Senior Animator

Cinesite-Vancouver; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Cinesite Vancouver is seeking an experienced 3D Animator to craft naturalistic character performances for a high-end feature animation project. You will work under the Animation Director, collaborating across leads to translate creative concepts into polished animation, while adhering to production pipelines and schedules.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in 3D character animation with Maya, strong acting and timing abilities, and experience across human and creature characters.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in 3D character animation using Maya.
• Strong acting, timing, weight and movement and staging.
• Experience animating humans, quadrupeds and other creatures.
• Solid understanding of facial and body pose libraries.
• Ability to work within an established production pipeline and meet deadlines.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Highly organized and methodical in approach.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and enhance scenes based on storyboards and direction.
• Collaborate with Animation Director and leads to translate concepts into animation.
• Deliver high-quality, naturalistic character performances for a feature project.
• Work within production pipelines and studio workflows.
• Complete tasks to meet quotas and deadlines.
• Contribute to a collaborative, high-quality production environment.
• Identify and help resolve risks or delays to maintain schedule.

Skills

3D character animation

Animation timing

Body mechanics

Staging

Team collaboration

Communication

Organizational skills

Tools

Autodesk Maya

Job description

Hiring Range: $90,000 to $120 000/year for a 40 hour work week

Start date: June 2026

Please note that only candidates holding a valid Canadian work authorization and residing in BC will be considered for this position.

Behind the scenes at Cinesite

Cinesite is an international visual effects and animation studio with over 30 years of experience in the film and television industry. We take pride in producing cutting-edge, award-winning works. We operate as a collective, where excellence, expertise, and creativity are valued by all.

The crew you’ll join

Under the guidance of the Animation Director, the 3D Animator is responsible for crafting high-quality, naturalistic character performances and motion sequences for a high-end feature animation project.

The script

What your day will look like ?

• Interpret and creatively enhance scenes based on storyboards, reference materials, and established artistic direction.
• Collaborate closely with the Animation Director and team leads to effectively translate creative concepts and feedback into animation.
• Deliver work that meets the standards of a high-end 3D animated feature film production.
• Work within established production pipelines and follow studio protocols and workflows.
• Complete assigned tasks according to defined quotas and production deadlines.
• Contribute to a work environment focused on delivering a high-quality animated film while helping manage production complexity.
• Identify, communicate, and help resolve potential risks, delays, or issues in a timely manner to maintain the production schedule.

Your credits

• Over 5 years of experience in 3D character animation using Autodesk Maya, with a strong understanding of anatomy, shot composition, and the fundamental principles of animation.
• Strong skills in acting, timing, weight and movement, body mechanics, and staging.
• Experience animating a wide variety of characters, including humans, quadrupeds, and other creatures.
• Solid understanding of the effective use of facial and body pose libraries.
• Ability to work efficiently within an established production pipeline while meeting project requirements and deadlines.
• Strong team collaboration skills combined with the ability to independently solve shot-specific problems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized with a rigorous and methodical approach to work.

The filmmaking experience at Cinesite

• Immerse yourself in a creative and inspiring world where you evolve every day in a collaborative and inclusive environment.

• Maintain a balance between professional and personal life.
• Actively contribute to Cinesite's success by sharing your expertise and passion with colleagues and Cinesite partners.
• We have fully embraced hybrid work, offering our employees the flexibility to work from home, at the studio, or alternate between the two (with exceptions).
• Learn more about our culture here.