Senior Narrative Gameplay Animator

Summary

Join That's No Moon, an independent game studio, as a Senior Narrative Gameplay Animator. Contribute to the creation of AAA-quality animations for a narrative-driven game using Unreal Engine 5. Collaborate with various departments, including design and engineering, to ensure seamless integration of animations into gameplay and cinematics. This role requires proven senior experience in motion capture and hand-key animation, expertise in Maya and Unreal Engine, and a strong understanding of animation principles. The position offers competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) matching, flexible PTO, supplemental life and disability insurance, and potential equity and profit share. This is a temporary project hire position with a variable duration.

Requirements

• Proven Senior experience working with motion capture data and hand-key animation in the game industry
• Working knowledge of Unreal Engine, with an emphasis on animation and Sequencer
• Ability to work in all aspects of animation including biped, quadruped and vehicles
• Demo reel showing an understanding of animation principles, while including gameplay
• Experienced with specific gameplay animation editing including blending, cycles and layering
• Knowledge of previsualization and cinematography principles
• Expert knowledge of Maya
• Experience with creating and integrating scripted animations in engine
• Passionate about games and the enthusiasm to make the best!
• Strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills

Responsibilities

• Create and integrate AAA quality animations for scripted moments within the game using Unreal Engine 5
• Use motion capture optimally and hand-key appropriately
• Support the creation and maintenance of an Unreal pipeline for scripted events
• Collaborate and work alongside other animators to ensure that animations are cohesive with cinematics and gameplay
• Work at the highest level, technically and aesthetically
• Be proactive with troubleshooting any animation workflow, rigging and pipeline issues
• Communicate effectively with animators, engineers, realization team, and design, to give and accept feedback
• Assist in establishing standard methodologies in animation
• Participate in motion capture shoots when needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Flexibility in switching tasks to accommodate production priorities
• Ability to appreciate other department's perspectives
• Maintain integrity and confidence in results-oriented times
• Empathic and respected senior member of the team
• Team oriented with a desire to assist other animators
• Promote inclusivity, diversity and fairness
• Practice patience and be open to giving and receiving feedback

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k) matching
• Flexible PTO
• Supplemental life and disability
• Equity
• Profit share