Principal Visual Effects Designer (Project Hire)

About the Role & Team

Walt Disney Imagineering is the creative force that imagines, designs, and brings to life all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, and cruise ships worldwide. Working across a spectrum of disciplines that range from creative and conceptual to scientific and technical, Imagineers blend an innovative mixture of storytelling, art, science, and technology to create immersive experiences, memorable destinations, and innovative entertainment for families around the globe.

Nearly every project at Walt Disney Imagineering includes a first-of-its-kind. Innovation is in our DNA, and Imagineers constantly push the boundaries of technology and invent new goals as well as the solutions to achieve them. As Imagineers, one of our greatest rewards is knowing that the experiences and environments we create inspire others. The diversity of expertise at Imagineering makes us uniquely capable of influencing positive change in our communities and around the world. And knowing that we have helped make a difference is incredibly fulfilling and inspiring for all of us!

The Principal Visual Effects Designer (Project Hire)is responsible for the design, production, and installation of digital video media content for Disney theme parks, resorts and attractions worldwide.

You will report to the Director Digital Arts Studio.

This is a 31-month Project Hire position without any guarantee of permanent placement.

What You Will Do:

• Enhance and create visual media through use of 3D and 2D toolsets such as Unreal, Maya, Nuke, Houdini and Adobe After Effects.

• Learn Disney production techniques and workflow.

• Assist editorial process.

• Execute rendering & quality control of show files using department render facilities.

• Create media for Show Creative design leadership.

• Execute In-field mapping techniques for scenic illusions.

• Execute Field installation and QC of media.

• Execute some independent design and editorial efforts.

• Interact with Internal Department Staff as well as members of the Video Media Design Group and the Special Effects Group on a daily basis.

• Interact with the project team when enabled by VFX team leadership.

• Deal with requirements of the media to be created and give feedback on quality and satisfaction of visual requirements.

• Provide guidance and work under the manager and/or portfolio leader.

• Develop and invent new technology and assets for digital media production.

• Review the work product of outside resources and/or firms.

• Provide creative approval with permission of the manager or the portfolio lead.

• Serve as delegate for manager as necessary to provide technical advice.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Ability to work with a medium size show team to implement and assist mock-ups and reviews.

• Ability to communicate and present to department level management.

• Ability to train and mentor interns and associates.

• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Adobe After Effects, Photoshop), Nuke and Maya.

• Proficiencies in one or more the following packages: Unreal, Maya, Houdini, Nuke.

• Professional Visual Effects design and animation experience.

• Production pipeline strategy experience.

• Digital Compositing experience.

• Color Correction experience.

• Experience with Digital media formats and compression.

• Ability to work alone or with a work group.

• 15 years’ experience in Visual Effects and motion graphics design.

• Willingness to travel to domestic and foreign venues for extended periods of time.

• Ability to obtain a passport and credit card for overseas travel.

• An industry recognized portfolio of work and proven abilities to create quality product.

• Broad knowledge of theme parks and attractions media production methods and pipeline.

• Working knowledge of special effects projection systems.

• Working knowledge of media playback systems such as Watchout.

• Working knowledge of show programming methods.

• Experience supervising installation of media assets on location.

• Design experience in 2D graphics.

• Working knowledge of various postproduction process and formats in both film and video.

• Experience with green screen, blue screen, and roto work.

• Knowledge of video compression for Mpeg2 and other various formats.

Education:

• BA, BFA or BS or equivalent work experience desired.

Additional Information:

Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

The hiring range for this onsite position in Glendale, CA is $151,000.00 to $202,500.00 per year, which factors in various geographic regions. 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.