Technical Assistant Intern - Summer 2026 (Open to Canadian Citizens & PR only)

As a Technical Assistant Intern, you will work alongside the TA team to provide front-line rendering and data management support for VFX Production teams and the facility. TAs manage storage by archiving, removing data, and following resource management best practices, ensuring full utilization of the render farm. You will also assist in writing production and pipeline scripts, monitor disk usage, and report issues with frames post-render to digital artists and CG Supervisors.

Must Have

• Provide front line rendering and data management support for VFX Production teams and facility
• Manage storage by wrangling data through archiving and removal
• Ensure full utilization of the render farm during shifts
• Communicate technical issues affecting render farm throughput to Digital Resource Managers and shows
• Work with TAs on prioritization of renders and coordinating processor allocations
• Report issues with frames post render to digital artists and CG Supervisors
• Monitor disk usage for the facility, focusing on individual shows and shots
• Coordinate show storage needs on a long-term basis with Digital Resource Manager
• Work with Digital Resource Manager, CG Supervisors, and Core Pipeline team to ensure proper data management procedures
• Participate in development projects; assist in writing production and pipeline scripts
• Maintain and update existing department tools
• Work closely with Core Pipeline and TAs to ensure clean and well-maintained code
• Knowledge of and experience with Linux, Mac, and Windows operating systems
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to effectively interact with diverse personalities
• Time management skills; ability to multi-task and prioritize
• Ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Ability to work autonomously and in team settings
• Self-motivated with strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to adapt to a high pressure, fast-paced, dynamic environment

Good to Have

• Familiarity or knowledge in programming skills, with proficiency in Python and/or other scripting languages commonly used in VFX production, or coding experience in another language
• Aesthetic eye and/or artistic background
• Knowledge of 3D animation software (e.g. Maya, Katana)
• Knowledge of networking, tape backup systems, and hardware
• VFX, feature animation or episodic production experience

Perks & Benefits

• Paid 4-month internship
• Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits

This role is considered Hybrid, which means the employee will work 2-3 days onsite at a Company designated location and occasionally from home.

Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) invites you to apply to our Technical Assistant internship in Vancouver and contribute to the exciting world of visual effects (VFX). ILM strives to be an inclusive environment, embracing promising individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.

Our interns embody the innovative spirit, creative talent, collaborative mindset, and passion for great filmmaking that defines ILM. If you love art, technology, and sharing knowledge while learning from others, this is the environment for you.

Position Summary

As an Technical Assistant Intern, you will work alongside our Technical Assistant (TA) team to provide front line rendering and data management support, for VFX Production teams as well as the facility. TAs also manage storage by wrangling data through archiving, removing data, and following resource management best practices. The TA team ensures full utilization of the render farm during their shift, and communicates as technical issues affecting the throughput of the farm arise to the Digital Resource Managers (DRMs) and shows affected as applicable.

Applications will close on January 12, 2026.

What You Need to Know

• You must be a Canadian Citizen or hold Canadian Permanent Resident status
• Preference will be given to candidates who are currently enrolled in an Undergraduate program at a public Canadian post-secondary institution and returning to studies following the internship
• This is a paid 4-month internship, beginning May 4, 2026
• This role is considered Hybrid, which means you will work onsite at our Vancouver studio and occasionally from home
• You will be required to work full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm
• We do not provide assistance for relocation, housing, transportation, or work authorization for internships

What You’ll Do

• Work with the TAs on prioritization of renders; coordinating processor allocations with Core Pipeline & Show Production teams; balancing processor demands within show, between shows, and as a share of facility pool
• Report issues with frames post render to the digital artists and CG Supervisors, and work to find a solution
• Work alongside morning/day shift TAs to determine the previous nights resource utilizations and continue to monitor any long running jobs. Report any machine problems or general issues that hinder the completion of renders to the appropriate department
• Monitor disk usage for the facility, with a particular focus on individual shows, and on a shot-by-shot basis within those shows. Coordinate show storage needs on a long-term basis with Digital Resource Manager
• Work with the Digital Resource Manager, CG Supervisors, and Core Pipeline team to ensure show follows proper data management procedures
• Participate in development projects; assist in writing production and pipeline scripts as required to benefit ongoing technology efforts as well as maintain and update existing department tools. Work closely with Core Pipeline and TAs to ensure that code is clean and well maintained

What We’re Looking For

• Knowledge of and experience with Linux, Mac, and Windows operating systems
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively interact with diverse personalities
• Time management skills; ability to multi-task and prioritize
• Ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• The ability to work autonomously and in team settings
• Self-motivated with strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to adapt to a high pressure, fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Nice to have:
• Familiarity or knowledge in programming skills, with proficiency in Python and/or other scripting languages commonly used in VFX production, or coding experience in another language
• Aesthetic eye and/or artistic background a plus
• Knowledge of 3D animation software (e.g. Maya, Katana)
• Knowledge of networking, tape backup systems, and hardware
• VFX, feature animation or episodic production experience

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