Studio: Larian Studios
Job Opening: Senior Gameplay Technical Animator
Location: Quebec, Canada
Type: Full-Time
Responsibilities:
Design, develop and implement in-game animation systems which are at the core of gameplay and cinematics such as inverse kinematics, retargeting, and simulation, ensuring they integrate seamlessly with gameplay to enhance both realism and interactivity.
• Develop, maintain, and enhance complex animation blueprints, focusing on robust debugging and iterative improvements, ensuring high standards of quality and functionality.
• Write and maintain custom Python tools that support and enhance animation workflows primarily within Autodesk Maya and MotionBuilder, and focus on automation and efficiency improvements that aid the animation team in their daily tasks.
• Work closely with a multidisciplinary team, communicating effectively with animators and programmers to develop cohesive and efficient animation solutions.
• Mentor a team of animators and technical animators, promoting a culture of knowledge-sharing, innovation, and continuous growth.
• Remain at the forefront of animation technology, incorporating the latest trends and techniques into our workflows to keep our outputs state-of-the-art.
• Support the Lead of the department in any ad hoc tasks and duties.
Qualifications & Skills:
- A minimum of 7 years relevant experience.
- Advanced proficiency in various animation systems including in-game retargeting, full-body inverse kinematics (IK), cloth simulation, and ragdoll physics.
- Highly skilled in authoring and debugging animation graphs, state machines, and their application to real-time gameplay mechanics.
- Deep understanding of the game development process, particularly in the integration and optimization of advanced animation systems.
- Strong knowledge of Autodesk Maya, MotionBuilder, and other DCC tools, used to create and manipulate complex animation setups.
- Good Python scripting abilities with experience in developing tools that support animation processes in Maya or other DCC applications.
- Previous roles that highlight projects involving sophisticated animation technologies and their application in game development.
- Team-oriented with a strong desire for collaborative participation in a team-based pipeline across different geographic locations.
- Able to take direction and feedback positively, adapt to change, and thrive under the pressure of tight deadlines.
- Enthusiastic, methodical, and organized approach to work with high-quality standards.
- Sense of initiative, originality, and resourcefulness in problem-solving.
- A professional level of written and spoken English*
Pluses
- Knowledge in C#, C++ a strong plus
- Experience in facial rigging and facial animation systems is a plus
- Good knowledge of setting up and working with different motion capture systems
