Lead Technical Animator

Placements24; Roanoke (VA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional development

Collaborative environment

Cutting-edge software/hardware access

Creative input on projects

Job summary

Placements24 in London is seeking an experienced Lead Technical Animator to lead rigging and animation pipelines for next-gen characters and scenes across interactive projects.

You will collaborate with artists and engineers, mentor junior teammates, build tools in Python/MEL, and ensure seamless integration with Unreal Engine or Unity.

This role offers a collaborative, innovative environment with cutting-edge software access and opportunities to shape the future of animation technology.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a Technical Animator or Rigger with a strong portfolio.
• Expertise in Maya and scripting languages (Python/MEL).
• Experience integrating animation systems into game engines (Unreal/Unity).

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain efficient and robust character rigging systems and animation pipelines.
• Collaborate closely with animators to troubleshoot and optimize animation performance and workflows.
• Create custom tools and scripts to enhance the animation process and address technical challenges.
• Work with engineers to integrate animation systems into the game engine and ensure proper functionality.
• Advise on animation best practices and provide technical support to the animation team.
• Stay current with new technologies and methodologies in technical animation and rigging.

Skills

Rigging systems

Animation pipelines

Python scripting

Maya

Unreal/Unity integration

Leadership

Tools

Maya

Python

MEL

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and innovative Lead Technical Animator to join their growing team in East London . You will be at the forefront of developing and refining animation pipelines, creating robust rigging systems, and solving complex technical challenges to empower animators and ensure high-quality character and object motion. This role requires a deep understanding of both animation principles and technical implementation, working closely with animators, artists, and engineers to bring digital characters and elements to life seamlessly. Join us to shape the future of animation technology and contribute to groundbreaking interactive experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain efficient and robust character rigging systems and animation pipelines.
• Collaborate closely with animators to troubleshoot and optimize animation performance and workflows.
• Create custom tools and scripts to enhance the animation process and address technical challenges.
• Work with engineers to integrate animation systems into the game engine and ensure proper functionality.
• Advise on animation best practices and provide technical support to the animation team.
• Stay current with new technologies and methodologies in technical animation and rigging.

Requirements

• Extensive experience as a Technical Animator or Rigger in the game or animation industry, with a strong portfolio of rigging and pipeline work.
• Expertise in Maya, with strong knowledge of scripting languages such as Python or MEL.
• Deep understanding of character anatomy, kinematics, and animation principles.
• Experience with game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity) and their animation systems.
• Ability to diagnose and solve complex technical animation problems.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to mentor junior team members.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending industry events.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment in East London .
• Access to cutting-edge animation software and hardware.
• The chance to work on exciting projects with significant creative input.