Technical Rigging Animator

About Steel City Interactive

SCI was born out of passion for video games and boxing, with the ambition to create an authentic and exciting boxing game that does justice to the sport we love. What started as a fun prototype has grown into ‘Undisputed’, the first major boxing video game in over a decade.  

SCI is a welcoming place for expression and open communication, where everyone has a voice. We’re a diverse bunch, consisting of people with decades of games industry experience, graduates and talented individuals who come from other industries. We all bring knowledge and learn from each other.

Together we are driven by ambition to bring the world of boxing into a video game like never before.   

The Role

**Please note that for all of our roles we have a preference for candidates who can be onsite full time. However, for outstanding candidates hybrid or remote working within the UK may be an option.**

The Technical rigging Animator will be responsible for the technical support and efficiencies in delivering high quality character animation for characters that appear across the game. This work encompasses several areas of production from scripting and tool creation, character rigging setup and supporting our technical advancements in Facial rigging systems when we transition over to use the unreal Engine.

Manages the timely delivery and quality of their work that support the needs of the project.

Ensures all work is planned effectively, clearly communicated and includes strategic planning for efficiencies, highlighting any cross-discipline dependencies.

Colloborates effectively across all disciplines and helps to drive and support technical outcomes with artists and engineers.

They will present with confidence, gravitas and persuasion within the development team.

Responsibilities

• Will be responsible for Skinning and Rig Control-building for animators.
• Will be responsible for providing workflow scripts and editor tools for animation rigging so needs to be Proficient in C#/C++.
• Will be able to do Animation Retargeting (Preferably through Maya)
• Proficiency in Python/MEL
• Will be working directly in engine so needs to be sufficient with a 3D game engine, namely Unreal.
• Will support and develop their skills in face rigging and be able to explore options within the Meta Human system.

Experience

• At least 2 years in the games industry as a Technical Animator
• Shipped at least one game, where you were involved in technical animation support.
• Is from an Art background so has artistic fundamentals when it comes to delivering quality assets.
• Has experience of using Jira and other project tracking software.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Based in the UK.

What we offer

Healthy work-life balance:

• 23 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), that increases 1 day per year of service.
• Christmas shut down
• Holiday exchange programme
• Flexible working hours

Support for family life:

• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
• Option to add children to our Healthcare Cash Plan

Great office environment:

• A dog friendly studio based in Sheffield, with free snacks, fruit and drinks!
• Free parking

Health & wellbeing support:

• Company sick pay
• 2 days paid Mental Health leave per year
• Healthcare Cash Plan which includes optical and dental
• Access to 24/7 doctors
• Employee Assistance Programme
• £300 wellbeing stipend every January

Learning support:

• Career progression path
• 5 Learning days per year
• Unlimited access to Udemy courses

Additional financial support:

• Technology scheme (up to £750)
• Discount Club at over 350 high street stores
• Discretionary Cost of Living Payments
• Relocation benefits
• Electric Car Vehicle Scheme

Connection and perks:

• Wrap parties & company paid outings
• Individual entertainment budget to cover team events

Steel City Interactive is an equal opportunity employer. We’re committed to building a diverse team and welcome all applications, considering them without regard to race, religion, belief, age, gender, gender expression, gender identity, gender reassignment, disability, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, sex or sexual orientation.

If you’re excited about this role and believe you would add value to our team, but don’t meet every single requirement, we would still like to hear from you – please let us know about the value you would bring in your application.