Technical Animator

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected studio in Leeds known for its character-driven games, is looking for a skilled Technical Animator to join their dynamic team. In this crucial role, you will bridge the gap between animation and gameplay, ensuring that character movements are not only visually compelling but also function flawlessly within the game engine. You will work with complex rigging systems, implement animations, and troubleshoot technical challenges to bring characters to life. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the development of immersive interactive experiences, collaborating with a talented group of artists and engineers in our Leeds studio.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, refine, and maintain character rigs for animation, ensuring deformational quality and animatability.
• Implement and integrate character animations into the game engine, ensuring accurate playback and control.
• Create and optimize animation systems, including state machines, blend trees, and IK solvers.
• Collaborate with animators to troubleshoot animation issues and provide technical support.
• Work with gameplay programmers to define and implement character control schemes and interactions.
• Develop and maintain animation tools and pipelines to improve workflow efficiency.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience as a Technical Animator or related role in the games industry.
• Proficiency with 3D animation software such as Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender.
• Experience with game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity, and their animation systems.
• Strong understanding of character rigging, skinning, and animation principles.
• Familiarity with scripting languages (e.g., Python, MEL) for tool development.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail in a fast-paced development environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance bonuses.
• Hybrid working model offering flexibility for our Leeds -based team.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous holiday allowance and paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• A creative and collaborative work environment with a focus on innovation.