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Special Effects Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sight & Sound

Automation & Effects Designer

Ronks, PA · On-site

The Automation & Effects Designer works to research, develop, construct, install, document, program ... Design and implement special effects for new shows, existing shows, and special projects at Sight ...

Weekday AI

Adobe Specialists - After Effects

Professionals with backgrounds as Motion Designers, Video Editors, Special Effects Artists, Motion Graphics Artists, or similar creative roles are encouraged to apply. The role requires a detail ...

AEG

Park Decor Tech - Special FX

Buena Park, CA · On-site

$26.86/hr

Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair special effects at an advanced level for events and regular park shows. * Translate plans and designers' concepts into practical materials and existing mechanical ...

AEG

Make Up Artist

Agawam, MA · On-site

$18/hr

Understanding and executing make-up and special effects designs as directed * Learning the various roles in our Haunted Attractions, Midway Haunts and our Shows so proper makeup design can be applied

Instant Serve LLC

GA DBHDD Web Designer 3

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Designs and develops user interface features, site animation, and special-effects elements. Owns assigned tasks. May serve as lead or train staff. Job Responsibilities and Performance Standards:

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Special Effects Designer information

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How much do special effects designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for special effects designer in the United States is $28.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $34.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a special effects designer?

Special Effects Designers are professionals who create visual and practical effects for films, television, theater, and other media productions. Their work can include designing explosions, weather effects, animatronics, prosthetics, digital effects, and more, to enhance storytelling and create immersive experiences. They often collaborate with directors, producers, and other creative team members to achieve the desired visual impact. Special Effects Designers may use both physical materials and digital tools, depending on the nature of the effect required.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a special effects designer?

To thrive as a Special Effects Designer, you need expertise in visual effects principles, a strong portfolio, and typically a degree in visual arts, design, or a related field. Proficiency with software such as Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, Houdini, and familiarity with practical effects equipment is crucial. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are vital for producing realistic, innovative effects that enhance storytelling and meet client or director expectations.

What challenges do special effects designers face when working on film or television productions?

Special Effects Designers often encounter challenges such as tight deadlines, budget constraints, and the need to coordinate closely with directors, producers, and other departments to achieve the desired visual outcome. Balancing creative vision with safety protocols and technical feasibility is also a frequent hurdle. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing technologies and troubleshooting unexpected issues on set can make the role both exciting and demanding.

What is the difference between Special Effects Designer vs Makeup Artist?

AspectSpecial Effects DesignerMakeup Artist
CredentialsSpecialized training in SFX techniques, certifications in prosthetics and materialsCosmetology license, makeup certifications
Work EnvironmentFilm, television, theater, commercials, often on set or studioBeauty salons, film sets, fashion shows, events
Industry UsageUsed for creating realistic injuries, monsters, fantasy effectsEnhancing appearance, beauty, character looks
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing SFX effects with makeup techniques for entertainment projects

Special Effects Designers focus on creating realistic and fantastical effects using prosthetics, animatronics, and materials, primarily for film and theater. Makeup Artists primarily enhance or alter appearances through cosmetic techniques. While both roles work in entertainment, SFX Designers specialize in complex effects, whereas Makeup Artists focus on beauty and character makeup.

Are special effects designers in demand?

Special effects designers are in demand in the entertainment, film, television, and live event industries, especially as productions seek innovative visual experiences. Skills in digital tools, practical effects, and safety certifications can enhance job prospects, with opportunities often increasing as technology advances. Employment growth varies by region and industry trends, but the role remains a key component of production teams.

How do you become a special effects designer?

To become a special effects designer, individuals typically pursue a degree in theater, film, or a related field, and gain experience through internships or entry-level roles in film, television, or theater production. Developing skills in areas such as pyrotechnics, makeup, and computer-generated imagery (CGI), along with knowledge of safety regulations and industry-standard tools, is essential for advancing in this field.

What are popular job titles related to Special Effects Designer jobs?

For Special Effects Designer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Special Effects Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Special Effects Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,798 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

WDI Special Effects Designer Intern, Glendale, Spring 2027

Glendale, CA • On-site

The Walt Disney Company
Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation • 10K+ employees
Learn more about The Walt Disney Companyexternal

$26.50/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Key responsibilities

  • Assist with the mock-up, design, production, installation, testing, and turnover of special effects for attractions or projects.

  • Collaborate with project teams to develop scope, prepare documentation, and ensure requirements are met during all project phases.

  • Support field installation, maintenance, operations training, and post-turnover activities related to special effects.

Walt Disney Company rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 130 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 52 rated entertainment

Job description

Job Posting Title:

WDI Special Effects Designer Intern, Glendale, Spring 2027

Req ID:

10158464

Job Description:

About the Role & Program

Be a part of an innovative team and culture...

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.

The approximate date of this internship is January 2027 to June 2027 and will be located in Glendale, CA.

What You Will Do

The Intern will assist with mock-up, design, production, installation, test/adjust and turnover of all special effects work for one or more attraction/project. This entails efforts both as an individual and while working with leaders and production staff.

  • Assist overall project team in scope development from concept stage through close-out

  • Preparation and delivery of documentation to establish FX scope on projects.

  • Collaborate with all coordinated teams to ensure internal/external requirements are met

  • Field installation

  • Maintenance and operations training assistance & post turnover support

  • Assist Special Effects lead during concept & design of special effects required to support the show, using appropriate creative and technical methods

  • We produce, install, maintain and fix theme park special effects equipment, per the Special Effects Lead Designers direction

Required Qualifications & Skills

  • Able to form a general plan to achieve stated goals and the ability to track to that plan to ensure goals are met

  • Basic knowledge of Special Effects installed at Disney theme park attractions.

  • General knowledge of related technical fields and their application to the creation of special effects, optics, mechanics, materials processes etc.

  • Some knowledge of special effects/projection equipment, materials, and processes

  • Solidworks knowledge

Preferred Qualifications

  • Disney theme park special effects experience

  • Theatrical training

  • Industrial design, manufacturing, operations and maintenance background with some special effects and projection system design experience

Education

Currently enrolled as a Junior or higher attending an accredited college/university earning BA or BS in the Arts, Engineering or related field

Eligibility Requirements & Program Information

Candidates for this opportunity MUST meet all of the below requirements:

  • Be enrolled in an accredited college/university pursuing a degree taking at least one class at time of application posting OR currently participating in a Disney College Program or Disney Internship

  • Be at least 18 years of age

  • Possess unrestricted work authorization

  • Have not completed one year of continual employment on a Disney internship or program.

Additional Information

  • Able to provide reliable transportation to/from work

  • Must be fully available for the duration of the internship

  • Able to provide own housing for the duration of the internship in Glendale, CA

The pay rate for this role in California is $26.50 per hour for undergraduate students and $27.50 per hour for graduate level students. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits. To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

Job Posting Segment:

WDI Creative Development

Job Posting Primary Business:

Show Systems (WDI)

Primary Job Posting Category:

Creative Intern

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Glendale, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-08-24

What Walt Disney Company employees say

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Benefits

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Workplace

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About Walt Disney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Disney, we're storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world. "We create happiness." That's our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you'll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!

Industry

Amusement, gambling, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burbank, CA, US

Social media

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