Job Posting Title:

Senior VAD Artist

Req ID:

10155764

Job Description:

Position Summary

We are looking for an experienced, forward-thinking artist and leader who reflects the innovative spirit and passion for great filmmaking that defines ILM.
The Virtual Art Department (VAD) bridges the gap between Production Design and VFX. The VAD Senior/Lead Artist works within the Production Art Department to help the team create Real Time environments and assets for Virtual Production scouts.

What you’ll do

• Create 3D Real Time assets (by doing model/texture, complex lighting) to realize the 3d environment build.

• Create blocking geometry for initial environment block out.

• Process and cleanup photogrammetry assets.

• Tune assets and environments to be performance-optimized for scouting.  

• As needed, act as a Lead on an environment or asset and create the look that the rest of the team follows.

• As needed, work directly with the Client (director or director of photography) operating scouts and re-lights.

• Communicate the status of your work and your teams work to Production and VAD Supervisor.  

• Interpret feedback to respond to review notes with little supervisory direction.

• Participate as a team member in providing various aesthetic solutions; provide feedback to other members of the team by attending dailies on a regular basis and reviewing their work regularly.  

• Mentor Apprentice and Jr. Artists and assist them with their work.

• Help develop and test tools and techniques before they are rolled out to VAD artists. 

What we’re looking for

• A strong foundation in photo-realistic, traditional, or digital art skills with an emphasis on landscapes and interiors.

• Experience using a Real Time engine like Unreal or Unity.  

• A demonstrated ability to quickly pick up new software.

• A person who exhibits strong teamwork, excellent communication and interdisciplinary thinking.

• A Bachelor’s Degree OR 5+ years relevant experience (professional OR amateur)

• Proven ability in one or more CG techniques, including modeling, texturing, shading, lighting, look development, matte painting or compositing OR proven artistic ability in a non-CG field. 

• Demonstrated knowledge in some or all of these software packages: Photoshop, 3DsMax, Maya, Perforce and 3D paint programs like Substance Painter. Comparable software experience considered.

JoinILM

The hiring range for this position in San Francisco is $119,700 to $153,100 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.

Job Posting Segment:

ILM San Francisco

Job Posting Primary Business:

ILM San Francisco

Primary Job Posting Category:

Environment - Studios

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

San Francisco, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-07-16