux experience

Good to Have

• College diploma in CG, fine arts, design, or photography
• Ability to write expressions
• Basic understanding of simulation physics

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

JoinILM

At Lucasfilm/ILM we believe that diversity, inclusion and belonging are integral to our company. We are at our best when our people at all levels reflect the vast life experiences of our audiences, and we thrive when ideas and decisions from all are valued and represented. If you are passionate about the role, but don't fit every criteria of the posting, we encourage you to still apply. We want to hear your story.