Lead Animation Technical Artist

Netease-Games; Bothell (WA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

NetEase is seeking a seasoned Animation TA Lead to drive the runtime animation system for a dual-perspective shooter. You will shape core systems such as aiming, weapon handling, and procedural animation, collaborating with animation, engineering, and design teams to translate plans into executable plans.

You will lead and mentor the animation TA team, establish technical standards, and own the end-to-end delivery of high-quality multiplayer animation.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in game animation R&D and TA development on top-tier PvP shooters.
• Owns end-to-end design and delivery of core systems such as aiming and animation graphs.
• Can set technical standards and guide growth of animation TAs.
• Experience with multiple engines and real-time multiplayer performance.

Responsibilities

• Design, validate, and implement core aiming and weapon handling solutions.
• Collaborate with animation, programming, and design teams to translate plans into executable plans.
• Lead the animation TA team, set technical standards, coach, and drive delivery.
• Drive mass production and continuous iteration of animation solutions.

Skills

Animation leadership

Runtime animation

Aiming & weapon handling

Animation graphs

Team mentorship

Multi-engine experience

AI/Agents in animation

Tools

DCC tools

Scripting

Toolchains

Job description

Job Description

• Responsible for the technical R&D and quality breakthroughs of the runtime animation system for the dual-perspective shooting game, systematically improving character movement, aiming, weapon handling, combat states, and the overall shooting experience.
• Personally design, validate, and implement core solutions for aiming and weapon handling experience, procedural animation, animation graphs, and state orchestration. Identify and resolve animation quality issues across assets, engine, gameplay, and runtime from both first-person and third-person perspectives.
• Hold decision-making authority for the project's animation technical approach. Establish animation technical specifications, review standards, problem-diagnosis methods, and effect acceptance mechanisms. Drive stable mass production and continuous iteration of solutions within the project.
• Collaborate with animation, programming, and game design teams to translate animation technical solutions into executable development plans and advance cross-team implementation.
• Lead and mentor the animation TA team through matrix management, with authority to set team technical standards. Responsible for technical direction, coaching on complex issues, capability building, and experience accumulation, while enhancing the team’s ability to independently tackle difficult problems with project delivery as a priority.

Job Requirements

• Many years of experience in game animation and animation TA R&D, having worked on top-tier high-quality realistic PvP shooter products. Experience in runtime animation development for Call of Duty PvP or equivalent-level shooting projects is preferred.
• Deep understanding of the feel and runtime performance of dual-perspective shooting games. Ability to independently take ownership of the design, R&D, and closed-loop delivery of one or more core systems, such as aiming and weapon handling, procedural animation, animation graphs, and state orchestration.
• Complete game development pipeline experience. Ability to independently drive targeted quality breakthroughs in runtime animation - from problem identification and technical validation to cross-team execution and live-operation effect evaluation.
• Matrix-style technical leadership capability. Ability to set animation technical standards, break down R&D tasks, guide animation TAs' professional growth, and lead the existing team to upgrade capabilities while prioritizing project delivery.
• Not limited to a single engine. Familiar with the runtime animation architecture of at least one mainstream or proprietary engine, and able to solve animation R&D problems using DCC tools, scripting, and toolchains. Experience with multiple engines is preferred.
• Experience in high-quality action game development, international project collaboration, or the ability to balance quality, performance, and maintainability in multi-character, multi-state, high-concurrency multiplayer scenarios is preferred.
• Ability to use AI/Agents for animation data processing, R&D assistance, tool automation, problem analysis, or workflow efficiency improvements is preferred.

Commitment to Equal Opportunity:
NetEase is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity in its workforce. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. We also comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding applicants with criminal histories. If you require reasonable accommodation due to a disability during any part of the application process, please email [e-mail].

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