Senior Animator

About the role

At Pixeltoysltd, we are seeking a talented Senior Animator to join our dynamic team in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for creating high-quality animations that enhance the gaming experience for our players. You will collaborate closely with artists, designers, and developers to bring characters and environments to life, ensuring that every animation aligns with the overall vision of the game. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on exciting projects in a fast-paced environment, contributing to the success of our innovative gaming titles.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop and produce high-quality character animations that are both visually appealing and functionally effective within the game environment.
• Collaborate with the art team to establish animation styles and ensure consistency across all animated assets.
• Create animation rigs and skinning for characters and objects, ensuring they are optimized for performance.
• Work closely with game designers to understand gameplay mechanics and translate them into engaging animations.
• Participate in the iterative animation process, incorporating feedback from team members and playtesters to refine animations.
• Utilize industry-standard software and tools to create animations, ensuring they meet technical specifications for various platforms.
• Mentor junior animators, providing guidance and support to help them develop their skills and grow within the team.
• Stay updated with the latest trends and techniques in animation and gaming to continually improve your craft and the team's output.
• Assist in the development of animation pipelines and workflows to enhance efficiency and productivity within the team.
• Collaborate with sound designers to synchronize animations with audio effects, enhancing the overall player experience.
• Troubleshoot and resolve any animation-related issues that arise during production, ensuring a smooth workflow.
• Contribute to team meetings and brainstorming sessions, sharing ideas and insights to help shape the direction of projects.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in animation, preferably within the gaming industry.
• Proficiency in industry-standard animation software such as Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max.
• Strong understanding of animation principles, including timing, weight, and movement.
• Experience with rigging and skinning characters and objects for animation.
• A solid portfolio showcasing a range of animation styles and techniques, including character animations.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work under tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine is a plus.
• A passion for gaming and a keen interest in the latest trends in animation and game development.

Nice to have

• Experience with motion capture technology and its integration into animation workflows.
• Knowledge of scripting languages such as Python or MEL for automating tasks within animation software.
• Previous experience in a lead animator role or managing animation teams.
• Understanding of visual storytelling and how animation contributes to narrative development in games.
• Familiarity with VR/AR animation techniques and best practices.

Skills & tools

• Animation software: Maya, Blender, 3ds Max
• Game engines: Unity, Unreal Engine
• Rigging and skinning tools
• Motion capture systems
• Scripting languages: Python, MEL

Practical notes

• This position is based in Leamington Spa, a vibrant area known for its rich gaming culture and community.
• The salary for this role is competitive and will be determined based on your experience and qualifications.
• Pixeltoysltd is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
• Visa sponsorship is available for the right candidate, ensuring that talented individuals from around the world can join our team.
• Interested candidates should apply through our careers page at [Pixeltoysltd Careers](https://pixeltoysltd.bamboohr.com/careers/118).

Join us at Pixeltoysltd and be part of a creative team that is passionate about pushing the boundaries of gaming animation!