Website Industrial Light & Magic
Welcome to the forefront of cinematic history. At Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), we don’t just make movies; we define the visual language of the future. Founded by George Lucas in 1975, ILM has been the engine behind the most iconic moments in film, from the twin suns of Tatooine to the groundbreaking digital artistry of the modern era. We are looking for a Junior Compositor to join our San Francisco team—someone with a sharp eye, a collaborative spirit, and a relentless passion for the “invisible art” of visual effects.
Job Overview: Junior Compositor
| Feature | Details |
| Company | Industrial Light & Magic (A Lucasfilm / Disney Company) |
| Position Title | Junior Compositor |
| Location | San Francisco, California, United States |
| Job Type | Full-Time |
| Hiring Range | $67,900 – $86,900 per year |
| Experience Level | Junior / Entry-Level |
| Primary Toolset | Foundry Nuke |
| Benefits | Medical, Financial, 401(k), Bonus & Long-term Incentives (based on level) |
Position Summary
As a Junior Compositor at ILM, you are the final architect of the frame. Your mission is to seamlessly blend live-action footage with computer-generated (CG) elements to create a singular, photorealistic image. You will work under the guidance of world-class Compositing Supervisors and Lead Artists to ensure that every shot meets the aesthetic integrity and technical excellence our clients expect.
What You’ll Do
Seamless Integration: Combine 2D and 3D elements, performing tasks such as tracking, matte extraction (keying), layering, and color grading.
Creative Evaluation: Collaborate with VFX Supervisors to determine the best technical and creative approach for simple to moderately complex shots.
Maintain Continuity: Ensure color balance and visual quality are consistent across entire sequences to maintain a uniform cinematic look.
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Partner with lighting, FX, and layout artists to troubleshoot assets and optimize the compositing pipeline.
What We’re Looking For
Artistic Foundation: A strong background in fine arts, photography, or cinematography. You must have an innate understanding of how light, shadow, and color behave in the real world.
Technical Proficiency: Professional experience with Nuke is required. Familiarity with Unix/Linux environments and the ability to write Nuke gizmos or Python plugins is a major plus.
Aesthetic Judgment: A portfolio or “reel” that demonstrates a sophisticated sense of composition, design, and an uncompromising eye for photorealism.
The ILM Mindset: A proactive team player who thrives in the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of a global VFX powerhouse.
The 2026 VFX Landscape & Diversity
In 2026, the VFX industry is more dynamic than ever. We are moving beyond traditional rendering into the realms of Real-Time StageCraft, AI-assisted cleanup, and Immersive Cinema. ILM remains committed to leading this charge while fostering a workplace that reflects the global audience we serve.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at a Glance:
At ILM and The Walt Disney Company, we believe that diverse teams drive the innovation required to tell world-class stories.
Innovation Impact: Research shows that racially diverse teams make decisions 60% faster than non-diverse teams, and gender-diverse companies are 15% more likely to outperform their peers.
Workforce Trends: As of 2026, approximately 72% of employees in the creative tech sector report that workplace diversity is a primary driver of their job satisfaction and creativity.
Our Commitment: We actively champion an environment where candidates of all backgrounds—regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability—have the tools to thrive. In the U.S. tech and media landscape, while progress is ongoing, we are dedicated to closing the gap where currently only about 28% of the tech workforce is comprised of women.
About Industrial Light & Magic
ILM is the leading effects facility in the world, having contributed to over 325 feature films. Our work is seen in 25 of the top 50 worldwide box-office hits of all time. We are currently at the forefront of the digital revolution, breaking new ground in Virtual Production (StageCraft), AR/VR, and Immersive Storytelling. Joining ILM means becoming part of a legacy that has earned 15 Academy Awards for Best Visual Effects and countless other honors.
About The Walt Disney Company
Disney is a leading diversified international entertainment enterprise. From our humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to the global powerhouse of today, we continue to create world-class stories. This position is with Lucasfilm Ent Co Ltd, LLC, part of the Industrial Light & Magic business unit.
Lucasfilm is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate the unique voices that help us grow, innovate, and create the best stories in the galaxy.
To apply for this job please visit www.disneycareers.com.