Senior Gameplay Animator - IGC/ Gameplay (Contingent)

The role

The Senior Gameplay Animator will create high-quality animation content in Maya and implement it in the game engine. They will collaborate with Animation, Design, and Engineering teams to create systemic animations and direct motion capture shoots.

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

Required qualifications

• 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

Nice to have

• Experience developing animation tools is a plus
• Character rigging experience is a plus
• Experience setting up in-game physics assets is a plus

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision

Before you apply

• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States
• Candidates will be expected to provide a portfolio or demo reel of their work
• May be asked to complete an animation test
• Sony Interactive Entertainment conducts background checks at the offer stage

About the company

Naughty Dog has been crafting best-selling, critically acclaimed games for nearly 40 years. They are currently working on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.