Senior Lead Technical Animator *This role sits out of our Toronto, Canada, or Austin, TX Studio Locations* Responsibilities Proficient at Python scripting, rigging, and tool development Drive the pipeline and tools discussion for the tech animation team Seek ways to improve and streamline art pipelines, enhance quality, and increase team efficiency Setting up rigs and overseeing the skinning process for a multitude of assets such as characters, creatures, weapons, props, etc Setting up runtime solutions for characters and assets in the Unreal Engine, such as control rig, cloth, dynamics, blueprints etc.
R&D of new technology for DCC or engine content Push the boundaries of aesthetic quality while respecting and enforcing project performance constraints Work closely with other senior members in various disciplines, such as animation, character art, concept, and tech art.
Collaborate with tech animators on the team and be a source of inspiration and knowledge in order to mentor junior coworkers Carry out key department responsibilities that include team leadership, 1-1’s, interviewing, hiring, and training employees, reviewing work for quality, and appraising performance and resolving issues Requirements 5+ years experience in rigging and skinning characters, creatures, vehicles, and props Expert-level proficiency with Autodesk Maya and MotionBuilder Strong foundation of Python scripting for extending content creation tools and automating tasks Actively stay on top of industry trends, technology and techniques and evaluate the impact on current pipelines and processes Strong mentorship abilities Strong communication skills and desire to collaborate with art, design, and engineering Experience in ramping up an animation team in a variety of engines and toolsets Experience with motion capture systems Extra Credit Animation key-framing Knowledge of C++ or C# Experience writing Maya plug-ins Strong knowledge of facial rigging and deformation Powered by JazzHR