Technical Animation Director (F/M/NB) [AAA Project]

Ubisoft; Annecy; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Ubisoft Annecy is seeking an Animation Technical Director to lead the animation production tools and pipeline. You will work on animation graphs and collaborate with art and programming teams to optimize in-game animation systems.

The role requires strong knowledge of real-time animation, Python, and experience with MotionBuilder and Maya, plus leadership abilities. Fluency in English is essential for collaboration across teams.

Qualifications

• Excellent knowledge of real-time animation systems in games.
• Advanced proficiency in Python.
• Experience with MotionBuilder and Maya.
• Knowledge of Rigging and Ragdoll systems (Havok) is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Define workstreams and improvements to the animation pipeline.
• Develop tools to streamline animator workflows across characters and gear.
• Optimize animation graphs and underlying architecture.
• Provide daily support to the animation team and help optimize in-game animation graphs.
• Serve as technical owner for compliance with memory usage and FPS targets across consoles.
• Coordinate with the animation and programming teams as the primary liaison.
• Produce documentation covering tools, methodologies, training materials, processes, and engine constraints.
• Communicate technical constraints and rationale to the animation team.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Skills

Realtime animation systems

Python programming

System integration

Animation graph design

Team leadership

English fluency

Management experience

Tools

MotionBuilder

Maya

Havok Ragdoll

DCC packages

Job description

Company Description

Ubisoft is a global leader in gaming with teams across the world creating original and memorable gaming experiences, from Assassin’s Creed, Rainbow Six, to Just Dance and more. We believe diverse perspectives help both players and teams thrive. If you’re passionate about innovation and pushing entertainment boundaries, join our journey and help us create the unknown!

Job Description

Directly reporting to the Technical Director, Pipeline, the person in this role is responsible for identifying, preparing, and adapting the tools that will be used throughout production on the Animation side, including Animation Graphs (behavior trees).

Responsibilities

• Define workstreams and improvements to be made to the existing pipeline (In-Game Animation, Ragdoll, Facial Animation, Rigging, Motion Capture, Cinematics, etc.).
• Develop or identify the best possible tools and methods to improve and streamline the work of animators across all animation-related topics (characters as well as gear/equipment).
• Optimize animation graphs and their underlying architecture.
• Provide daily support to the animation team by resolving technical issues and helping them make decisions to optimize in-game animation graphs.
• Act as the technical owner for compliance with constraints established in partnership with other disciplines (memory usage, FPS/performance targets, across different console platforms).
• Serve as the technical owner for all multiplayer and customization/modularity-related topics.
• Produce documentation covering tools, methodologies, training materials, processes, and engine constraints for future reference and consultation.
• Coordinate with and act as the primary liaison between the animation team and the programming team.
• Regularly communicate technical constraints and the rationale behind them to the animation team.
• Act as the technical point of contact for animation-related technical issues.
• Perform any other related duties as required.

Technical and artistic innovation does not intimidate you it will be a key part of achieving the desired level of quality.

Qualifications

A strong background as an Animation Technical Director, preferably in the video game industry.

• Excellent knowledge of real-time animation systems in video games and/or pipeline development.
• Extensive experience with MotionBuilder and/or Maya; knowledge of both body and facial motion capture is a strong asset.
• Advanced proficiency in Python.
• Knowledge of another DCC package (Maya, 3ds Max, Blender, etc.).
• Strong teamwork skills and the ability to take on complex challenges.
• Strong ability to influence and carry a vision
• Experience in management appreciated
• Fluent English is essential to successfully carry out the responsibilities of the role.
• Knowledge of Rigging and Ragdoll systems (Havok) is highly desirable.

Additional Information

Founded in 1996, Ubisoft Annecy has contributed to many of the Group’s blockbuster franchises, collaborating on series such as Splinter Cell and Assassin’s Creed®, as well as developing major gameplay experiences including the raid for Tom Clancy’s The Division 2® and Ghost Recon Wildlands. We are also proud to have created our own original IPs, Steep and later Riders Republic.

Beyond our AAA productions, we contribute to the Group’s technological innovation through our center of expertise around the Snowdrop game engine, as well as through the Technology Group in collaboration with Ubisoft Montréal.

Located in one of France’s most dynamic regions, Ubisoft Annecy enjoys an exceptional setting between lake and mountains, in the heart of the “Venice of the Alps,” just 30 minutes from Geneva International Airport. As a continuously growing studio, we place employee engagement and teamwork at the center of everything we do. Our ambition is driven by innovation and excellence, with one ultimate goal: delivering outstanding experiences for our players.

Contract: PermanentWork flexibility: Office-based