Senior Gameplay Animator - IGC/ Gameplay (Contingent)

Naughty Dog, United States, Santa Monica, CA +1

The role

This position is for temporary engagement through our staffing partner, Yoh Enterprise Solutions. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States for this position.

What you will do

Create high-quality animation content in Maya and ensure proper implementation in our game engine
Serve as a positive role model through exemplary demeanor, ability, proactivity, communication, and productivity
Collaborate with the Animation, Design, and Engineering teams to create new exciting, mind-blowing systemic animations
Take ownership of challenging projects and provide innovative solutions, including mentoring team members and creating documentation
Direct and participate in motion capture shoots
Learn and master Naughty Dog’s unique gameplay systems
Work with game systems, adhering to efficient and effective practices
Utilize engine debug tools to identify and resolve gameplay issues in collaboration with designers and programmers
Partner with animation leadership to define and uphold the style and quality bar for in-game animations
Provide constructive feedback to improve internal technologies and artistic workflows
Take on additional responsibilities as needed

What skills you will use

Minimum of 1 shipped AAA game as a Senior Gameplay Animator (or equivalent)
Minimum of 5 years of experience in the video game industry
Expertise in systemic gameplay animation
Mastery of both motion capture and keyframe character animation as showcased by your strong animation reel
General technical knowledge of animation technologies, including state machines, blend trees, and motion matching
Passion for gaming and a deep understanding of game design principles and player experience
Ability to provide clear and constructive feedback to peers
Proven experience planning, setting up, and directing motion capture shoots independently and efficiently
Must be comfortable using a script editor
Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt quickly to challenges
Highly motivated, proactive, and solution-oriented, with a "can-do" attitude
A natural team player who fosters collaboration and inspires others across departments
Strong communication skills, ensuring clear and proactive interaction with animation and other teams
Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, manage shifting priorities, and keep stakeholders informed
Proactive in taking ownership of assignments and identifying new opportunities to support the team and company goals
Proficient with Maya/MotionBuilder animation tools, including layers, time/trax editor, and mocap tools

Senior Gameplay Animator - IGC/ Gameplay (Contingent)

The role

Senior Gameplay Animator - IGC/ Gameplay (Contingent)

The role

What you will do

What skills you will use

Nice to have

Similar jobs at other companies

Gameplay Animator

Senior Gameplay Programmer, Game Prototypes

Senior/Lead Gameplay Animator - 3C & FPS

Software Engineer, Gameplay Animation

Senior Gameplay and Animation Engineer

Senior Gameplay and Animation Engineer

Interview questions

Naughty Dog