Animator (Contract)

Lucky VR; Toronto; Remote; CAD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A game development studio is hiring a mid-senior Animator on a contract basis. The role focuses on implementing and optimizing gameplay animations in collaboration with gameplay teams. Candidates should have expertise in Maya, MotionBuilder, and Unreal Engine, along with significant experience in a professional game environment. A portfolio showcasing recent work is required for application.

Qualifications

• Significant experience as an animator or technical animator in a professional game studio environment.
• Experience working in hyper-realism and MetaHumans.
• Shipped at least one AAA title.

Responsibilities

• Implement and optimize gameplay animation features and assets.
• Develop and improve in-game animation systems and tools.
• Prototype visual side of new gameplay mechanics.

Skills

Maya mastery

MotionBuilder experience

Mocap expertise

Unreal Engine experience

Perforce knowledge

Job description

Overview

Join to apply for the Animator (Contract) role at Lucky VR.

Lucky VR is a multi-platform game development studio creating the next generation of online social gaming. Our exclusive partnership with PokerStars has propelled our debut game, Vegas Infinite, into one of the most popular multiplayer games in VR and beyond. Originally based in Toronto, our team has adopted remote working for the future. As we scale, we’re looking for talented people to help push the boundaries of gaming.

Role

We are looking for a mid to senior Animator to join our newest team, focused on blending AAA studio quality with cutting-edge AI to build an entirely new game. This will be a contract role with the possibility of extension. You’ll work closely with our Technical Art, Art, and Gameplay teams to bring gameplay animation to life, covering in-game implementation, optimization, debugging, and asset requirements to deliver stunning visuals and a smooth, immersive player experience.

Responsibilities

• Implement and optimize gameplay animation features and assets in collaboration with Gameplay Animators and Designers
• Develop and improve in-game animation systems and tools with Animation Programmers
• Prototype the visual side of new gameplay mechanics with Gameplay Animators and Designers
• Update animation assets using Maya, MotionBuilder, or Python batch tools
• Participate in Motion Capture sessions to ensure performance aligns with gameplay needs
• Define and maintain animation workflows, naming conventions, and engine-related structures

Skillset / Requirements

• Maya: Mastery level, with the ability to create, edit, and refine animation assets efficiently
• MotionBuilder: Proven experience using it for mocap editing, retargeting, and animation cleanup
• Mocap: Strong skills working with raw motion capture footage, including cleanup, retargeting to rigs, and ensuring smooth integration into gameplay
• Engines / Tools: Experienced in Unreal Engine (ideally Unreal 5) and Perforce, including asset implementation, optimization, and version control

Preferred Qualifications

• Significant experience as an animator or technical animator in a professional game studio environment
• Experience working in hyper-realism and MetaHumans
• Shipped at least one AAA title, demonstrating ability to meet high production standards
• Located in or able to work within Eastern Time hours (preferred, not required)

Application Materials

Please submit your portfolio showcasing your recent work with your application. Note: Selected applicants may be asked to complete an art test, which will involve cleaning and exporting a raw mocap clip.

Why Lucky VR

Lucky VR is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. Only qualified candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. We encourage all interested applicants to apply. We value passion and work ethic over years of experience or knowledge of casino games. If you want to work at the intersection of AAA-quality game development and cutting-edge AI, we want to work with you.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Contract

Job function

• Design, Art / Creative, and Information Technology

Industries

• Computer Games

Note

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