Principal Technical Artist: Animation

Rockstar Games; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading gaming company is seeking a Principal Technical Artist to develop animation tools and improve workflows. The role demands over 8 years of experience, mentoring capabilities, and strong C++ skills. This permanent position is based in London and offers an inclusive work environment, encouraging applications from diverse candidates.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of professional experience as a Technical Artist or similar role writing tools.
• Experience working through a full production cycle of a released game or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and support animation tools and pipelines.
• Develop automated solutions to process data without user input.
• Provide thorough feedback during code reviews.
• Work with Runtime and Animation teams.
• Write documentation for tools and workflows.
• Help diagnose unexpected issues affecting animators.

Skills

Mentoring junior team members

Coding UI using PySide or PyQt

Understanding of 3D animation math

Software engineering concepts

Problem-solving skills

Experience driving ideas to product

Writing C++

Working with in-engine animation systems

Character rigging knowledge

Job description

Overview

Become part of a team working on large-scale, rewarding creative projects in an inclusive, collaborative environment. Rockstar Games is looking for a passionate Principal Technical Artist to develop new tools and technologies, improve pipelines, and manage complex workflows for the vast amount of files and assets that make up our games. This is a full-time, permanent, in-office position based in Rockstar’s game development studio in the heart of London.

WHAT WE DO

• Create and maintain Animation tools and pipelines.
• Continually innovate while solving technical problems.
• Work closely with fellow Technical Artists and related departments where tools and pipelines intersect.
• Provide support for an ever-growing Animation team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, develop, and support animation tools and pipelines in DCC and standalone contexts.
• Develop automated solutions to process data without user input.
• Provide thorough and thoughtful feedback (e.g., during code reviews and mentorship).
• Work with Runtime and Animation teams to push engine features forward.
• Write clear documentation for tools and workflows created.
• Help problem solve and diagnose unexpected issues affecting animators.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 8+ years of professional experience as a Technical Artist or similar role writing tools.
• Experience working through a full production cycle of a released game or equivalent experience with long-term projects or toolsets.

SKILLS

• Experience mentoring more junior team members.
• A strong understanding of coding UI using PySide or PyQt including use of advanced features.
• A strong understanding of the underlying math that 3D animation systems utilize.
• A strong understanding of software engineering concepts and patterns.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to think outside the box.
• Experience driving new ideas forward from conception to final product.
• Experience writing C++.
• Experience working with in-engine animation systems.
• Knowledge of character rigging and related tools and systems.

PLUSES

Please note that these are desirable skills and are not required to apply for the position.

• Experience working with package management and deployment systems (e.g. rez, pypi).
• Professional experience working as an Animator in games or VFX (not an Animator role).
• Professional experience in multi-platform, multi-project environments.
• Professional experience working in a large team spread across multiple locations and timezones.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply with a CV and cover letter demonstrating how you meet the skills above. If we would like to move forward with your application, a Rockstar recruiter will reach out to you to explain next steps and guide you through the process.

Rockstar is committed to creating a work environment that promotes equal opportunity, dignity and respect. Rockstar will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process and to qualified employees to enable them to perform the essential functions of their roles. If you need more information about Rockstar’s reasonable accommodation policies or process, or need to request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department.

If you’ve got the right skills for the job, we want to hear from you. We encourage applications from all suitable candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief, race, or any other protected category.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Do you have the right to work in the UK? Please provide details of your eligibility to work in the UK (e.g., British Citizen, EEA Passport Holder, Visa and Permit type, etc.).

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