About the role
Compensation and Terms
- Hiring Range: $105,000 to $122,000/year for a 40 hour work week
- Employment Type: Term (Short-Term Contract)
- Contract Duration: As soon as possible until December 18th, 2026
- Location: Vancouver, British Columbia (Hybrid)
- Eligibility: Candidates are required to be based in British Columbia and eligible to work in Canada
Company Benefits
- Extended healthcare from day 1, with premiums 100% covered by Image Engine
- Up to 8 paid Health and Wellness days per year
About Image Engine
Image Engine is a world-class VFX studio based in Vancouver, BC, established in 1995. The studio specializes in visual effects for feature films and television, with a portfolio including Skeleton Crew, The Book of Boba Fett, The Mandalorian, Game of Thrones, Lost in Space, Jurassic World, and District 9. Services range from concept designs and pre-visualization to CG animation, compositing, and explosive volumetric digital effects. The studio prioritizes R&D, innovation, and a collaborative, diverse, and supportive workplace culture.
Position Purpose
The Senior Animator delivers high-quality animation efficiently, focusing on difficult shots with minimal direction. Responsibilities include quality checking work, adhering to deadlines, mentoring junior artists, and assisting in the Lead role as needed. The Senior Animator maintains a positive attitude under stress and contributes to a motivated team environment.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Work primarily with Animation Supervisor/Leads to create convincing performances and motion of character/non-character assets
- Animate dynamic, believable and appealing character/non-character assets from simple to difficult with a minimum of supervision
- Work with production and supervisor team to understand and manage their schedules and shot deadlines
- Work with animation team to maintain continuity and consistent performance within a show
- Communicate successes and challenges faced by the team to the Animation Supervisor
- Manage time and resources to meet weekly targets
- Complete all quality control for animation submitted for review (e.g., checking for bad poses, character off-model, crashing, etc.) prior to Supervisor’s review
- Maintain pipeline proficiency and troubleshoot issues
- Provide input regarding tools and interfaces to improve throughput
- Attend dailies, reviews, and team meetings as required
- Accurately address critique and comments from supervisors, ensuring revisions are completed in a timely manner
- Mentor junior animators
Education and Experience
- 7+ years of experience animating character and non-character assets for VFX/feature films
- Demonstrated expert knowledge of traditional animation principles, acting, film production and compositional design
- Ability to animate multiple types of character/non-character assets from simple to complex with a minimum of supervision
- Strong visual storyteller with knowledge of cinematography: camera angles, composition and continuity
- Excellent attention to detail when finalizing, approving or quality controlling work
- Ability to balance quick turnaround while achieving a high degree of aesthetic quality
Skills and Abilities
Technical Skills
- Expert level knowledge of Maya
- A working knowledge of Motion Capture and/or Rigging is a plus
Core Skills
- Ability to troubleshoot and deal with competing priorities and projects
- Ability to take direction positively, work well within a diverse group, and thrive under the pressure of tight production deadlines
- Ability to adapt quickly to new technologies and applications
- Excellent time management and communication skills