Senior Animator

The Walt Disney Company; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd. LLC is seeking a Senior Animator to design and create the motion of computer graphics characters across sequences, overseeing animation on a production.

You will lead animation for creatures and objects, follow direction from the Lead Animator or Animation Supervisor, and mentor junior team members. The role requires a traditional animation background with CG experience, strong organizational and communication skills, and proficiency in Maya and UNIX.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in traditional animation and four years of experience, or at least six years of experience working in computer animation with three years or more working on feature or VFX films.
• Two years as a Mid-Level Animator with recommended advancement by supervisors and department manager.
• Strong understanding of traditional animation principles, acting, film production and composition.

Responsibilities

• Lead creation of outstanding animation for graphics creatures and objects within a shot, using various animation software programs.
• Understand and execute direction from Lead Animator or Animation Supervisor.
• Supervise the work of entry, mid and mid-high level animators as directed by the Animation Supervisor.
• Participate in team reviews and provide feedback during dailies.
• Train and mentor new Animators and provide technical assistance to show supervisors.
• Maintain productivity and meet deadlines while delivering high quality work.
• Perform other tasks related to the creation of computer-generated animation.
• Occasionally perform hands-on shot work and provide reference performances including motion capture when needed.

Skills

Animation basics

Team leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in traditional animation

Tools

Maya

UNIX

Shell scripting

Job description

Job ID 10160635 Location Sydney, Australia Business Industrial Light & Magic Date posted Oct. 19, 2026

Senior Animators are responsible for designing and creating the motion of computer graphics characters within a shot while overseeing the animation of a sequence of shots on a specific production.

What will you be doing?

• Lead creation of outstanding animation for graphics creatures and objects within a shot, using various animation software programs.
• Understand and execute direction from Lead Animator or Animation Supervisor.
• May supervise the work of entry, mid and mid-high level animators at the discretion of the Animation Supervisor.
• Participates as a team member in determining various aesthetic solutions; provides feedback to other members of the production by attending dailies on a regular basis.
• Expected to train and mentor new Animators as well as provide technical assistance to the show supervisors before and during the production.
• Maintain or exceed a consistent level of productivity while meeting deadlines and producing high quality work.
• Responsible for performing other tasks related to the creation of computer-generated animation.
• Occasionally may be required to perform hands‑on shot work on show and provide reference performances including motion capture performances as part of assigned shot work and to assist the animation team

To be a contributing member of this team, you will have a mix of these skills:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in traditional animation and four years of experience, or at least six years of experience working in computer animation with three years or more working on feature or VFX films.
• Completion of a minimum of two years as a Mid-Level Animator in conjunction with recommendations for advancement by the Animation Supervisors and the Department Manager.
• Expert understanding of traditional animation principles, acting, film production and compositional design while demonstrating exceptional skills as an animator based as evidenced by portfolio, demo reel and references.
• Excellent organization and communications skills
• Understanding of UNIX and shell scripting; expert knowledge of Maya, proprietary and other software programs.
• Understanding of chaining and constraint techniques.
• Knowledge of both the CG production pipeline and the other production processes at ILM.

This position is with Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd. LLC, which is part of a business segment we call Industrial Light & Magic. Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd. LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, colour, religion or belief, sex, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, disability or pregnancy or maternity. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world‑class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

Hiring Process

Where Does Your Story Begin?

Explore Disney Careers and the Life at Disney blog to learn about all the amazing opportunities waiting to be discovered at The Walt Disney Company.

Be Part of the Story

There are many different brands and businesses to explore. Once you've found the opportunity that is right for you, take the next step by completing your application.

The Next Chapter

Once you've applied, you will receive an email allowing you to access your candidate dashboard. Create your login and make sure to check your dashboard often to see your application progress.

Explore this Location APAC

For over 70 years, The Walt Disney Company has been entertaining consumers in Asia Pacific – and enriching people’s lives. Today’s consumer can discover new branded experiences in many ways and in many markets across the APAC region.

Our senior executives bring tremendous experience, visionary thinking and a shared commitment to excellence, creativity and innovation to the day to day operation of the company.

Explore our commitments and our work to create a better world through our stories, experiences, operations, and philanthropy.

At Disney, we want everyone to belong and thrive. Creating a welcoming and respectful environment for our employees and guests is core to our company culture and our business. We strive to build supportive work environments that drive innovation and reinforce a culture in which all employees feel welcome, respected, and valued.

Heroes Work Here reflects the long history of respect and appreciation Disney has for the U.S. Armed Services. We recognize the commitment and dedication it takes to serve your country, both as military personnel and military spouses, and value the leadership skills and sense of purpose it has instilled in you.

Heroes Work Here reflects the long history of respect and appreciation Disney has for the U.S. Armed Services. We recognize the commitment and dedication it takes to serve your country, both as military personnel and military spouses, and value the leadership skills and sense of purpose it has instilled in you.

Learn more

Sign Up for Job Alerts

Get the latest job opportunities as they become available.