ilm

Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), the world’s premier visual effects house, is currently seeking a highly skilled and innovative Effects TD to join our San Francisco studio. As a Project Hire, the successful Effects TD will step into an environment that has defined the vanguard of cinematic history for half a century. From the birth of the digital revolution to the latest breakthroughs in immersive storytelling, ILM remains the gold standard for visual effects, and our Effects TD team is the engine that drives that innovation. This role is not merely about executing tasks; it is about embodying the collaborative mindset and passion for filmmaking that has earned Industrial Light & Magic 15 Academy Awards for Best Visual Effects. We are looking for an Effects Technical Director who can bridge the gap between complex mathematical simulations and breathtaking artistry. Job Overview: Effects TD Feature Details Primary Job Title Effects TD (Technical Director) Company Name Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) Parent Company The Walt Disney Company / Lucasfilm Ltd. Location San Francisco, California, USA Employment Type Project-Based / Contract Hiring Range $90,400 – $118,700 per year Education Requirement Bachelor’s in CS, Engineering, or Computer Graphics Experience Level 3–5+ years in feature film production Tools & Languages Houdini, Maya, Nuke, Python, C++, Linux The Effects Technical Director at Industrial Light & Magic is a specialized technical artist responsible for generating the dynamic elements of a film that cannot be captured in-camera. Whether it is a massive tidal wave, a crumbling skyscraper, or the subtle wisp of smoke from a lightsaber impact, the Effects TD uses a combination of off-the-shelf software and proprietary tools to solve unique visual challenges. Primary Responsibilities: An Industrial Light & Magic Effects Technical Director is expected to be a self-starter who thrives under “gentle supervision.” While you will have the guidance of VFX Supervisors, we look for candidates who can take a shot from concept to completion with a high degree of autonomy and creative problem-solving. Technical Requirements: Professional Soft Skills: At Industrial Light & Magic, we believe that world-class talent deserves world-class support. The base pay for an Effects Technical Director in our San Francisco office ranges from $90,400 to $118,700. This range is a baseline; the final offer will reflect the candidate’s specific experience, geographic region, and internal equity. In addition to base pay, project hires at Industrial Light & Magic may be eligible for: Founded in 1975 by George Lucas to create the visual effects for Star Wars, Industrial Light & Magic has since become a global leader in the industry. We serve the motion picture, commercial, and attraction industries with a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible. With operations in San Francisco, Vancouver, London, Singapore, and Sydney, ILM is a truly international community of artists and technologists. As an Effects Technical Director here, you are part of a legacy that includes over 325 feature films and contributions to nearly all of the top-grossing films of all time. We are currently at the forefront of the digital revolution, expanding our reach into Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Immersive Cinema. Lucasfilm Ent Co Ltd (andIndustrial Light & Magic) is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that the best stories come from a diverse set of voices. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability. We champion a business environment where ideas from all people help us grow and innovate. Effects TD (Project Hire) – Industrial Light & Magic Apply now See open roles