Senior Lead Technical Animator

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