Lead Technical Animator

Hangar 13; Brighton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Lead Technical Animator to spearhead technical animation for AAA games. In this dynamic role, you will mentor a team of technical animators, optimize animation pipelines, and create essential tools for artists. This position offers the chance to work in a collaborative environment across multiple locations, contributing to innovative projects that push the boundaries of gaming. If you're passionate about empowering others and have a strong background in Unreal Engine and animation systems, this is the perfect opportunity to elevate your career in a vibrant and creative studio setting.

Benefits

Fully equipped kitchen

Games room

Gym with showers

Onsite bar

Proximity to Brighton station

Qualifications

• Solid experience in animation game systems and managing technical artists.
• Expert knowledge of Unreal Engine, Maya, and MotionBuilder.

Responsibilities

• Manage and mentor technical artists while optimizing animation pipelines.
• Create tools for artists and resolve workflow roadblocks.

Skills

Animation game systems

Leadership in managing technical artists

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Scripting languages (Python, MEL, LUA)

Experience with AAA games

Education

Degree in Computer Animation

Degree in Computer Science

Tools

Unreal Engine

Maya

MotionBuilder

Perforce

JIRA

Shotgun

Job description

JOB TITLE: Lead Technical Animator (Unreal Engine)

LOCATION: Brno or Prague, Czech Republic or Brighton, UK

FUNCTION: Technical Art

REPORTS TO: Technical Art Director

CONTRACT: Permanent

We are looking for a skilled Lead Technical Animator who is articulate about the state of the technical animation for modern AAA games, is passionate about empowering technical animators and the team, and is adept at problem-solving for unexpected and unique challenges. We are also looking for a highly experienced Unreal Engine user. In addition, you will act as a hub and facilitator of technical knowledge for Engineering, Design, Animation, and Art and be a mentor for Technical Animators as they progress in their careers.

What You Will Do:

• Manage technical artists, mentor and guide the team.
• Collaborate interdepartmentally to establish, refine, and optimize technical animation pipelines and procedures.
• Create Animation tools for artists and animators.
• Work with all aspects of the animation export and implementation pipeline.
• Work with animators to resolve any roadblocks to their workflow.
• Cooperate with TDs to integrate final and intermediate rigs in-game.
• Manage online Animation databases, including cleaning up obsolete data and optimizing workflow.
• Communicate with Design and Engineering to better anticipate and advise on animation-related technical topics and issues.
• Help generate and set up assets needed for the game’s animation systems. This includes ABP setup, Overlay system, IK system and designing animation system flow through visual scripting.

Who We Believe Will Be A Great Fit:

You are someone who can see the bigger picture but also not lose track of the nitty-gritty details. Someone who is comfortable planning expandable pipelines, as well as implementing ad hoc fixes that are needed for rapid prototyping. But also quick to learn about and integrate new systems and tech. Most importantly, you are responsive, self-initiating, and work well with others.

• Solid experience working with animation game systems.
• Experienced in a leadership position managing technical artists.
• Experience managing and updating animation pipeline tools.
• Strong creative and technical problem-solving skills.
• Degree in Computer Animation, Computer Science, or related experience.
• Comfortable with an industry-standard scripting language such as Python, MEL script, LUA, etc.
• Expert knowledge of Maya and MotionBuilder.
• Experience building animation systems such as Animation Blueprints, Mecanim, Morpheme, or comparable systems.
• Ability to work independently in a team environment.
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to collaborate across multiple locations effectively.
• At least one shipped AAA game.

Nice To Have:

• Comfortable with version control software, particularly Perforce.
• Familiar with asset/ Task tracking clients like JIRA and Shotgun.
• Familiar with Havok and or FBX SDK.
• Familiar with widely used animation techniques.

Who We Are:

Hangar 13 is an internal 2K development studio that creates influential AAA video game experiences across all major platforms. The studio is based in four locations around the world: Brighton (UK), Brno & Prague (Czech Republic) and across the US, working collaboratively as one team. Each of our locations provides the opportunity to work with some of the most talented developers in the industry, on creatively challenging and exciting projects, in a diverse and welcoming environment.

Our focus is on making the highest quality games with sustainable, healthy development plans; to tell stories that engage players through worlds and experiences that keep them hooked from start to finish.

Brno: Located in the south-east part of the Czech Republic, just a 2-hour drive from Prague, 3 hrs from Budapest and mere 90 minutes from Vienna, surrounded by vineyards from the south-east and highlands from the north-west, Brno is a comfortable place to live and work. This Czech Republic´s second largest city offers everything you need without the big city rush - modern architecture, perfect cuisine, award-winning bars, and diverse countryside.

Prague: Located in the heart of Europe, with its enchanting historical centre and magic energy, Prague is one of the world's most stunning cities. The Hangar 13 office is based in the city center, in Atrium Flóra; a bustling shopping and entertainment and business complex, featuring a vibrant mix of stores, restaurants, and a lush atrium garden, creating a dynamic and inviting atmosphere for visitors. Cultural events, vibrant nightlife, sports and leisure time activities, breathtaking nature – a few steps away.

Brighton: Located just 45 minutes via train from London, Brighton is one of the UK’s most diverse and downright interesting cities. Sat right on the south coast of England, the city is home to a vibrant creative community and is known as an easy-going and tolerant place to live and work. Brighton is home to Victorian piers and palaces, brightly coloured stucco homes and a 5-mile long shingle beach which becomes a post-work social hub during the summer months.

Onsite amenities inside our state-of-the-art Brighton studio include a fully equipped kitchen, games room, gym (with showers) and our very own bar. We’re a 30 second walk from Brighton station.

Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing, only use 2K.com and hangar13games.com accounts.

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About the company

Hangar 13 is an American video game developer based in Novato, California, in the area of the former Hamilton Air Force Base.