Look Dev Tech Director : Lighting & Shading Lead

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.

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