Lead Animator (Remote - Canada)

Spear Interactive; Toronto; Remote; CAD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join an innovative video game developer dedicated to creating immersive sports experiences. As a 3D Animator, you will play a crucial role in bringing characters to life through realistic animations, utilizing your expertise in MotionBuilder and Maya. This position offers the opportunity to work on exciting projects like 'Varsity,' a high school football game, while collaborating with a talented team. With a focus on detail and quality, you'll ensure that animations meet the highest standards and enhance the game's visual identity. Embrace the chance to contribute to a dynamic and inclusive environment where your creativity can shine.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a 3D Animator in the video game industry.
• Proficiency in MotionBuilder and Maya is essential.

Responsibilities

• Retarget and clean up raw motion capture data onto character models.
• Collaborate with the development team to integrate animations into Unity.

Skills

3D Animation

Motion Capture Retargeting

Attention to Detail

Collaboration

Communication Skills

Education

Experience in Video Game Industry

Tools

Autodesk MotionBuilder

Maya

Unity

Job description

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Spear Interactive is a renowned video game developer and publisher based in Hamilton, Ontario, most known for publishing the “Maximum Football” series. We are committed to delivering immersive sports gaming experiences and are currently developing “Varsity,” a high school football video game built in Unity.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a skilled 3D Animator proficient in MotionBuilder and/or Maya to join our dynamic team. The primary responsibility will be retargeting raw Xsens motion capture data to our player models, ensuring seamless and realistic animations. This role requires meticulous attention to detail to eliminate limb clipping and resolve any animation inconsistencies. Experience with game rigs and a solid understanding of Unity’s animation pipeline are highly desirable. This is largely a remote position with some in-person motion capture sessions.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Retarget and clean up raw Xsens motion capture data onto character models using MotionBuilder and/or Maya.
2. Ensure animations are free from clipping and align with the game’s aesthetic and technical standards.
3. Collaborate closely with the development team to integrate animations seamlessly into the Unity engine.
4. Develop and maintain a consistent animation style that enhances the game’s visual identity.
5. Optimize animation assets for performance without compromising quality.
6. Stay updated with industry trends and advancements in animation techniques and tools.
7. Attend motion capture sessions in Burlington, ON with development team.

Qualifications:

1. Proven experience as a 3D Animator in the video game industry.
2. Proficiency in Autodesk MotionBuilder and Maya.
3. Experience with motion capture retargeting and cleanup processes.
4. Familiarity with Unity’s animation system and integration workflows.
5. Strong understanding of human anatomy, movement, and physics as they relate to animation.
6. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
7. A keen eye for detail and a passion for creating high-quality, realistic animations.

Preferred Skills:

1. Experience with game rigging and skinning.
2. Knowledge of scripting languages such as Python or MEL for tool development.
3. Prior experience working on sports or character-driven video games.

Application Process:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume, a cover letter detailing their relevant experience, and a portfolio showcasing their animation work. Applicants will need to go through a small technical test. Please include examples that demonstrate your proficiency in motion capture retargeting and cleanup.

Spear Interactive is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Join us in bringing the excitement of high school football to gamers worldwide!

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Industries

Computer Games