Groom Artist (All Levels) - Expression of Interest

Job ID 10140399 Location San Francisco, California, United States Business Industrial Light & Magic Date posted Jan. 12, 2026

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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.

Position Summary

ILM San Francisco is growing, and we are looking for an outstanding artist to join our Groom team! ILM’s Groom team works alongside our Digital Model Shop (DMS) and Creature teams to create hair, fur and feather grooms for characters, creatures, costume and props as part of the Creature / Character pipeline for high-end VFX projects.

At ILM, we believe a good idea is a good idea, regardless of where it comes from! Do you thrive in a creative environment? Do you enjoy sharing knowledge and learning from others? If you love art, technology, and movies, then this might be the role you’re looking for!

ILM strives to be an inclusive environment, and the Groom team embraces promising individuals with a variety backgrounds and experiences.

What You’ll Do

Build assets either fully or partially covered in hair, fur or feathers using Houdini
Collaborate with the Groom leadership, Modeling, Texture, Look Development and VFX Supervisor to identify and build the “look” for an asset
Work with production and show leadership to deliver high quality assets on time that meet all departments needs
Present you work in dailies and discuss all aspects of your asset as needed
Use your groom abilities for other non-character assets such as props or costumes

What We’re Looking For

Portfolio demonstrating great groom skills, displaying a strong understanding of hair, fur and feather types and character design
Proven experience crafting digital creatures and characters in a VFX studio environment. Additional animation experience is a plus
Phenomenal creative and interpersonal skills to work with team members from other departments, assist asset development, and displaying the ability to interpret others vision while also showcase their own ideas
Excellent time management skills with the capability of sharing your time between multiple shows when needed
Strong ability to self assess if you are taking the right approach, while also understanding when you should be contacting supervision or other departments for help or to discuss approach
A deep knowledge of film and video post production techniques and a good understanding of the full VFX pipeline
Strong knowledge of Houdini, ability to trouble shoot complex issues and help drive development. Vex knowledge a plus
Knowledge of LINUX is a necessity to navigate through ILM’s production pipeline

The hiring range for this position in San Francisco, CA is $64,300 to $148,870 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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About Industrial Light & Magic:

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.

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Explore this Location San Francisco, CA

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