Senior XDev Animator

CONTRACT ROLE

Insomniac Games is looking for a Senior xDev Animator. In this role, the Senior xDev Animator is responsible for the realization of complete and sophisticated character performances for both real-time and cinematic delivery. This is achieved primarily through leading xDev partners in the creation of high-quality animation and in active collaboration with animators, designers and programmers. The ability to directly create high quality animation performances is also expected.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

· xDev expectations

• Prepares a consistent volume of assets on time and at quality for hand-off to vendor partners with minimal coaching. Brief quality sets the standard for the team.
• Rapidly builds a robust understanding of gameplay and cinematic animation pipelines, workflows, tools, level editor and in-engine debugging, both proprietary and industry standard.
• Provides clear, timely, and concise feedback to vendors both asynchronously and in independently run live reviews. Tracks vendor’s learning patterns to identify areas needing improvement as well as areas of strength.
• Support our vendors’ success by answering questions in a timely and complete manner. Meets with vendors independently as needed to ensure alignment with project vision and quality expectations. Creates and shares recorded tutorials and documentation to build vendors capabilities.
• Works to maintain strong productive relationships with other departments such as design, gameplay, VFX, and audio through proactive communication and collaboration.
• Works proactively to maintain a productive relationship with animation pods through a strong, consistent flow of communication.
• Provides training and mentoring to junior xDev animators.
• Leads initiatives to improve the xDev pipeline through research and networking with both internal and external xDev teams.
• Availability for meetings with vendors outside of standard hours

· Animation expectations

• Consistently creates high-quality, appealing animations that directly contribute to the realization of successful game characters and cinematic sequences,
• Sets the bar for quality, speed, and communication that inspires other animators as the foundation for complete character development
• Takes ownership of assigned animated work from early previsualization to final polish; responsible not only for creating sophisticated character performances but also creates all blend trees and nodes responsible for the technical implementation in game
• Maintains deep understanding of tools, and continues growing proficiency with tools and expands ability to problem solve animation pipeline issues
• Actively contributes to the continued development of the techniques and practices of the animation team; maintain an understanding of industry and craft best practices, identifying opportunities for improvement and development within our work environment
• Collaborates directly with technical animators, designers, programmers, and other artists to ensure that the work of the team is created in the most efficient and technically responsible manner
• Identifies opportunities for improving the development pipeline as well as ensuring that animators receive responsive and appropriate technical support
• Communicates effectively with the Animation Director and Project Management to ensure progress is correctly reported and deliverables are completed on time
• Maintains effective cross-department communication to ensure that Designers and Programmers are aware of creative direction of the delivered animation as well as identifying the complete list of animation assets that will be required for a character
• Collects, creates, and studies applicable reference material to remain informed about animation techniques and helps to educate other team members in the creative and technical approaches to the development of successful animation
• Other duties may be assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position has no supervisory responsibilities; however, this position may contribute to the mentoring, training, and development of animation staff. This can be accomplished by giving presentations on animation techniques and reviewing animators' work.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Computer Skills: Strong knowledge of Maya, Insomniac proprietary tools (preferred), and a knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. MotionBuilder and Adobe Premiere a plus. Knowledge of common state machine flow in any game engine a plus.