Technical Animator (Tools Developer)

About Dambuster Studios

Originally founded in 1999 as Free Radical Design our ambition and passion comes through as strongly now as when we first began. We are always seeking individuals who can emulate our values - passion, quality, and teamwork - which are embodied in our diverse and inclusive culture.

Even if you’re not sure that you meet all the criteria for a role, don’t be put off from applying - we want to hear from you. Our only requirement is that you work from the UK, and if you’re not here right now we can discuss relocation and sponsorship for some of our positions (if the role is eligible, it’s outlined in the advert below). Our studio is in Nottingham city centre and many of our roles can be offered on a hybrid or fully remote working basis – each role is different, so please refer to the advert below for further information. Our internal Wellbeing Committee and Mental Health First Aiders help ensure that our diversity is championed in a safe environment.

Technical Animator (Tools Developer)

Dambuster Studios - creators of the TimeSplitters series alongside Second Sight, Haze, Homefront: The Revolution, and the number one BAFTA nominated smash hit Dead Island 2 - has an exciting opportunity for a Technical Animator (Tools Developer) to join our highly talented Animation team.

You'll take the lead in designing, implementing, and optimizing tools and workflows that empower our animation department to bring their creative visions to life. From streamlining animation processes to supporting innovative game features, your expertise will play a key role in elevating the quality and efficiency of our game development pipeline.

Role overview

• Creating animation and rigging tools along with pipelines that facilitate animators' work in Maya. Including facial setups and performance capture workflows.

• Responsible for maintaining good communication between the Engineering and Animation teams, upholding standards, and adhering to the processes of both departments.

• Acting as a bridge between creative and technical departments.

• Report to and work on tasks set by the Lead Technical Animator, coordinating with the Animation Director and other Animation Leads to ensure tools and pipelines are ready for production. Reporting risks in a timely manner and proactively fixing issues as they come along.

• Support the technical maintenance of a large tool set.

• Collaborating with other disciplines and contributing to the overall development of the project and raising any other issues that may need to be addressed.

• Provide support and solve the problems encountered by our content creation teams. Often moving between tasks to respond to issues in a timely manner.

• Represent a technical opinion and provide technical insight while attending meetings with other stakeholders reporting information as and when required.

• Contributing to and supporting an overarching strategy for tools and pipelines across all content teams. Defining and maintaining the standards for quality, consistency, and efficiency.

• Creating technical & user documentation along with good practice guidance.

• Supporting knowledge-sharing endeavours and engaging with team development opportunities.

What we can offer you

• Core hours 9.30am – 4pm, remaining hours worked flexibly

• Relocation support to Nottingham, if desired

• Work style – fully in studio, hybrid or remote (within the UK)

• Holiday allowance that increases with service (to a maximum of 30 days plus statutory public holidays)

• Annual pay reviews

• Company pension contribution that increases with service

• Company enhanced full pay for maternity leave for the first 26 weeks (to qualifying expectant mothers)

• Clear career progression within Dambuster Studios

• Studio-funded learning and development opportunities

• Modern game development environment with the latest technologies

• Vibrant, modern city centre location with good transport links

• Fully subsidised gym membership with Virgin Gym (Nottingham)

• Annual Christmas party and Summer Family BBQ

• Quarterly company-funded cross-team events

• Free financial advice

• Employee referral bonus scheme

• Cycle to work scheme

• Weekly office treats, including breakfast on Monday and pastries on Friday

Requirements

• Experience developing pipelines and toolsets in Python/Mel for Maya.

• Experience in PySide / PyQT as well as Maya Python API

• Good understanding of character rigging, deformation techniques and dynamics.

• Good communication skills and a great team-player attitude.

• Ability to learn UE and the animation system and toolset, as this will be required for the project.

• Ability to learn the Motion Capture pipeline, including Facial Capture technology and Facial Analysis software, retargeting and processing data, allowing for the creation of support tools.

• Be able to work amongst cross-discipline groups in the delivery of shared goals.

• Great communication skills, friendly, open-minded, positive, self-motivated, proactive, and willing to take direction.

• Experience with source control software such as Perforce.

Equal Opportunities Statement

Dambuster Studios is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Anyone considering their next step in their career journey with Dambuster will receive consideration without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity or paternity, or membership in any other legally protected category. We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees, and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to apply.

We operate a transparent recruitment process that removes barriers for those who require reasonable adjustments. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment or onboarding process, or if you are successful in securing a position with us, please let us know what we can do to ensure your success.