Lead Character TD

Placements24; Windsor; On-site; CAD 170,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive salary

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Generous paid time off

Leadership development opportunities

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

Placements24 in London is seeking an experienced Lead Character TD to oversee the technical development of character assets, lead a team of Technical Directors, and collaborate with art and engineering to bring digital characters to life.

The role focuses on rigging pipelines, performance, and engine integration, with opportunities for leadership and innovation in a studio known for its artistic vision in the Eastern Cape.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in character TD with a leadership track record.
• Expert in rigging, skinning and deformation techniques.
• Strong scripting in Python, MEL, or similar languages for pipeline development.
• Deep understanding of game engines (Unreal Engine, Unity).
• Excellent problem-solving, communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of Character Technical Directors, providing technical guidance and artistic direction.
• Develop, implement, and maintain character rigging pipelines and tools using industry-standard software.
• Collaborate with character artists and animators to troubleshoot technical issues and optimize character performance.
• Ensure character assets meet project requirements for deformation, fidelity, and engine integration.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and techniques in character rigging and animation.

Skills

Team leadership

Problem solving

Communication

Python scripting

MEL scripting

Game engine knowledge

Tools

Maya

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and innovative Lead Character TD to join their esteemed studio in East London . This pivotal role involves overseeing the technical development of character assets, ensuring they are robust, performant, and artistically sound. You will lead a team of Technical Directors, guide rigging and pipeline development, and collaborate closely with art and engineering to bring digital characters to life. This is a premier opportunity for a seasoned professional to shape the future of character technology within a studio renowned for its artistic vision and collaborative culture in the Eastern Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of Character Technical Directors, providing technical guidance and artistic direction.
• Develop, implement, and maintain character rigging pipelines and tools using industry-standard software.
• Collaborate with character artists and animators to troubleshoot technical issues and optimize character performance.
• Ensure character assets meet project requirements for deformation, fidelity, and engine integration.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and techniques in character rigging and animation.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in character technical direction, with a proven track record in leading teams.
• Expert proficiency in character rigging, skinning, and deformation techniques using Maya and other DCC tools.
• Strong scripting skills in Python, MEL, or similar languages for pipeline development.
• Deep understanding of game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity) and their character systems.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and strong communication and leadership skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and significant bonus potential.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional growth, mentorship, and leadership development.
• A collaborative and inspiring work environment in East London , focused on pushing creative and technical boundaries.