Who We Are:
At NaturalMotion, we make games that wow people. We innovate to create previously impossible experiences that would not exist without us. We take pride in making titles that reach a large audience and creating communities that last. For the past seven years, NaturalMotion Studios has been named one of the Best Places to Work in the UK games industry by gamesindustry.biz. We are proudly part of the Zynga & Take-Two Interactive family.
Position Overview:
We are looking for a Senior/Principal Technical Animator to join our team in supporting Star Wars: Hunters and our next unannounced project. You will work alongside the Animation Team helping to deliver and bring to life our amazing characters.
We embrace a hybrid work environment. Within this role, you would work 2 days per week in our London or Brighton office and the remaining days at home.
What You'll Do:
* Responsible for creating and maintaining the rigging and technical animation pipeline for the projects
* As part of the Animation Team, you will play a key role in creating original characters and seasonally released cosmetics
* Reporting to the Lead Animator and Art Directors
What You Bring:
* Demonstrate expert knowledge of the skeletal pipeline from Rigging to exporting finalised characters into game, with a speciality of understanding mobile limitations (both bipedal and non-bipedal)
* Understand the setup of cloth sim and dynamics in both Engine and 3D software, the application of such and the requirements and limitations of its use
* Expert in how animation systems work in Unreal Engine, debug, modify and being able to create them in game engines from scratch
* Understand the process of motion capture, cleanup and application to different characters
* Have expert knowledge of retargeting, both in and out of engine and can expand into retargeting between non matching skeletons
* Proficient in 3D software relevant scripting languages; MEL, Python, Max Script, etc
* Foundational knowledge of rigging; using bones, IK, Splines, Blend Shapes, Skinning, node editing and setting up animation blueprints in Unreal
* Have advanced knowledge of major third party rigging systems used in the industry; Advanced Skeleton, Rapid Rig, mGear etc
* Experience in animation systems that are scalable and able to work on a wide range of mobile devices
* Complete ownership of pipeline with good documentation and communication
Bonus Points:
* Able to demonstrate knowledge of Facial Rigging processes, game engine compatible solutions and how to implement them
* Knowledge of procedural animation systems
* Some experience in other areas of technical art e.g. Shaders, Lighting Tech, VFX
* Knowledge of mechanical systems and vehicle rigging, hydraulic and scientific constructs
What We Offer You:
* Competitive salary and discretionary annual bonus scheme
* 26 days holiday, plus bank holidays & 2 paid personal days
* 6 months fully paid maternity/adoption leave and 16 weeks fully paid paternity leave (eligibility criteria applies)
* Pension plan, with a double matching employer contribution
* Private medical & dental insurance and healthcare cash plan
* Life insurance, personal accident insurance and income protection
* Mental health and neurodiversity support programs
* Company Employee Stock Purchase Plan (eligibility criteria applies)
* Fitness reimbursement plan, worth £600 per annum
* Flexible working hours
* Weekly happy hours, seasonal parties and monthly social events
* Annual rail season ticket advance and cycle to work scheme
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