Senior Technical Animator

Company: 2K
Location: Novato
Posted on: November 15, 2021

Job Description:

JOB TITLE: Senior Technical Animator LOCATION: Novato, Ca FUNCTION: Animation REPORTS TO: Lead Technical Animator CONTRACT: Permanent What We Need: We are looking for a talented Technical Animator who is adept at problem solving, and enthusiastic about working with the unique challenges and opportunities presented by proprietary tech. Candidates should be comfortable developing expandable pipelines, as well as implementing ad hoc fixes that are needed for rapid games animation prototyping. They should also be comfortable adapting to novel animation systems and be able to aid in the implementation of new animation technology. Most importantly, we are looking for someone that is responsive, self-initiating, and works well with others. What You Will Do: * Collaborate interdepartmentally to establish, refine, and optimize animation pipelines and procedures. * Create Animation and Art tools for artists and animators, using relevant scripting languages such as Python. * Work with all aspects of the animation export and implementation pipeline. * Work with animators to resolve any roadblocks to their workflow. * Work with TDs to integrate final and intermediate rigs in game. * Manage online Animation databases, including cleaning up of obsolete data and optimizing workflow. * Communicate with Design and Engineering to better anticipate and advise on animation related technical issues. * Help generate and set up assets needed for the game's animation systems. This includes overlays, mirror tables, and character templates, as well as designing animation system flow through visual scripting. * Create visual scripts for world interactions. Who We Think Will Be A Good Fit: * Expert knowledge of Maya, Motionbuilder, or similar 3D package. * Experience with building animation systems such as Animation Blueprints, Mecanim, Morpheme, or comparable systems. * Experience managing and updating animation pipeline tools. * 5+ years' experience working in the games industry with a focus on animation game systems. * Strong creative and technical problem-solving skills. * Ability to work independently in a team environment. * Exceptional communication skills and the ability to collaborate across multiple locations effectively. * Comfortable with industry standard scripting language such as Python MEL script, LUA, etc. * Familiar with Havok and or FBX SDK. Nice to haves: * 1-3 Shipped AAA games. * Degree in Computer Animation, Computer Science, or related degree. * Comfortable with version control software, particularly Perforce. * Familiar with asset/ Task tracking clients like JIRA and Shotgun. Who We Are: Hangar 13 is an internal 2K development studio based in four locations: Novato (California), Brighton (UK), and Brno & Prague (Czech Republic), working collaboratively as one team. Each of our locations provides the opportunity to Bravely Create on big-budget, AAA console titles in a diverse and inclusive environment. At Hangar 13, we want people driven by curiosity - Visionaries who aren't afraid to explore new territory. Intrepid individuals who embrace the weird, the challenging, the unconventional. We're continuing to build a space that empowers you to take risks and redefine what's possible, Where your inquisitive nature is nourished - A home for people who aren't satisfied with what is, but who are obsessed by what could be. So bring your talent, Your unique point-of-view, Your fearless tenacity, And together, we'll Bravely Create. Novato: Located just 30 minutes north of San Francisco and 30 minutes south of Napa Valley wine country, Hangar 13's Novato location has found its home within 2K's headquarters in Northern California. Situated in Hamilton Landing inside a renovated United States Air Force base hangar, you will find our talented and passionate team within invigorating Marin County. You can walk out the door and explore famous hiking and mountain biking trails as well as the gorgeous coastline. In addition to working in an exceptional setting conducive to Hangar 13's inclusive and creatively diverse work environment, the Bay Area also provides employees with access to vibrant nightlife, world-class cuisine, local farmers markets, great public schools, and cultural metropolitan experiences. Onsite amenities include fully equipped break areas, company sponsored food trucks and raffle prizes, new state of the art gym, subsidized fitness classes and massage therapy, electric car charging stations and much more! We are only 5 minutes off of highway 101 and a 15-minute walk from the nearest SMART station. Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing, only use 2K.com and hangar13games.com accounts.

Keywords: 2K, Novato , Senior Technical Animator, IT / Software / Systems , Novato, California