Animation Researcher (Technical Animator)

Position Overview

We are seeking an Animation Researcher to join our team at Autodesk Research, specifically focusing on re-imagining animation workflows for the AI era of our Entertainment & Media Solutions (EMS). This role is crucial in understanding and evaluating techniques and models that empower artists to bring worlds to life. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in all phases of motion acquisition, simulation and authoring, balancing technical skills with artistic acumen, as well as a passion for innovation in animation workflows.

When applying please provide a reel or a link to your portfolio to showcase your work in the industry.

Responsibilities

• Continuously scan for new innovations and techniques relating to motion authoring
• Experiment with new ML motion generation models from internal teams
• Prototype animated content that demonstrates the use of techniques in novel ways
• Collaborate with research scientists to iterate on model capabilities and evaluate creative potential
• Create basic automation and low-code/no-code solutions that will facilitate automation of data handshakes
• Understand and work within project requirements to create workflows that leverage best techniques
• Assist in motion data acquisition projects
• Ensure all procedural setups and simulations appear natural or appropriate for specific styles
• Debug and optimize technical issues in animation and simulation pipelines
• Communicate effectively with the animation and science teams to ensure the successful integration of new models into the game or film workflows

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in film/tv/game production working as or closely with Modelers, Riggers, Animators and Effects Technical Directors
• Deep experience in animation, simulation, rigging and motion controllers
• Intimate understanding of animation principles, style languages
• Driven to develop solutions and tools that put artists at the center of the production using AI/ML capabilities
• Proven ability to work within cross-functional teams on productions and/or projects
• Inclusive with superior collaboration skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities
• Basic Python scripting

Preferred Qualifications

• Up-to-date expertise in cutting-edge animation and simulation best practices, production pipelines, and human-centered design
• Best practices of check-pointing and re-generating work reliably
• Solid technical skills to manage artifact creation and management
• Experience with multiple animation systems
• Passion for innovation and improving the procedural production process

The Ideal Candidate

• Has worked within the film/tv/game production industries at the leading edge of animation for game, vfx or animation production
• Strong desire to advance the procedural production process for a re-imagined entertainment industry
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of the importance of integrity of animation system to create elegant workflows
• Passion for adopting new technologies and techniques to enhance the animation experience