Junior Animator at Industrial Light & Magic
Company: Industrial Light & Magic
Location: San Francisco, California, United States
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: $59,300 – $77,800 per year
About the Company
Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) is a world-renowned visual effects studio known for its groundbreaking work in film production. The company is committed to creative excellence, innovation, and delivering high-quality visual storytelling across global entertainment projects.
Job Overview
The Junior Animator role focuses on supporting animation production by creating high-quality motion for computer-generated creatures and objects. You will collaborate closely with senior animators and supervisors while contributing to both technical workflows and artistic animation output.
Key Responsibilities
- Support daily animation production workflows and troubleshoot data flow issues
- Update shot files with newly released assets and render content for reviews
- Assist in organizing references and maintaining asset consistency
- Animate entry-level shots and contribute to animation cycles
- Polish animations including fine details like fingers, tails, and facial elements
- Fix animation issues such as penetrations, sliding, and arc adjustments
- Set up animation scenes and assist in pipeline publishing processes
- Process and refine motion capture (Mocap) data for production use
- Blend and enhance Mocap performances with added animation polish
- Upload cleaned animation cycles to internal databases
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including stage and technical teams
- Occasionally perform motion capture or reference performances
- Assist with UI development for character rigs
Required Qualifications
- Strong understanding of animation principles, acting, and visual storytelling
- Proficiency in Autodesk Maya
- Good communication and organizational skills
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Strong time management and ability to meet deadlines
- Proactive and detail-oriented mindset
- Demo reel showcasing animation skills and artistic ability
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Traditional Animation or a related field, OR
- At least 2 years of experience in cel, stop-motion, or computer animation
Benefits
- Competitive salary with potential bonuses or incentives
- Comprehensive medical and financial benefits
- Opportunity to work on high-profile film projects
- Collaborative and creative work environment
- Career growth and advancement opportunities