Look Development Technical Director - Expression of Interest

Look Development Technical Director - Expression of Interest

Job ID : 10137582

Location : San Francisco, California, United States

Business : Industrial Light & Magic

Date posted : Nov. 25, 2025

Job Summary :

This posting is an opportunity to submit your resume for future consideration; this is not a role that is open at this time. We anticipate this role may be open in the future, but we are not actively hiring for the position. If you would like to be considered for this potential role, please submit your resume. If the role becomes available, you may receive an email or call from a recruiter.

Look Development Technical Directors produce high-quality look dev and shading for our CG Assets, needing only initial direction and guidance from their Supervisors. They have the flexibility of moving into lighting shot production, producing high end lighting during show production.

What You’ll Do

Scrutinize the colors and directions of all light sources in the real-world scene and replicate them in CG

Design and create the lighting and the look of computer generated objects and scenes

Oversee the final CG scene assembly, lighting and rendering of very complex shots

Works closely with Lighting Supervisors and CG Supervisors to determine the best approach to solving CG challenges and developing the final look

Creates lighting set ups and / or works within current set ups

Creates efficient rendering setups in order to optimise render farm usage

Stays on schedule and meets set deadlines while maintaining the highest level of work quality

Ensures there is ongoing communication with Production and Leads regarding schedules and deadlines

Helps mentor Junior Artists within the Lighting / Look Dev team

Create & maintain simple materials using the provided shading templates

Create & maintain custom hero materials and shading networks when necessary

Deep understanding of real world materials

Understanding of energy conservation principles

Deep understanding of Physically based rendering and shader models

Ability to work and communicate with texture and groom artists to get the best possible results

Ability to build and maintain complex shading networks with artist usability and user-interface support in mind

What We’re Looking For

At least 5 years of relevant professional VFX experience and at least a college level diploma or higher in computer graphics, fine arts, design, or photography, or related field; OR at least 7 years of relevant professional VFX experience (in lieu of education).

Experience with real-world lighting and photography

Demonstrable advanced Lighting and Rendering experience within a VFX environment

Previous experience performing shot Look Dev tasks

Exhibits excellent listening and communication skills, able to receive direction and criticism

Has a broad understanding of modern shading models

Has an in-depth understanding of PBR (physically based rendering)

Demonstrates the ability to help and teach more junior-level artists

Demonstrates the ability to prioritise tasks, manages time very well, provides everyone with accurate time estimates on shot task completion

Demonstrates excellent presentation / communication skills in dailies / shot review by clearly and briefly outlining what has been accomplished and what should be addressed next in a shot

Demonstrates the ability to work within a team environment

Can write plug-ins, set-up sequences, debug simulations and write set up and Renderman surface shaders with proficiency

Demonstrates the ability to work with minimal supervision to complete a shot

A thorough knowledge of the vfx pipeline from modelling through animation, texturing, rendering and compositing

Ability to pick-up new techniques and the ability to learn new software quickly and easily

Knowledge of Katana is essential, Maya and Zeno beneficial

Knowledge of texturing and lighting

Knowledge of python and / or MEL scripting is essential

Strong interest in shading technologies

At ease with Linux based operating systems

Good understanding of physically plausible shading techniques

In depth knowledge in building shading networks in katana using Renderman

Scripting ability beneficial

Excellent knowledge of Renderman and other unbiased rendering systems

Good knowledge of other disciplines within VFX including modelling, textures, grooming, layout & compositing

The hiring range for this position in San Francisco, CA is $101,300 to $132,900 per year. 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 bonus and / or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and / or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Visit Our Latest News to Learn How Story Drives Everything We Do

Discover How We Challenge the Impossible Every Day. Learn More About Our Projects

Step Inside Our World of Stories to Learn More About Us at ILM

Founded in 1975 by George Lucas, ILM is the leading effects facility in the world, serving the motion picture, commercial production, and attraction industries. ILM has created visual effects for over 325 feature films and has played a key role in seven of the top 10 worldwide box‑office hits of all time and has contributed to 25 of the top 50. ILM has set the standard for visual effects, creating some of the most stunning images in the history of film. At the forefront of the digital revolution, the company continues to break new ground in visual effects, VR, AR, and Immersive Cinema.

About The Walt Disney Company : 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.

This position is with Lucasfilm Ent Co Ltd, LLC Payroll Svc , which is part of a business we call Industrial Light & Magic.

Lucasfilm Ent Co Ltd, LLC Payroll Svc is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

Disability Accommodation for Employment Applications

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

Sign up to receive new job alerts and company information based on your preferences.

#J-18808-Ljbffr