Senior Technical Artist, Character and Animation Pipeline – Games

📋 Description

• Take ownership of and enhance the character and animation pipeline from DCC (Maya) to Unreal Engine 5.

• Develop and sustain body and facial rigs for characters, costumes, and hair using Maya.

• Comprehend, maintain, and advance the animation pipeline.

• Establish and enforce naming conventions, structural integrity, and performance benchmarks for character content.

• Create and assist with tools and scripts (such as Python, MEL, and Unreal tooling).

• Identify and resolve pipeline and performance challenges.

• Collaborate with the Lead Character Artist, Animation Lead, Art Director, and engineers to determine constraints.

• Support animation tests and validation within the engine.

• Offer clear guidance and constructive feedback to both internal teams and external vendors.

• Investigate, implement, and/or enhance the latest art, graphics techniques, and tools.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of experience as a Technical Artist.

• Expert-level proficiency with at least one major DCC (Maya, Blender); Maya is highly preferred.

• Extensive knowledge of character rigging, facial rigs, animation workflows, and motion capture.

• Strong experience with Unreal Engine 5.

• Proficient in Python or similar scripting languages (such as MEL) for pipeline and tool development.

• Experience in converting high-fidelity assets into optimized, real-time game assets.

• Solid understanding of performance constraints, LODs, materials, and textures for gaming.

• Ability to collaborate across various functions including Art, Animation, Engineering, Design, and with external partners.

• Exceptional documentation and communication skills, including experience with remote collaboration.

• Experience in 2D and/or 3D animation, particularly in stylized or non-human proportion work.

🏝️ Benefits

• Health Plans

• Mental Health support

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer match

• Stock Option Program

• Disability Programs

• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts

• Family-forming benefits

• Life and Serious Injury Benefits

• Paid leave of absence programs

• Flexible time off for salaried employees

• 35 days annually for paid time off for full-time hourly employees