Senior Animator

Lunar Animation Ltd; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Lunar Animation Ltd in Sheffield is on the hunt for skilled Senior Animators to join their creative team. The ideal candidate will possess outstanding animation abilities and a comprehensive grasp of movement and performance, capable of delivering engaging animation across diverse styles.

This position involves creating character and vehicle animations, collaborating closely with directors, and ensuring high-quality output. Candidates with a minimum of 5 years of professional experience are encouraged to apply, showcasing their expertise and portfolio in their cover letter.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of production experience in animation.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a studio environment.
• Comfortable with complex creative challenges.

Responsibilities

• Creating high-quality character, creature, and vehicle animation.
• Planning and delivering complex performances.
• Collaborating with directors and other departments.

Skills

Expert knowledge of Autodesk Maya

Animation skills (posing, timing, weight)

Understanding of human anatomy

Knowledge of real-world physics

Understanding of cinematography

Communication and collaboration skills

Production experience (5+ years)

Technical animation knowledge

Mentoring experience

Job description

We are looking to hire Senior Animators to join our studio based in Sheffield, UK.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional animation fundamentals, a strong understanding of movement and performance, and the ability to create compelling, story-driven animation across a variety of styles. They will be comfortable taking ownership of complex shots and sequences, adapting quickly to feedback, and helping solve creative and production challenges.

We're particularly interested in candidates who enjoy working closely with a team in a studio environment, although exceptional remote candidates are also encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Creating high-quality Character, Creature, and Vehicle Keyframe Animation.
• Planning and delivering complex performances and action sequences.
• Camera Layout and Previsualisation.
• Recording and directing reference to support performance and storytelling.
• Collaborating with Directors, Supervisors, and other departments to achieve creative goals.
• Maintaining high quality standards across assigned work.
• Identifying creative and technical challenges and contributing solutions.
• Scene caching, cleanup, and shot finalisation.
• Supporting the development and improvement of animation workflows and pipelines.

Skills & Requirements

Required

• Expert knowledge of Autodesk Maya with exceptional animation skills, including posing, timing, weight, rhythm, performance, and storytelling.
• Proven experience delivering high-quality animation on professional productions.
• Excellent understanding of human anatomy, movement, and physical performance.
• Strong knowledge of real-world physics and their application within animation.
• Strong understanding of cinematography and visual storytelling.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to receive, interpret, and implement feedback efficiently.
• Proven production experience of 5+ years.
• Experience mentoring junior and mid-level animators.
• Technical animation knowledge or pipeline experience.
• Experience working across multiple animation styles and genres.

How to apply

Please apply through our online application form by clicking the link below. To be considered, you must include a cover letter outlining how you meet the required skills, a CV, and a link to your portfolio.

If we decide to move forward with your application, a Lunar Animation Studios representative will contact you directly to discuss the next stage in the process.

Lunar Animation was founded in 2014, by a team of highly experienced artists, animators and generalists. We are an award winning international studio, working with clients around the globe.