Principal Technical Artist: Animation

At Rockstar Games, we create world-class entertainment experiences. 

Become part of a team working on some of the most rewarding, large-scale creative projects to be found in any entertainment medium - all within an inclusive, highly-motivated environment where you can learn and collaborate with some of the most talented people in the industry. 

Rockstar Games is looking for a passionate Principal Technical Artist to work with our award-winning development team. You will have the opportunity to develop new tools and technologies, improve pipelines, and manage complex workflows for the vast amount of files and assets that make up our games. 

This is a full-time, permanent and in-office position based in Rockstar’s unique game development studio in the heart of Leeds. 

WHAT WE DO

• Create and maintain Animation tools and pipelines.
• Continually innovate while solving technical problems.
• Work closely with fellow Technical Artists and related departments where tools and pipelines intersect.
• Provide support for an ever-growing Animation team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, develop, and support animation tools and pipelines in DCC and standalone contexts.
• Develop automated solutions to process data without user input.
• Provide thorough and thoughtful feedback (for example during code reviews and mentorship).
• Work with Runtime and Animation teams to push engine features forward.
• Write clear documentation for tools and workflows created.
• Help problem solve and diagnose unexpected issues effecting animators.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 8+ years of professional experience as a Technical Artist or similar role writing tools.
• Experience working through a full production cycle of a released game or equivalent experience working on long term projects or toolsets.

SKILLS

• Experience mentoring more junior team members.
• A strong understanding of coding UI using PySide or PyQt including use of advanced features.
• A strong understanding of the underlying math that 3D animation systems utilize.
• A strong understanding of software engineering concepts and patterns.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to think outside the box.
• Experience driving new ideas forward from conception to final product.
• Experience writing C++ .
• Experience working with in-engine animation systems.
• Knowledge of character rigging and related tools and systems.

PLUSES

Please note that these are desirable skills and are not required to apply for the position.

• Experience writing C# desktop applications.
• Experience working with package management and deployment systems (e.g. rez, pypi).
• Professional experience working as an Animator in games or VFX (although this is not an Animator role).
• Professional experience working and developing in a multi-platform, multi-project environment.
• Professional experience working in a large team spread across multiple locations and timezones.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply with a CV and cover letter demonstrating how you meet the skills above. If we would like to move forward with your application, a Rockstar recruiter will reach out to you to explain next steps and guide you through the process.

Rockstar is committed to creating a work environment that promotes equal opportunity, dignity and respect. In line with this commitment, Rockstar will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process in order for such applicants to be considered for the position for which they are applying, as well as to qualified employees to enable them to perform the essential functions of their roles. If you need more information about Rockstar’s reasonable accommodation policies or process, or need to request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department. 

If you’ve got the right skills for the job, we want to hear from you. We encourage applications from all suitable candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief, race, or any other protected category.

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