3D Animator (Project Hire) – Industrial Light & Magic

Festybay; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 94,100 - 120,400; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plans

Access to Disney employee benefits

Job summary

A leading visual effects facility in San Francisco seeks a Mid-Level Animator to join their team. The role involves creating complex animations, collaborating across departments, and mentoring junior team members. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s Degree in Animation or equivalent experience. An expert understanding of Autodesk Maya and a strong foundation in animation principles are essential for success in this fast-paced environment. This position offers a competitive salary range of $94,100 to $120,400 annually, along with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of professional experience in animation or a related field.
• In lieu of a degree, at least 5 years of professional experience in high-end computer animation.

Responsibilities

• Successfully animate complex shots with fluid and realistic motion.
• Collaborate with peers and other departments for the best aesthetic solutions.
• Maintain high productivity and meet deadlines while ensuring quality control.
• Mentor entry-level animators and provide guidance on technicalities.

Skills

Expert-level understanding of Autodesk Maya

Proficiency with Linux environments

Understanding of the 12 principles of animation

Organizational prowess

Communication

Autonomy

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Traditional Animation or related field

Job description

Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), the world’s leading visual effects facility, is seeking a high-caliber Animator (Mid-Level) to join our San Francisco studio. Founded by George Lucas and now a cornerstone of the Disney Entertainment family, ILM has set the gold standard for visual effects for nearly five decades. From the birth of Star Wars to the latest breakthroughs in VR and Immersive Cinema, our team thrives on production excellence and a relentless passion for filmmaking.

As an Animator at ILM, you are not just moving pixels; you are breathing life into creatures, characters, and objects that define modern cinema. This is a project-based role for those who excel in a high-pressure, creatively demanding environment where the technical meets the magical.

Executive Job Summary

Company Name: Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) / Lucasfilm Ltd.

Job Role: Animator (Mid-Level)

Employment Type: Project Hire

Primary Location: San Francisco, California, United States

Hiring Range: $94,100 – $120,400 per year (Base Pay)

Core Software: Autodesk Maya, Proprietary Tools, Linux

Industry Segment: Disney Entertainment (VFX & Animation)

Compensation & Benefits Package

The financial health and well-being of our artists are paramount. In addition to a competitive base salary, ILM offers a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to support long-term career growth and personal stability.

• Base Salary Range: $94,100 – $120,400 (Adjusted for experience and equity)
• Variable Pay: Potential for bonuses and/or long-term incentive units
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Financial Security: 401(k) retirement plans and financial planning resources
• Additional Perks: Access to Disney employee benefits and professional development

The Mid-Level Animator is a pivotal role within the ILM pipeline. You are expected to bridge the gap between creative vision and technical execution, working under the guidance of Animation Supervisors to deliver world-class motion.

1. High-Quality Shot Execution

Your primary responsibility is the successful animation of complex shots. This includes creating fluid, realistic, or stylized motion for computer-generated creatures and objects. Whether it is subtle facial acting or high-octane physical performance, your work must meet the rigorous standards of ILM dailies.

2. Collaborative Problem Solving

Animation at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) is a team sport. You will attend regular dailies, provide constructive feedback to peers, and collaborate with other departments (Rigging, Layout, and Lighting) to determine the best aesthetic and technical solutions for every frame.

3. Productivity & Deadline Management

The VFX industry moves fast. You are expected to maintain a consistent level of high productivity without sacrificing quality. Meeting internal milestones and external delivery deadlines is non-negotiable.

As a Mid-level artist, you are an emerging leader. You will be expected to “mentor” entry-level animators, offering guidance on shot technicalities, performance choices, and ILM’s proprietary workflow to help them reach their full potential.

5. Reference & Performance Capture

When the project demands it, you may be required to step away from the monitor to provide reference performances. This includes participating in motion capture sessions to provide the foundational data needed for assigned shot work.

What We’re Looking For (Candidate Profile)

Industrial Light & Magic is looking for artists who possess a “clinical eye” for motion and a deep understanding of the mechanics of performance.

Education & Experience

• Traditional Foundation: A Bachelor’s Degree in Traditional Animation or a related field with at least 3 years of professional experience.
• Industry Alternative: In lieu of a degree, we require at least 5 years of professional experience in cel, stop-motion, or high-end computer animation within the film/VFX industry.

Technical Skill Requirements

• Software Mastery: You must possess an expert-level understanding of Autodesk Maya. Proficiency with Linux environments is highly desired, as it is the backbone of our production pipeline.
• Proprietary Systems: Experience with (or the ability to quickly learn) proprietary animation tools used within the ILM ecosystem.
• Traditional Principles: An expert understanding of the 12 principles of animation, acting, film production, and compositional design. You must understand how to frame a performance within the camera’s lens.

Professional Soft Skills

• Organizational Prowess: Ability to manage complex files and multiple shot versions with absolute order.
• Communication: Clear, assertive communication skills are required for collaborating with Directors and Supervisors.
• Autonomy: The ability to take a delegated task and execute it to completion with minimal supervision, while knowing when to ask for clarification.

We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to a culture where every employee can thrive regardless of background.