Industrial Light & Magic hiring 3D Technical Animator, Canada
Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), a titan of the visual effects industry and a cornerstone of The Walt Disney Company, is officially opening applications for its prestigious Jedi Academy. This program is specifically designed to bridge the gap between academic excellence and high-level professional production. Located in the vibrant tech hub of Vancouver, British Columbia, this initiative seeks the next generation of Technical Animators to join the ranks of the world’s most celebrated storytellers. Job Overview : Technical Animator (Jedi Academy) Category Details Company Name Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) Vancouver Parent Company The Walt Disney Company Job Title Technical Animator (Jedi Academy) Base Salary C$25.75 per hour Employment Type Full-Time (40 Hours/Week) Program Duration 6-Week Paid Placement (Starting July 13, 2026) Work Model Hybrid (2-3 days onsite / occasional remote) Location Vancouver, Canada Application Deadline Sunday, May 24, 2026 Eligibility Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents (PR) only Comprehensive Program Overview The Jedi Academy is not a standard internship; it is a high-velocity immersion into the proprietary pipelines of ILM. This year, the academy is focusing on the Technical Animation discipline—a unique role that sits at the intersection of creative artistry and technical engineering. For many, this represents the ultimate “foot in the door.” ILM has a storied history of promoting from within, and this 6-week intensive is designed to vet and polish talent. Successful graduates of the program may be offered a permanent Junior Technical Animator position, marking the start of a career at a studio that has contributed to nearly half of the top-grossing films in cinematic history. Detailed Position Breakdown: What You’ll Do As a member of the Jedi Academy, you will not be working in a vacuum. You will be embedded within the Animation Department, receiving direct mentorship from “Jedi Masters”—senior artists and leads who have worked on everything from Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe to groundbreaking feature animation. 1. Creative Character & Creature Performance You will hone your skills in the art of movement. This involves working with complex, modern rigs to create believable performances for digital doubles, creatures, and heroes. Your tasks will include: 2. Technical Troubleshooting & Support The “Technical” in Technical Animator is vital. You will learn the “science” behind the art: 3. Tool Development & Optimization ILM is famous for its proprietary software. You will be introduced to: Candidate Profile: What We Are Looking For ILM is searching for “Jedis” who possess a specific blend of curiosity, technical aptitude, and creative flair. While a degree is preferred, the studio places immense value on standout portfolios and self-taught proficiency. Essential Qualifications Desired “Nice-to-Have” Skills The Cultural Legacy of Industrial Light & Magic To work at ILM is to become part of a lineage that began in 1975 with George Lucas. The studio was founded on the principle that if the technology to tell a story doesn’t exist, you build it yourself. As a Jedi Academy participant, you are expected to embrace this innovative spirit. The environment is fast-paced and highly collaborative. You will learn the professional habits required for “Dailies”—the process where work is reviewed by supervisors—and how to communicate effectively within a massive, interdisciplinary team. Application Requirements & Tips The application window is brief, and the competition is fierce. To ensure your application stands out, please note the following requirements: Key Dates to Remember: Industrial Light & Magic hiring 3D Technical Animator, Canada Apply now See open roles Explore More Jobs