About the role
Position Overview
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia (Hybrid)
Employment Type: Term (Short-Term Contract)
Contract Duration: Mid-October to December 18th, 2026
Compensation: $105,000 to $122,000/year for a 40-hour work week
Eligibility: Candidates are required to be based in British Columbia and eligible to work in Canada
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 include concept design, pre-visualization, CG animation, compositing, and explosive volumetric digital effects. The company prioritizes R&D, innovation, diversity, and teamwork.
Position Purpose
The Senior Animator is responsible for delivering high-quality animation efficiently, handling difficult shots with minimal supervision, and applying briefing notes independently. The role involves quality control of own work and assisting junior artists. The Senior Animator may assist in a Lead role during absences or production needs and must maintain a positive attitude during high-stress periods.
Duties & 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 schedules and shot deadlines.
- 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 submitted animation regarding artistic problems (e.g., bad poses, off-model characters, crashing) prior to Supervisor review.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the pipeline 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 and ensure 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 minimal supervision.
- Strong visual storytelling skills; well-versed in cinematography including 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.
- Working knowledge of Motion Capture and/or Rigging (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.
Company Benefits
- Extended healthcare from day 1, with premiums 100% covered by Image Engine.
- Up to 8 paid Health and Wellness days per year.