Description
Technical Animator
Reports to: Lead Animator
Responsibilities:
- Assess technical risks and code-support for system prototyping;
- Compile and submit reports for suggested technical solutions or new pipelines;
- Provide workflow-enhancing toolsets and aids as necessary such as script functionality (Python, MEL, MAXscript, etc.) process documentation and ‘How-To’ Wikis;
- Maintain the day-to-day technical efficiency of the work pipeline, trouble-shooting the processes involved and being the technical ‘go-to’ person for confused animators;
- Oversee and edit the character setup, skinning and rigging delivery;
- Investigate ‘specialized’ problem areas for animation such as partial rag-doll blending improvements, real-time cloth simulation, etc.;
- Support due-diligence procedure production processes (e.g. motion capture);
- Provide support on compiling performance/motion-capture dope sheets and preparation, attending and overseeing mocap shoots and the delivery and implementation of the resulting data into the game systems;
- Teaching animators any necessary use of editor-related technical functionality and new functionality in updated software used in production;
- Mentor and support less-experienced or less-technical animators as necessary;
- Non-critical hands-on animation when needed during production.
Experiences & qualifications:
- Education in 3D animation, 2D education
- 3 to 5 years of industry experience in 3D animation
- Experienced in video games with at least one AAA published titles to your credit
- Must have participated in at least one full videogame production, preferably next-gen
- Excellent knowledge of Maya is preferred, or any 3D package
Technical skills:
- Comprehensive understanding of the technical aspects and caveats of game animation
- Ability to interface and communicate with programmers
- Character setup, skinning and rigging experience
- Animation-related system design and prototyping
- Understanding of animation in game-development production
- Acceptable hand-key ability
- Comfortable ability in spoken and written English
- Productive scripting experience is an Asset
- Knowledge of facial animation systems in game development is an asset
- Extensive experience of Motionbuilder or equivalent is an asset
- Knowledge of Unity, Unreal or other engines is an important asset
Interpersonal skills:
- A strong work ethic, initiative and above all else humility is required
- Must thrive in a team environment with a drive for self-improvement - to learn and also to share knowledge
- The maturity to give and receive constructive criticism is expected
- Ambition to push the boundaries of videogame animation standards is a must
Motivation & interest:
Passion and ambition for videogames are essential!