Lead Technical Animator

Summary

Join CD PROJEKT RED as a Lead Technical Animator to work on Project Sirius, a new Witcher universe project. You will be a key part of shaping the game's visual identity. Responsibilities include creating animation systems, collaborating with artists and engineers, optimizing animation assets, and managing a team. The role requires at least 8 years of experience as a Technical Animator, including 1 year in leadership, and experience with AAA titles. The position offers a hybrid/remote work option, excellent benefits, and professional development opportunities. The company fosters a positive and collaborative team culture.

Requirements

• Ability to work independently to identify and own work, deliver results
• Minimum 8 years of experience as a Technical Animator with at least 1 year in a leadership role
• Shipped at least one AAA title
• Extensive experience with rigging in Maya and Motion Builder, UE5/Blueprint, facial animation, and lipsync
• Familiarity with motion capture technology
• Experience optimizing animation assets, rigs, and systems for high runtime performance and efficiency
• Comprehensive portfolio demonstrating expertise
• Meticulous attention to detail, especially with character deformation and physics
• Excellent communication, presentation, and collaboration skills
• Positive attitude towards receiving feedback and exchanging knowledge
• Able to deliver and receive feedback in a productive and accountable manner

Responsibilities

• Create and drive animation systems for characters, monsters, and environment
• Work closely with artists and engineers to create highly optimized animation systems
• Solve complex technical challenges
• Define and document technical animation processes, tools, and best practices
• Maintaining the animation pipeline
• Write and prepare briefs for work with outsource vendors, and review work as necessary
• Communicate and cooperate with other CDPR animation teams while pursuing common goals
• Engage with Directors and Production to estimate and plan work
• Stay atop modern and cutting edge animation technology
• Build a growing Technical Animation via recruiting, interviewing, and hiring
• Act as the direct manager for team members, conducting reviews, mentoring, and helping them achieve personal and professional growth
• Cultivate a positive, collaborative team culture aligned with the company’s values and goals
• Partner with the Production department to establish plans and ensure timely delivery of work

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Motion matching
• Scripting proficiency in languages such as Python, LUA, etc

Benefits

• Company paid medical healthcare (dental vision & mental)
• Paid Leave — 20 days of holiday for every team member per year (26 days after two years)
• No dress-code — we like to keep it casual
• 401K with employer matching
• Gym Membership Reimbursement
• Flexible working hours
• Trainings, lectures and courses — internal workshops, knowledge-sharing initiatives, online tutorials, and e-learning classes are all available. There’s always something to learn!
• Merch — gifts for newborn rebels and regular chances to nab some cool swag!
• A welcome pack filled with goodies — to help you feel right at home once you join the team
• Dog-friendly office — dog owner? Bring your pooch with you and look after them while working! There’s always a furry friend or two to meet at the studio
• Truly international working environment — a chance to meet and work with a diverse selection of people from all around the world