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RUNNER

Location: Chicago, IL

Objective:

Optimus is looking for sharp, motivated, friendly, and hard-working individuals to join our Client Service department as a Runner. The ideal candidate should have a passion for advertising/production/post-production/film/TV/media/art and a desire to actively engage and learn in a professional environment. You will work primarily as Client Service support with the opportunity to shadow the creative process and grow with hands-on Client Service work. This is a great opportunity for an aspiring entry-level candidate to progress with the possibility of advancing to departmental internships, assistant positions, and beyond. We offer ample opportunities to advance your path and jumpstart your career.

Candidates should apply with a cover letter and resume.

Responsibilities/Expectations:

As a Runner, you work directly with Client Service to ensure our clients receive the utmost attentiveness and the facilities reflect our attention to detail and care. Daily Client Service duties include aiding clients and employees and being generally available to take care of various requests throughout the day. In addition, you will be acting as a front-of-house receptionist to welcome guests. You will also be responsible for disinfecting frequently touched surfaces throughout the day.

Primary Duties:

  • Daily support of the Client Service department, employee needs, and client requests.
  • Act as a liaison between clients and employees and field general business inquiries.
  • Facilitating ordering and pick-up of all client and employee meal/drink requests.
  • Constantly disinfect common areas multiple times throughout the day.
  • Continuously discover and implement proactive projects throughout the day.


Qualities we are looking for:

Flexibility. With the current ever-evolving work model, we are looking for candidates that are able to adapt quickly and embrace new challenges.

Eager to Learn More. With ample opportunities for upward growth within the company, we value candidates that are hungry to learn. Receptiveness to new information and drive to listen and learn is essential in the role.

Team-oriented. Teamwork is essential to the success of the Client Service department. We are looking for candidates that are actively working for a higher purpose and value the collective efforts of others.

Minimum Requirements. Candidates should:

  • Have a degree (or similar professional experience), no longer in school, and available to work full-time, in-person.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.
  • Ability to take initiative and must have the confidence to learn in a fast-paced environment.
  • Integrity, honesty, openness, and a willingness to operate as a team player.


Employment Status/Benefits:

  • Location: Chicago.
  • Employment status is non-exempt (hourly) and pays $16.20/hr.
  • The position will start with a two (2) week trial period, to confirm that the fit is a good one for both parties.
  • The position will report to the Director of Client Service.
  • This position is fully in-person.
  • Your shift will be 8 hours per day with a 30-minute lunch.


Company Summary:

Optimus is a leading commercial post-production company based in Chicago that represents a diverse team of award-winning editors, artists, designers, and engineers. We deliver top-notch commercial work and branded content. Together with production division One at Optimus, we offer all production services from shoot through post, under one roof - a singular, streamlined creative force.

Instructions:

Please send your cover letter & resume to .


Optimus and One at Optimus are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. Employees must stay up to date with vaccines. The CDC states (CDC Covid-19 Vaccinations), "Up to date means a person has received all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible."


Today's creative community requires flexibility. Dependable freelance talent allows us to take on jobs when we are already busy, and take on jobs that demand extra help beyond what we have available. We love building relationships with talented creatives and we are happy to bring in people who help us deliver amazing work to our clients.
  • Finish Artists
  • Optimus is looking for experienced Finish artists for freelance work on a per project basis in a fast-paced work environment, doing mostly agency / spot work. You will be collaborating with a team of artists / designers with a range of skills, and must be able to conform, do cleanup and roto work, and be able to finish broadcast spots and associated OLVs in a range of aspect ratios. Mostly remote work with the possibility of in-person interaction. Candidates with a high level of proficiency on Flame and/or Resolve, and After Effects are preferred.

    Please submit cover letter, resume and reel to:

    Note: Freelance terms vary greatly depending on the current project workload and staffing needs.

    Company Summary:
    Optimus is a leading commercial post-production company based in Chicago that represents a diverse team of award-winning editors, artists, designers and engineers, and that delivers top-notch commercial work and branded content. Together with production division One at Optimus, we offer all production services from shoot through post, under one roof - a singular, streamlined creative force.

    Optimus is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
  • 2D/3D Motion Designer
  • Applicants with 2-5 years of professional experience in design and animation are preferred. Students and entry-level artists should steer their portfolios to our internship program.

    Proficiency in After Effects and/or Cinema 4D is a must. Maya, Real Flow or Final Cut experience is a bonus. Show us your talents by sharing your [required] online reel. Don't be shy about your specific strengths - alert us to your prowess in character animation, typography, photo-real CGI, etc. You must be able to work quickly and take direction from Optimus leaders and clients. While we love meeting new people, we'd much rather rely on (and continue to call on) people we like and trust. Divas need not apply. Please include your general day rate and any other considerations you think may apply.



    Optimus is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
  • Styleframe Artist
  • Applicants with 2-5 years of professional experience in concept art and storyboarding are preferred.

    We are looking for people who are able to help tell a "story" with a single image or a short series of images. An online portfolio is required. Because many of our clients are telling "brand" stories, you must be able to find creative ways to showcase the artistic side of a brand. Artists should be able to work independently or remotely, but on occasion on-site work might be required. Please be specific about how you prefer to work, about when you are comfortable showing works-in-progress, and your general pace for turning around work. Artists should be expected to work quickly and to take direction from Optimus leaders. Please include your rates and any other considerations you think may apply.



    Optimus is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
  • Assistant Editors
  • We are always looking for talented Assistant Editors, to join our team on a freelance basis.

    Applicants with 2-4 years of professional experience working as an Assistant Editor within a commercial post-production facility are preferred. Proficiency in Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premiere and After Effects is a must. Students and entry-level candidates should steer their inquiries to our runner program.

    Duties include assisting Assistant Editors and Editors alike, on all manner of creative editorial projects, primarily for agency/brand clients. Responsibilities include transcoding multiple HD file formats, logging and loading of dailies footage, screening, rough cutting, graphic creation and integration, music and sound design acquisition, web encoding/posting, finish prep, and fostering close communication with Editors, post producers and other post operators regarding project workflow, schedule and priorities. Client service and rapport is also a crucial part of the job.

    In sum, the position requires the ability to multi-task, deliver under pressure, communicate effectively and to work collaboratively within a team. A positive attitude and a sense of humor go a very long way too.

    Please submit cover letter, resume and reel to:

    Please note: Freelance terms vary greatly depending on the current project workload and staffing needs.

    Optimus is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

DESIGNER

Location: Chicago, IL

A Designer at Optimus Design must be a versatile artist and problem solver with an emphasis on designing and executing projects at the highest possible level. This artist must have a deep understanding of core design and animation skills and will be expected to present and describe their work to clients and fellow designers.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Creative Thinking
  • Collaborate with the Design team to create style frames, illustrations, and test animations that will help win pitches.
  • Bring your expertise and style to each project while also learning from more senior designers on the team.

Creative Execution
  • Help elevate our creative output to ensure our agency and brand-direct partners see our studio as a competent partner, capable of creating highly creative design and animation.
  • Collaborate on projects across multiple disciplines. Toggling between 2D and 3D motion design work.

Creative Collaboration
  • Strive to be an exemplary team member and provide support to your fellow artists,particularly where help can be given regarding 3D modeling, texturing, and animation.
  • Help promote and foster new ways of improving workflow within our department, especially regarding emerging AI tools.
  • Proactively work to solve problems and communicate with management, and actively seek clarification when there is ambiguity

What We’re Looking For
  • At least 2-4 years of professional motion graphics/3D experience (or equivalent).
  • Strong design and animation skills with a sharp eye for detail. ● Portfolio or reel that showcases both 2D and 3D work
  • Collaborative team player who thrives in a fast-paces studio.
  • Problem-solver who communicates directly and seeks solutions.
  • Proficient with the Adobe Suite (After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator) with preferable knowledge of C4D.

Compensation & Benefits
  • Salary Range: $50,000 - $60,000 (based on experience)
  • Benefits: Optimus provides four medical insurance options, pet insurance, accidental insurance, fully paid disability and life insurance, 401(k) with match, commuter benefits, generous PTO/holidays, paid leave, and more.
  • Work Setting: Hybrid at our Chicago office.

About Optimus

Optimus is a leading production and post-production house located in Chicago, Offering a full suite of creative services, including production, editing, color, VFX, design, audio and finishing. We’re a collaborative, forward-thinking team passionate about elevating design and innovation.

Equal Opportunity & Accessibility

Optimus provides equal employment opportunities in accordance with Chicago, Illinois and federal law. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, parental status, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, credit history, housing status, source of income, or any other protected category. Optimus is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a link to your portfolio/reel to . with the subject line: Designer - Optimus Design




General Employment Info


We are always on the lookout for creative talent who want to do the best work of their careers in the greatest city in America, Chicago.

Experienced professionals looking to introduce themselves to us may do so by emailing .