Senior Creature Technical Director

Industrial Light & Magic; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 112,200 - 143,600; Full time

Job summary

A leading visual effects company is seeking a Senior Creature Technical Director to create high-quality character rigs and simulations in Vancouver. The role involves building creature rigging in Maya, running various simulations, and mentoring junior artists. Applicants should have over 5 years of experience and a relevant degree. The compensation range is C$112,200 to C$143,600 per year depending on experience, with opportunities for professional development in an inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years meaningful professional experience.
• Experience as a Maya rigger for digital animation or visual effects.
• Ability to learn quickly and assimilate new information.

Responsibilities

• Build high quality creature rigging and skinning in Maya.
• Run cloth, hair, rigid body, crowd, muscle simulations.
• Mentor junior character artists.

Skills

Maya rigging and skinning

Simulation shotwork

Anatomy and enveloping knowledge

Python scripting

Linux

Houdini

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer graphics, fine arts, design, or photography

Tools

Maya

Houdini

Job description

This role is considered Hybrid, which means the employee will work 2-3 days onsite at a Company designated location and occasionally from home.

Position Summary

We are looking for an outstanding artist to join our Creature team. As a Senior Creature Technical Director (TD), you will be responsible for the creation of high quality character and creature rigs and simulations, using various software technologies. Senior Creature TDs at ILM are able to troubleshoot complicated creature issues, collaborate with their peers and produce high quality work under the direction and support of their supervisors, and help mentor junior artists.

At ILM, we believe a good idea is a good idea, regardless of where it comes from! Do you thrive in a creative environment? Do you enjoy sharing knowledge and learning from others? If you love art, technology, and movies, then this might be the role you’re looking for!

ILM strives to be an inclusive environment, and the Creature team embraces promising individuals with a variety backgrounds and experiences.

What You’ll Do

• Build high quality, hero creature rigging and skinning in Maya
• Set up and run cloth, hair, rigid body, crowd, muscle simulations
• Troubleshoot creature rigging and pipeline issues for artists in other departments
• Mentor junior character artists and help them develop their skills
• Script utilities/tools/plug-ins in Maya
• Participate in reviews, dailies, and department meetings as needed
• Special projects as necessary

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years meaningful professional experience and a Bachelor's degree in computer graphics, fine arts, design, or photography, or related field; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience as Maya rigger for assets in digital animation, visual effects, games, or commercials
• Experience setting up and running a variety of simulation shotwork
• Knowledge of anatomy and enveloping
• Positive demeanour and a phenomenal teammate, with good interpersonal and communication skills
• Proficiency with Linux, Maya, and Houdini
• Experience with python scriptingAbility to learn quickly and assimilate new information
• Nice to have: C++, basic proficiency in another subject area such as modelling, texture, lighting, or animation

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

Join ILM

The hiring range for this position in Vancouver is C$112,200 to C$143,600 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.