Effects Technical Director (Project Hire) - ILM San Francisco

Job Posting Title:

Effects Technical Director (Project Hire) - ILM San Francisco

Req ID:

10137926

Job Description:

We are looking for an Effects TD who reflects the innovative spirit, creative talent, production excellence, collaborative mindset and passion for great filmmaking that define ILM.

The Effects TD generates FX animation, procedural simulation, dynamic simulation, particle and fluid systems for feature film visual effects. They are responsible for lighting, rendering and moderate-level compositing of complex shots with guidance from their supervisors. 

What You’ll Do

• Designs and creates FX animation, procedural simulation, dynamic simulation, particle and fluid systems

• Responsible for setting-up and wrangle heavy particle effects and enormous crowd shots 

• Excellent pipeline scripting ability

• Solid compositing ability, can wrangle blue-screen extractions, working understanding of Nuke

• Can write plug-ins, debug simulations and write set up and surface shaders with proficiency

• Can write/hack procedural surface shaders and volumetric shaders with proficiency 

• Can animate moderate objects with proficiency

• Can pick-up new techniques quickly and easily and can debug just about anything

• Sets a standard for all Technical Directors in continually raising the bar for speed, quality of work and adaptability

What We’re Looking For

• 3-5+ years production experience or feature film experience with effects simulation work

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering or computer graphics

• Demo reel required

• Ability to work with competency, energy and enthusiasm within a team environment with gentle supervision to complete a shot.

• Exhibits excellent listening and communication skills, able to receive direction and criticism 

• Excellent presentation/communication skills in dailies/shot review by clearly and briefly outlining what has been accomplished and what next should be addressed in the shot

• Engages in the creative process without ego, and accepts all final decisions with a positive and supportive attitude.

• Demonstrates an excellent aesthetic eye, anticipating potential problems and using knowledge of how to use the tools to achieve the desired look.

• Demonstrates superb problem-solving skills and takes the initiative to offer ideas and suggestions.

• Prioritizes tasks and manages time very well

• Preferred Skills / Competencies:

  • Linux and scripting ability in Python 

  • Experience in MEL

• Technical Skills:

  • Advanced simulation experience with either Houdini, Maya, 3DS Max or other software, and the ability to write expressions

  • C++ skills

JoinILM

The hiring range for this position in San Francisco, CA is $90,400 to $118,700 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:

ILM San Francisco

Job Posting Primary Business:

ILM San Francisco

Primary Job Posting Category:

Effects Design, Effects Design - Studios

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

San Francisco, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2025-12-03