Studio: Starbreeze
Job Opening: Studio Animation Director
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Type: Full-Time
Responsibilities:
- Collaborate closely with the leads from the Art, Engineering and Design teams to establish the aesthetic look and feel of animations going into the given game. This is done through defining animation styles, producing pre-visualizations and concept ideas while presenting them to the team.
- Effectively communicate the art and design direction to the animators.
- Oversee the work of the animators daily while leading the iteration process and giving feedback on all areas of animation.
- Lead by example and create compelling character performances, be it gameplay or cinematic animations, utilizing both keyframed and motion capture techniques.
- Understand game-required techniques such as blending, tagging, state machine transitions, animation blending trees, compression, etc. while also participating in the improvements of these techniques.
- Ensure on-time delivery for all deliverables, working closely with the project managers for all planning aspects.
- Work with the Producers, Department Leads and Animation team to establish methods to improve the production pipeline, tools and systems that will benefit the integrity of the animation for the studio.
- Manage the career growth and development of direct reports.
- Evaluate team members’ goals and objectives, ensuring both personal growth as well as alignment with department and company objectives.
- Assist the studio leadership in staffing, hiring, and onboarding processes.
- Expected to lead, advise, and mentor any level of Animators.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Proven experience in a Lead or Director role in the games industry working on AA+ titles.
- A strong understanding of quick and efficient iteration techniques that respect the gameplay requirements while displaying high quality.
- The ability to lead, collaborate, communicate, and work professionally with other animators and directors.
- Excellent communication skills that allow you to work efficiently with other disciplines and departments.
- Contributed and been part of a highly creative team, used to giving and receiving feedback.
- A solid understanding of game asset creation pipelines and the ability to learn and master new tools, processes, and pipelines.
- An ability to work closely with project managers to develop schedules and keep these schedules.
- A familiarity and excitement for games and game development.
Nice to have:
- Previous experience working with both first and third-person titles.
- Previous experience working with Unreal Engine 4/5.
