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Vancouver jobs : 3D Animator at Image Engine

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The Senior 3D Animator is responsible for executing top-tier character and creature animation with speed, efficiency, and autonomy. In this role, you will tackle the most complex and demanding shots on the production schedule, translating briefing notes into convincing motion with minimal direction from team Leads or Supervisors. For senior artists surveying Vancouver jobs for a role that offers true creative ownership, this position provides the platform to work on high-profile, complex hero sequences. As a senior member of the team, you will strictly quality-check your own work and consistently hit deadlines. Beyond your individual shot assignments, you will serve as a mentor to junior artists, assist the Animation Lead with secondary quality control checks when required, and proactively flag technical or creative issues. If you are comparing senior Vancouver jobs to find a collaborative environment where leadership is encouraged, you must be prepared to step into a temporary management capacity when production needs or team absences require it, maintaining a positive, solution-oriented attitude in high-pressure environments. Senior Animator (Short-Term Contract) Attribute Details Company Image Engine Position Title Senior Animator (Short-Term Contract) Department Animation Location Vancouver, British Columbia (Hybrid) Project Timeline Commencing June/July 2026 Hiring Range $105,000 to $122,000 / year (Based on a 40-hour work week) Core Software Autodesk Maya Experience Required 7+ years animating character & creature assets for VFX or feature films Key Benefits 100% premium-covered extended healthcare from Day 1, up to 8 paid health & wellness days Residency Requirement Must be currently based in British Columbia and eligible to work in Canada   About Image Engine Based in Vancouver, BC, Image Engine is a world-class visual effects studio that has anchored a reputation for cinematic excellence since 1995. We specialize in crafting groundbreaking visual effects for high-profile feature films and television. Our award-winning portfolio includes acclaimed projects such as Skeleton Crew, The Book of Boba Fett, The Mandalorian, Game of Thrones, Lost in Space, Jurassic World, and District 9. For artists evaluating the competitive landscape of Vancouver jobs, our studio stands out as a premier destination where you can leave an impact on massive, global franchises. We offer an end-to-end suite of visual effects services, spanning from initial concept designs and pre-visualization to complex CG animation, seamless compositing, and explosive volumetric digital effects. Our crew is deeply passionate about storytelling, constantly pushing artistic and technical boundaries to deliver unparalleled quality. Continuous research and development is central to our philosophy, allowing us to drive creativity through pipeline innovation. If you are filtering through various Vancouver jobs looking for a studio that genuinely invests in its tools, workflows, and infrastructure, you will find a highly advanced technical home here. At Image Engine, we champion diversity, collaboration, and mutual respect. We believe our success is a direct reflection of our exceptionally talented team, and we strive to foster a supportive, empowering workplace culture. Explore our open positions, connect with our recruitment team, and see how our opportunities stand out among creative Vancouver jobs. Join us on our mission to create unforgettable visual experiences!   Duties & Responsibilities Performance & Motion: Collaborate closely with the Animation Supervisor and Leads to develop convincing performances, weight, and motion for both character and non-character assets. Shot Execution: Animate dynamic, believable, and appealing assets across a difficulty spectrum ranging from simple setups to complex hero shots with minimal supervision. Schedule Management: Partner with the production team to monitor shot progress, manage individual weekly targets, and maintain awareness of show-wide deadlines. Show Continuity: Coordinate with the broader animation team to preserve performance consistency, style, and continuity across sequences. Quality Control (QC): Complete comprehensive self-assessments on all work prior to supervisor submission, rectifying issues such as poor staging, off-model tracking, clipping, or weak silhouettes. Pipeline Troubleshooting: Utilize a proficient understanding of the studio pipeline to troubleshoot scene issues and provide actionable feedback on tools and interfaces to maximize team throughput. Collaboration & Iteration: Attend dailies, reviews, and department meetings. Receptive to creative critique, addressing notes accurately and turning around revisions under tight schedules. Mentorship: Provide peer leadership, coaching, and technical guidance to junior animators.   Education, Experience & Skills Requirements: Industry Tenure: 7+ years of professional experience animating character and creature assets within a dedicated VFX or feature film studio pipeline. Animation Fundamentals: Demonstrated expert-level mastery of traditional animation principles, physical mechanics, acting, and facial expression. Cinematographic Eye: Strong visual storytelling skills with a deep understanding of camera angles, composition, framing, lens language, and continuity. Software Mastery: Expert-level knowledge of Autodesk Maya. Soft Skills: Exceptional time management, adaptability to proprietary tools, and top-tier communication skills. Ability to remain motivated and collaborative during intense iteration cycles. Desirable Assets A working knowledge of Motion Capture (Mocap) workflows and data. A foundational understanding of character Rigging mechanics. Company Benefits From your very first day on the team, Image Engine provides comprehensive support to ensure your health and well-being: Extended Healthcare: 100% of insurance premiums are covered by Image Engine starting Day 1. Wellness Days: Up to 8 paid Health and Wellness days per calendar year. Culture: An inclusive, empowering environment designed to support long-term creative growth.   Application Process :: If you are a passionate storyteller ready to contribute to extraordinary, award-winning projects, we welcome your application. Please ensure your submission includes an up-to-date resume and a breakdown of your latest animation showreel showing relevant VFX or feature film work.

FX TD (Mid-Level & Senior Roles) – Image Engine

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Image Engine Design Inc. is currently expanding its world-class FX TD department. We are seeking talented, driven, and technically proficient FX Technical Directors at both the Mid and Senior levels to join our studio in Vancouver, British Columbia. Since its inception in 1995, Image Engine has built a global reputation for creating some of the most iconic visual effects in cinematic history. From the revolutionary creature work in District 9 and the complex environments of Game of Thrones to the explosive, high-octane simulations seen in The Mandalorian and Jurassic World, our team thrives on pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Whether you are a Mid-level artist looking to sharpen your craft under industry legends or a Senior TD ready to architect complex simulation frameworks and mentor the next generation, Image Engine offers an environment where your work will define the future of visual storytelling. Job Overview : FX TD Mid-Level FX TD Company: Image Engine Design Inc. Employment Type: Term Contract Location: Vancouver, BC (Hybrid) Salary Range: $80,000 – $105,000 per year Experience Required: 2+ years in Houdini (Film/TV) Primary Software: Houdini, Nuke, Arnold Start Date: Immediate Senior FX TD Company: Image Engine Design Inc. Employment Type: Term Contract Location: Vancouver, BC (Hybrid) Salary Range: $111,800 – $123,500 per year Experience Required: 3+ years in Houdini (Film/TV) Primary Software: Houdini, Nuke, Arnold, VEX Start Date: June 2026 The Image Engine Advantage At Image Engine, we don’t just “run shots”—we innovate. Our FX department is at the forefront of proceduralism, utilizing a robust pipeline built on Houdini and integrated with Arnold and Gaffer. We prioritize a culture of continuous learning, where R&D is integrated into the daily workflow. Employee Benefits & Culture: Health & Wellness: 100% company-paid healthcare premiums from Day 1. Work-Life Balance: Up to 8 paid Health and Wellness days per year to ensure our team stays refreshed. Inclusion: A supportive, respectful, and empowering workplace that values diversity and teamwork. Location: Based in the heart of Vancouver’s vibrant VFX hub (candidates must be BC residents and eligible to work in Canada). Position Purpose & Scope For the Mid-Level FX TD: You are the engine of the department. Your primary focus is the high-quality execution of effects within the studio’s established pipeline. You will take direction from Leads and Supervisors, applying your technical skills to solve shot-specific challenges. This role is designed for an artist who is technically self-sufficient but eager to be mentored by Seniors to eventually take on more complex architectural tasks. For the Senior FX TD: You are a technical architect and a mentor. Beyond delivering breathtaking visuals, you are responsible for the “big picture”—creating studio-wide tools, maintaining best practices, and guiding Mid and Junior artists. You act as a bridge between the creative vision of the VFX Supervisor and the technical execution of the team, ensuring that complex setups are scalable, optimized, and artist-friendly. Detailed Duties & Responsibilities 1. Effects Animation & Simulation Procedural Creation: Both levels are responsible for generating realistic and believable effects, including but not limited to: Rigid Body Dynamics (RBD): Complex destruction and fracture simulations. Particle Dynamics: Fine-scale dust, debris, and magical/abstract effects. Fluid Dynamics: High-resolution gas (fire, smoke) and liquid simulations. Cloth & Soft Body: Integrated simulations for character and environment interaction. Senior Specifics: Seniors are expected to build these setups with a high degree of complexity and multiple dependencies, ensuring they can be “shotted out” across a sequence by other artists. 2. Technical Development & Pipeline Support HDA Development: Mid-levels will work with Leads to build Houdini Digital Assets (HDAs), while Seniors are expected to independently create and maintain these assets for studio-wide use. Rendering & Compositing: Creating render passes, beauty renders, and “slap comps” in Nuke to demonstrate how FX elements will integrate into the final frame. Documentation: Regularly contributing to the studio wiki to ensure techniques and workflows are preserved and shared across the team. 3. Production Communication Time Management: Accurately estimating the time required for tasks and proactively flagging potential schedule risks to Production Coordinators. Feedback Integration: Attending dailies and rounds to present work to VFX Supervisors. You must be able to interpret creative notes and translate them into technical adjustments. Cross-Departmental Synergy: Communicating with Lighting, Compositing, and Creature FX to ensure that data flows seamlessly and that assets are optimized for downstream departments. Skills & Qualifications Technical Proficiencies Houdini Mastery: A “Houdini-first” mindset. Deep knowledge of SOPs and DOPs is mandatory. Coding & Scripting: * Mid: Working knowledge of VEX and Hscript. Senior: Strong/Advanced knowledge of VEX for custom solver manipulation and performance optimization. Rendering: Proficiency in Arnold (preferred) or other node-based renderers. Data Formats: Familiarity with OpenVDB, Alembic, and USD workflows. Compositing: A solid working knowledge of Nuke for pre-compositing FX elements. Core Competencies Eye for Detail: A sophisticated understanding of physical movement, weight, and timing. You should know why a simulation “looks wrong” and how to fix it aesthetically. Troubleshooting: The ability to debug complex simulations and deal with competing priorities in a fast-paced production environment. Teamwork: Excellent communication skills. You must be able to explain your technical approach to non-technical production staff and collaborate with colleagues across different time zones or departments. Experience Requirements Mid-Level: A minimum of 2 years of experience in feature film or high-end television production using Houdini. Senior Level: A minimum of 3 years of experience, with a demonstrated history of handling large-scale setups and providing leadership or informal mentorship to others. Desirable “Plus” Skills (Both Levels) Python/Linux: Strong scripting skills in Python and comfort within a Linux/Unix environment. Broad Software Base: Experience with Maya, Gaffer, or specialized tools like RealFlow or Naiad. HDK Knowledge: For Seniors, knowledge of the Houdini Development Kit (C++) is a significant advantage for tool development. Education: A degree in Computer Science, Visual Arts, or a related field is preferred but not required if professional experience is exceptional. Summary of the Hiring Process Image Engine is looking for artists who are passionate about the “how” as much as the “what.” We provide … Read more

Image Engine hiring FX TD – Lead, Vancouver

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Image Engine Design Inc. is seeking a visionary and technically grounded Lead FX Technical Director to join our award-winning team in Vancouver, British Columbia. Since 1995, Image Engine has established itself as a cornerstone of the global visual effects industry. From the grimy, grounded sci-fi of District 9 to the expansive galaxies of The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett, our work is defined by a commitment to storytelling through technical innovation. As a Lead FX TD, you will not just be managing simulations; you will be architecting the procedural foundations that allow our artists to create the “extraordinary” on every frame. Job Overview : Lead FX TD Company Name: Image Engine Design Inc. Position Title: Lead FX Technical Director (FX Lead) Employment Type: Term / Project-Based Contract Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Hybrid – BC Residency Required) Compensation: $135,000 – $145,000 per annum (40-hour work week) Department: FX Start Date: ASAP Benefits: 100% Premium Coverage, Healthcare from Day 1, 8 Wellness Days The Image Engine Philosophy At Image Engine, R&D is not a secondary department; it is the heartbeat of our creative process. We believe that the best visual effects are born from a seamless marriage of artistic intuition and robust technical pipelines. Our FX department is world-renowned for its volumetric digital effects, destruction simulations, and procedural environment work. As a Lead, you are the linchpin of this ecosystem. You are responsible for ensuring that the creative vision of the VFX Supervisor is translated into a scalable, efficient technical reality that your team of artists can execute with precision. Core Purpose of the Role The Lead FX TD serves as the primary technical and creative support pillar for all FX artists assigned to a specific production. Your mission is two-fold: Foundation Building: Ramping up show-specific tools, creating high-quality Houdini Digital Assets (HDAs), and ensuring the department’s handoff is optimized for lighting and compositing. Team Orchestration: Managing artist tasks, mentoring junior and mid-level talent, and acting as the vital communication link between the CG Supervisors and the production management team. Detailed Duties & Responsibilities as Lead FX TD 1. Technical Leadership & Show Methodology Strategic Planning: Assess show requirements early in pre-production to determine the best technical methodology. You will decide whether a shot requires custom solvers, heavy volumetric simulations, or procedural scattering. Standards & Practices: Define and enforce the “Image Engine Standard” within the FX team. This includes ensuring all setups are documented, optimized for the farm, and easily hand-offable between artists. Pipeline Evolution: Work closely with the Head of Department (HOD) to identify bottlenecks in the current FX pipeline and collaborate with the R&D team to develop new internal tools. 2. Production & Team Management Task Delegation: Review the scope of work for the entire show and assign tasks based on the specific strengths and skill levels of individual artists. Scheduling & Bidding: Collaborate with Production Coordinators to estimate time requirements for complex FX tasks. You will provide accurate progress reports and flag potential delays before they impact the master schedule. Quality Control: Attend dailies, rounds, and reviews to provide constructive feedback. You are the final gatekeeper for the quality of smoke, fire, fluid, and destruction elements before they move downstream. 3. Mentorship & Professional Development Artist Growth: Conduct performance reviews and provide daily technical guidance. You will help artists troubleshoot complex VEX expressions or simulation instabilities. Inter-Departmental Synergy: Communicate with “Upstream” departments (Layout/Animation) and “Downstream” departments (Lighting/Compositing) to ensure data flows smoothly and assets are optimized for the final render. Professional Experience Requirements We are looking for candidates who have “weathered the storm” of high-end feature film production. The following experience thresholds are required: Internal Candidates: Minimum of 4 years of feature film/TV production experience specifically as an FX Artist using Houdini. External Candidates: Minimum of 1 year in a Lead FX role, supplemented by 4 years of experience as a Senior FX Artist in a high-end production environment. Technical Skills & Proficiency The Houdini Ecosystem Mastery of Houdini: You must possess an expert-level understanding of SOPs, DOPs, and POPs. Asset Creation: Proven ability to create robust, user-friendly HDAs (Houdini Digital Assets) that include clear interfaces and documentation for other artists. Scripting: Strong proficiency in VEX and Hscript is essential for custom tool creation and performance optimization. Rendering & Data Standards Rendering: Strong knowledge of Arnold (preferred), though experience with Mantra, RenderMan, or Karma is valued. Data Formats: Complete fluency in industry-standard formats, specifically OpenVDB, Alembic, and USD workflows. Compositing Awareness: A solid understanding of the compositing process, specifically how FX layers interact with lighting in Nuke. Soft Skills & Leadership Attributes Spatial & Artistic Awareness: An excellent eye for image composition, timing, and the physical behavior of natural elements (fire, water, debris). Problem-Solving: The ability to troubleshoot complex technical failures under tight deadlines and prioritize tasks effectively. Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. You must be able to explain complex technical hurdles to non-technical production staff while inspiring your team of artists. Desirable “Plus” Skills Scripting Power: Advanced knowledge of Python for pipeline integration. Alternative Tools: Experience with Maya, Gaffer, or specialized solvers like RealFlow and Bullet. Software Development: Knowledge of the HDK (Houdini Development Kit) for C++ plugin development. Educational Background: A degree in Computer Science, Visual Effects, or a related fine arts field. Working at Image Engine Image Engine is more than just a place of work; it is a community of creators. We are proud to foster a workplace culture that is supportive, respectful, and empowering. The Vancouver Advantage: As a hybrid role based in Vancouver, you will enjoy the benefits of one of the world’s premier VFX hubs. Please note that per tax credit requirements, candidates must be residents of British Columbia and legally eligible to work in Canada at the time of application. Diversity & Inclusion: We believe our success is a direct reflection of our diverse team. Image Engine is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all … Read more

Senior Matchmove Artist at Image Engine (Hybrid, Vancouver)

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In the dynamic world of high-end visual effects, bridging the gap between live-action plate photography and digital creation relies entirely on precision tracking, camera solving, and spatial reconstruction. At Image Engine, an internationally celebrated, world-class VFX studio based in Vancouver, BC, we have spent years crafting breathtaking visual effects for award-winning feature films and landmark television series—from The Mandalorian to District 9. Operating from our studio on a flexible hybrid model, our team thrives on technical rigor, artistic collaboration, and groundbreaking visual storytelling. We are seeking an experienced, highly skilled Senior Matchmove Artist to join our layout and tracking department on a 6-month contract starting in December 2025. If you possess an expert command of camera tracking pipelines, a deep understanding of on-set data, and a passion for mentoring upcoming talent, this hybrid opportunity is your chance to make an impact on global blockbusters. 🎬 Senior Matchmove Artist at Image Engine (Hybrid, Vancouver) Image Engine, a world-class VFX studio, is hiring a Senior Matchmove Artist to join our team in Vancouver, BC. We create stunning visual effects for award-winning films and TV (e.g., The Mandalorian, District 9). Role Overview: Engineering the Virtual Camera As a Senior Matchmove Artist at Image Engine, you will serve as a core technical anchor for our production pipeline. Your primary responsibility is the efficient, high-quality execution of complex matchmove shots, sequence technical setups, and advanced technical problem-solving. You will handle demanding camera tracking, precise roto-animation, shot sculpting, photogrammetry, and custom set building to ensure that digital elements lock flawlessly into live-action plates. Beyond your own shots, you will take ownership of sequence-level technical approaches, conduct personal quality control, and act as a mentor to junior artists, guiding them through difficult technical roadblocks and external outsourcing tasks.  Position Summary: This senior role is responsible for the efficient and high-quality execution of complex matchmove shots, pipeline setup, and technical mentorship. Detail Summary Location Vancouver, BC (Hybrid) Contract 6 months, starting December 2025 Salary $91,000 – $96,000/year (40 hr/week) Benefits Extended healthcare (100% premium coverage) from Day 1, Health/Wellness days. Note Must be based in BC and eligible to work in Canada 🇨🇦. Core Skills & Expertise: 5+ years of experience in a high-level Film/TV VFX Matchmove pipeline. Expert Proficiency required in Linux, 3DEqualizer, and Maya. Strong understanding of on-set photography and camera movement. Ability to troubleshoot and solve complex shots with minimal guidance. Excellent personal Quality Control and task estimation. Key Duties: Perform complex Camera Tracking, Roto-animation, and Shot Sculpting. Handle Photogrammetry and custom set building. Set up the technical approach for sequences/shows. Mentor junior artists and assist with outsourcing tasks. Join us and push the technical boundaries of visual storytelling! Perks & Benefits Robust Health Coverage: Enjoy extended healthcare with 100% premium coverage starting right from Day 1. Well-Being Support: Dedicated Health and Wellness days to maintain a healthy work-life balance. World-Class Portfolio: Collaborate with elite industry veterans on marquee Hollywood productions and cutting-edge streaming series.   Ready to Join Image Engine? If you are a seasoned matchmove expert who loves pushing the technical limits of virtual production and camera tracking, Image Engine wants to hear from you. Bring your precision and passion to Vancouver and help us shape the future of visual effects! Apply Today

Image Engine hiring Matchmove Artist – Senior

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🎥 Join Image Engine as a Senior Matchmove Artist! 🎬 Image Engine, a world-class, award-winning VFX studio known for crafting stunning visual effects for titles like The Mandalorian, Game of Thrones, and District 9, is seeking a highly experienced and technically proficient Senior Matchmove Artist to join our team in Vancouver, BC. This is a fantastic opportunity for a seasoned professional to execute complex tracking work, lead technical approaches, and mentor junior artists within a robust and innovative VFX pipeline. Position Details Attribute Detail Position Matchmove Artist – Senior Location Vancouver, British Columbia (Hybrid) Hiring Range $91,000 to $96,000/year (for 40 hr work week) Contract 6-month Project Contract, starting December 2025 Benefits Extended healthcare fully covered by Image Engine (from day 1); up to 8 paid Health and Wellness days/year. Requirements Must be based in British Columbia and eligible to work in Canada. Export to Sheets Purpose of the Role The Senior Matchmove Artist is a critical role responsible for the quick, efficient, and high-quality delivery of complex matchmove shots. You will leverage expert knowledge to execute advanced Camera MM, Roto-animation, object tracks, and shot sculpting, while providing technical guidance and quality control for the team. 🌟 Duties & Responsibilities 🛠️ Education, Experience & Skills Category Requirements & Expertise Assets (Nice to Have) Experience 5+ years experience with a high-level film/TV VFX pipeline in Matchmove. Experience with Nuke, Photoscan, and Houdini. Core Software Expert experience with Linux, 3DEqualizer, & Maya. Technical Understanding Strong grasp of on-set photography and filmmaking (camera rigs, movement). Confident grasp of the overall visual effects workflow. Experience with Photogrammetry, Photography, Lidar, Total station data, and survey. Ability to script in MEL and Python. Core Skills Excellent time management and communication skills. Keen eye for detail, troubleshooting ability, and strong personal QC skills. Adaptable to production schedule changes. Awareness of animation principles. Export to Sheets Why Join Image Engine? Since 1995, Image Engine has pushed artistic and technical boundaries, specializing in crafting stunning visual effects for award-winning feature films and television. We are committed to R&D and fostering a supportive, respectful, and empowering workplace culture. Join our exceptionally talented team and be part of creating unforgettable visual experiences! Ready to elevate your matchmoving career?