Creature Technical Director (Rigging) - Expression of Interest - ILM Vancouver

Industrial Light & Magic; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 100,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

Industrial Light & Magic in Vancouver is seeking a Creature TD Rigger to rig and envelop heroes, creatures, vehicles and props in Maya, with guidance from supervisors. This role emphasizes both realistic and toon-style animation and collaboration across departments.

The position demands strong Maya and Linux skills, along with a passion for VFX and good communication. A hybrid arrangement is available, with opportunities to contribute to live-action workflows and feature production.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years VFX experience and a college diploma in computer graphics, fine arts, design, or photography, or at least 5 years VFX experience in lieu of education.
• Experience with hero asset rigging and enveloping in Maya on realistic VFX and/or toon-style animated features.
• Experience in corrective sculpting and knowledge of anatomy and enveloping.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills; positive attitude.
• Proficiency with Linux and Maya is required.
• Nice to have Houdini and additional disciplines (modeling, texture, TD, animation); Python scripting is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Hero-creature rigging and enveloping in Maya for various assets.
• Troubleshoot rigging and pipeline issues for artists in other disciplines.
• Mentor entry-level artists and share best practices.
• Script utilities/tools/plugins in Maya to optimize workflows.
• Optimize rigs for performance using Maya rigging techniques.
• Participate in reviews, dailies, and department meetings as required.
• Handle special projects as necessary.

Skills

Team player

Good communication

Problem solving

Mentoring

Maya proficiency

Linux proficiency

Education

College-level diploma in computer graphics/design/photography

Tools

Maya

Linux

Python scripting

Houdini

Job description

Hybrid: employee will work 2-3 days onsite at a company‑designated location and occasionally from home.

This posting is for future consideration; we are not actively hiring for this role at this time. If you would like to be considered, please submit your resume. Should the role become available, you may receive an email or call from a recruiter.

Position Summary

Creature TD Riggers are responsible for rigging and enveloping heroes to background creatures, vehicles, and props in Maya. They handle rigging and creature pipeline issues proficiently under the direction and guidance of their supervisors. This position demands experience and proficiency in both realistic and/or toon‑style animation, as well as live‑action creature and character animation.

What You’ll Do

• Hero‑creature rigging and enveloping in Maya
• Troubleshoot creature rigging and pipeline issues for artists in other disciplines
• Mentor entry‑level artists
• Script utilities/tools/plug‑ins in Maya
• Optimize rigs for performance using Maya rigging techniques
• Participate in reviews, dailies, and department meetings as required
• Handle special projects as necessary

What We’re Looking For

• At least 3 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 5 years relevant professional VFX experience in lieu of education
• Experience with hero asset rigging and enveloping in Maya on realistic VFX and/or toon‑style animated feature films
• Experience in corrective sculpting
• Knowledge of anatomy and enveloping
• Positive attitude and team player
• Passion for the work
• Good communication skills
• Proficiency with Linux and expertise with Maya are required
• Nice to have:
  • Experience setting up and running simulation shot work
  • Experience with Houdini
  • Basic competency in another discipline – modeling, texture, TD, animation
  • Experience with Python scripting

The hiring range for this position in Vancouver is C$100,300 to C$128,300 per year based on a 40‑hour work week. Hours may vary based on business needs. The base pay offered will consider internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and other variable pay or benefits may be offered depending on the level and position.