Job Description
Junior Effects Technical Director (Project Hire) - ILM San Francisco
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10148130 Location San Francisco, California, United States Business Industrial Light & Magic Date posted Apr. 15, 2026Job Summary:
Position Summary
Junior FX TDs work as part of a team under an FX Lead and/or FX Supervisor on shows. They will be working on basic FX shotwork involving simulation, rendering, and compositing. They will be required to use existing setups and adapt them to their shots when necessary. They will be expected to collaborate with the team to solve problems and communicate with production and artists across other departments.
What You’ll Do
Perform entry level shot work including simulating and rendering simple/pre-canned effects (e.g. foot hits, “easy” missile trails, sparks, underwater particulates, weather passes, simple smoke) on multiple shots across a show and render tuning
Communicating status of shots to supervisors and Production
Hand off elements to other departments e.g. comp and rendering teams
Present shot work in dailies; attend dailies and other department meetings
Data management of shots including clean up
Special projects as needed
What We’re Looking For
Bachelor's degree in computer graphics or related field or equivalent experience
0-2 years’ experience in the industry
Demo reel required
Exhibits strong teamwork and interdisciplinary thinking
Production pipeline experience
Strong, communication and follow-through
Ability to work under pressure and deadlines
Experience with Houdini required
Experience with Nuke (preferred) or other compositing software
Basic understanding of the physics of simulation
Nice to have:
Feature film/games/TV experience
Linux, Python, and Houdini Vex scripting preferred
Basic effects and simulation
Nuke
JoinILM
The hiring range for this position in San Francisco is $67,900 to $86,900 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.
Recommended for you
Volunteer Script Competition Reader
Austin Film FestivalUnited StatesSummer 2026 - Social Media & Entertainment Marketing Intern (Remote, Unpaid)
BRANDVIEWUnited StatesAssociate Unscripted TV Production
Range Media PartnersSanta Monica, CA, USAFilm Festival Editor - Monthly Job
Wildcard Pictures Corp.Canada