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2D/3D Senior Effects Developer / Technical Director, Feature Animation

Industrial Light & Magic

Vancouver, Canada Hybrid Full-time

Posted 2026-05-20

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Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Effects TD operates independently to generate a wide range of FX Elements to match the aesthetics of the project. Utilizing all aspects of houdini to create highly realistic dynamic simulation to the heavily stylized procedural setups for feature Animation and visual effects projects.

The Senior Effects TD also completes lighting, rendering and moderate-level compositing of complex shots with guidance from their supervisors.

This position requires a strong hand-drawn 2D foundation, along with proven production experience in both 2D FX animation and stylized 3D animation techniques.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

•Create hand drawn 2D FX as sprite sequences that can be used in 2d/3d packages
•Paint overs for conceptual FX design
•Final frame paint overs to bring 2d aesthetics into 3d production techniques
•Concept design capability
•Design and create FX animation, procedural simulation, dynamic simulation, particle and fluid systems
•Provide accurate time estimates for shotwork
•Hand off elements to other departments i.e. comp and rendering teams
•Present shot work in dailies; attend dailies and other department meetings
•Mentor junior effects artists
•Data management of shots including clean up
•Develop novel approaches for Complex / Stylized FX Setups
•Stylized and Photoreal Look development in Mantra / Karma

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

•At least 5 years relevant professional VFX experience and at least a college level diploma in computer graphics, fine arts, design, or photography, or related field; OR at least 7 years relevant professional VFX experience in lieu of education
•Demonstrates an excellent aesthetic eye
•Exhibits strong teamwork and interdisciplinary thinking
•Production pipeline experience
•A strong portfolio showcasing fluency in hand-drawn, traditional 2D FX animation
•Strong communication and follow-through
•Ability to work under pressure and deadlines
•Expert Level experience with Houdini
•Ability to quickly pickup knowledge in other DCC / tools
•Skilled in, or eager to master various animation techniques including; procedural animation, keyframing and simulations such as rigid bodies, soft bodies, fluids, particle dynamics etc.
•Strong grasp of visual story telling, animation and film making fundamentals, specifically timing, light, colour composition, silhouette, appeal etc.
•Basic Nuke Experience
•Good knowledge of physics and natural phenomena
•Linux and scripting ability in Python
•Nice to have: Concept design skills; especially quick sketching or paintovers for FX, lighting, mood, and overall shot direction

COMPENSATION

The hiring range for this position in Vancouver is C$126,700 to C$154,600 per year based on a 40-hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. 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 full range of medical, financial, and/or other variable pay or benefits, may be offered dependent on the level and position offered.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

As part of your application please submit a demo reel, shot breakdown, or equivalent showcasing your work. A current resume is required.

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