Creature FX Technical Director - Mid
About the job
- At least 3 years of feature film or television production experience.
- Demonstrated work experience with Houdini and proficiency in Houdini.
- Strong understanding of real-world physics and anatomy, with a desire to learn more according to project requirements.
- Experience with Linux-based operating systems.
- Deep understanding of Houdini dynamics toolsets and the ability to quickly learn proprietary tools and pipeline.
- Ability to troubleshoot competing priorities and projects.
- Ability to collaborate and communicate with Animators, CG and VFX Supervisors, the Assets Department, FX, Lighting, Compositing, R&D, and Pipeline Developers.
- Ability to adapt quickly to new technologies and applications.
- Ability to focus on detail while maintaining the overall picture.
- Strong time-management and communication skills.
- Deliver assigned simulation work, including cloth, muscle and skin, hair, and fur.
- Learn and work within the existing pipeline and asset specifications.
- Address supervisor and client comments by integrating solutions into assets or providing one-off shot fixes as appropriate to deliver required results efficiently.
- Attend dailies, reviews, and team meetings as required.
- Provide input on existing tools and interfaces for the Creature FX pipeline and provide solutions for technical problems in assets or shots.
- Meet productivity and quota targets on time and at a high level of quality.
- Experience with Maya.
- Rigging knowledge.
- Python scripting experience.
About the company
Image Engine Design is a visual effects studio that provides a full suite of services for feature films and television, including concept design, pre-visualization, computer-generated animation, compositing, and volumetric digital effects. Its process combines early concept work with pre-visualization and then high-end CG and integration work to produce final VFX shots for a project. The company differentiates itself through its long track record (since 1995), its location in Vancouver, and its team of experienced artists who handle the entire VFX pipeline in-house rather than outsourcing components. Its goal is to help storytellers bring their ideas to life by delivering high-quality VFX that support the narrative and visual storytelling of each project.
Company Size
201-500
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Vancouver, Canada
Founded
1995
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- The Gorge earned a 2026 VES nomination, validating premium environment expertise.
- 2025 year-end projects include Tron: Ares, Murderbot, Percy Jackson, and The Mandalorian.
- Upcoming campaigns include Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2 and The Mandalorian & Grogu.
What critics are saying
- OpenAI Images 2.5 on September 8, 2026 squeezes concept-art and previs workflows.
- Client concentration is severe: Disney, Netflix, Lucasfilm, and Skydance dominate its pipeline.
- VFX margins stay project-based; one lost tentpole in 2027 can hammer utilization.
What makes Image Engine Design unique
- Image Engine won 2026 Emmy recognition for Skeleton Crew visual effects.
- It specializes in photoreal feature and series work for Disney, Netflix, and Lucasfilm.
- Its 2025 slate spans creatures, environments, water simulation, and matte painting.
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Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↓ -4%1 year growth
↓ -4%2 year growth
↓ -4%Major Awards recognition for The Lost Bus. Following the latest BAFTA Film Award nominations, The Lost Bus has achieved the rare "Triple Crown" of industry recognition - earning nominations from the Academy Awards, BAFTA, and the Visual Effects Society. This milestone is a testament to the extraordinary talent, collaboration, and dedication of Cinesite's VFX team. Huge congratulations to Max Dennison and the entire team whose outstanding work helped bring The Lost Bus to life. This level of recognition speaks to work that goes beyond technical excellence. Cinesite's visual effects serve the story, and that's what makes them truly exceptional. The season's honours also extend to Cinesite's partner studios, including TRIXTER,, whose work on Predator: Badlands earned a spot on the Academy Awards longlist for Best Visual Effects, and Imaginarium, recognised for its performance capture work on Captain America: Brave New World and The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Along with its colleagues at Imagine Engine who's work on Star Wars: Skeleton Crew has received a nomination for Outstanding Visual Effects for a Live Action Program at this year's Children's & Family Emmy Awards. Cinesite Group is especially proud to see Andy Walker included among the nominated VFX Supervisors for his work on the project. Andy supervised the show while at Image Engine and has since transferred to Cinesite.
Image Engine has received a 2022 VES Award nomination for ‘Outstanding Animated Character in a Photoreal Feature’ for its team’s visual effects work on ‘Venom: Let There Be Carnage’.
Image Engine is thrilled to receive a 2022 Emmy Award nomination for ‘Outstanding Special Visual Effects In A Season Or A Movie’ for The Book of Boba Fett.
Image Engine is thrilled to receive a VES Award nomination for ‘Outstanding Animated Character in a Photoreal Feature’ for its team’s recent work on Venom: Let There Be Carnage.