Animation Director

Summary

Join Crystal Dynamics as their visionary Animation Director, leading a team of animators in creating high-fidelity action-adventure titles. You will drive the animation vision, collaborating with directors and leads to meet animation requirements. This role involves close partnership with an external co-development team, guiding animators across time zones. Responsibilities include delivering engaging animations, setting goals, promoting team growth, and developing a modern animation workflow. The ideal candidate possesses extensive leadership experience in game animation, particularly in high-fidelity action-adventure games, and a deep understanding of gameplay systems and animation technologies. Crystal Dynamics offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and flexible work opportunities.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in a leadership role within animation (Director, Lead, or Principal Animator) in the game development industry, particularly for high-fidelity action-adventure games
• Demonstrated leadership abilities with a track record of nurturing and developing animation talent
• In-depth understanding of gameplay systems, including weapon, traversal, melee, and ranged combat animations, especially from a 3rd person perspective
• Expertise in animation graphs, animation blending, and node-based animation editors
• Proficiency in Motion Capture and real-time game engines / editors
• A collaborative mindset, particularly when working with co-development design and engineering teams
• Examples of relevant work (i.e., demo reel, portfolio, or contributions to shipped title)

Responsibilities

• Drive the overarching animation vision in collaboration with the Game Director and Art Director, ensuring the game's visual and interactive identity is maintained
• Work in close partnership with Department Leads, Animators, and Designers to assess and meet the game's animation requirements
• Work closely with our external co-development partner, guiding animators across different time zones to drive creative alignment and ensure the delivery of high-quality animation assets
• Deliver engaging combat and traversal animations in collaboration with gameplay designers and engineers
• Set and manage animation goals, aligning deliverables with project milestones and deadlines
• Utilize the animation team's diverse strengths to produce superior quality animations
• Promote team growth and morale through regular individual meetings, feedback sessions, and mentorship opportunities
• Foster a positive, collaborative team environment that values open communication and constructive feedback
• Develop and maintain a modern animation workflow aligned with our Unreal Editor development environment to enhance team productivity and reduce iteration time
• Document and manage animation tasks and processes
• Guide animators across various styles, ensuring a consistent animation approach throughout the project
• Manage, direct, and review external animation vendors, as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Unreal Engine
• Experience with Unreal Engine Animation Tools
• Experience with Metahuman Animation Tools
• Shipped 1+ AAA titles as an Animation Director
• Experience and willingness to work with co-development teams in EU time zones
• Experience directing motion capture shoots for both gameplay and cinematic performances
• Experience working within an existing IP
• Experience with creature animation

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Professional development reimbursement
• Flexible hybrid on-site/off-site work opportunities
• Company paid holidays
• Additional paid days in December when the studio is closed for holiday break
• Ability to accrue additional paid time-off