Lead Traversal Animator

PlayStation Network; United States; Remote; USD 151,000 - 228,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global entertainment company seeks a Traversal Animation Lead to direct a team in producing high-quality animations for AAA games. This role encompasses crafting visual storytelling through animation direction, mentorship, and collaboration with game design teams to align with project vision. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in animation software, leadership skills, and a passion for innovation in game development.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Matching 401(k)

Paid time off

Employee discounts for Sony products

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of Maya, including FK and IK techniques.
• Ability to articulate thoughts effectively through written or verbal means.
• Experience managing and mentoring other animators.

Responsibilities

• Guide team in implementing animation style and provide constructive feedback.
• Conduct weekly reviews and ensure high quality standards.
• Manage up to 4 direct reports and support their career growth.

Skills

Maya

Communication

Team Collaboration

Cinematography

Technical Proficiency

Job description

PlayStation isn’t just the Best Place to Play — it’s also the Best Place to Work. Today, we’re recognized as a global leader in entertainment producing The PlayStation family of products and services including PlayStation5, PlayStation4, PlayStationVR, PlayStationPlus, acclaimed PlayStation software titles from PlayStation Studios, and more.

PlayStation also strives to create an inclusive environment that empowers employees and embraces diversity. We welcome and encourage everyone who has a passion and curiosity for innovation, technology, and play to explore our open positions and join our growing global team.

The PlayStation brand falls under Sony Interactive Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation.

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Traversal Animation Lead to guide and inspire a team of animators in delivering top-tier traversal animations that meet the highest quality standards set by the Animation Director. In this role, you will work closely with the Game Director, as well as the design and engineering teams, to ensure animations are both technically sound and creatively aligned with the game’s artistic and narrative vision. At Insomniac Games, we're passionate about crafting exceptional animations for AAA games and delivering outstanding new player experiences while fostering well-being!

Essential Duties and Responsibilitiesinclude the following:

• Collaborate with the Animation Director to establish an animation style and guide the team in implementing this style effectively, ensuring alignment with the overall tone and vision of the assigned project.
• Provides constructive feedback and mentorship to each individual animator on team/pod to support continuous development of their animation, cinematography, layout, and engine skills.
• Conducts weekly animation reviews with the Animation Director to provide actionable feedback for animators to ensure accurate implementation and uphold high quality standards.
• Manages up to 4 direct reports, which includes regular 1 on 1s, constructing performance reviews, goals, and managing their career growth and well-being.
• Prepares and directs mocap shoots that promote efficient implementation workflows and enhance overall visual quality.
• Collaborates with the Animation Director and Project Management to develop and maintain an animation schedule that aligns with overall production timelines.
• Evaluates the animation team’s Jira queues in consultation with project managers.
• You may lead a cross-departmental pod focused on delivering traversal-related tasks for key project milestones and represent the pod’s animation team in relevant inter- and intra-departmental meetings.
• Contributes to a department wide effort to identify assets required for upcoming assignments.
• Reviews animation and run levels in game to check on correct implementation.
• Stay informed of all project-specific updates and can answer any necessary questions from animators.
• Contributes with direct animation as needed (but only up to 50% of the time), demonstrating hands-on leadership and technical proficiency.
• Maintains a strong understanding of Character Set up process and highly proficient with skeletons, IK, FK, facial animation system, constraints and other systems used for character animation.
• Continuously explores and introduces the latest advancements in animation technology, fostering a culture of innovation and learning within the team.
• Ensures a professional and respectful work environment by addressing concerns swiftly and fostering a culture of respect and safety.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities includemaintaining up to 4 direct reports,interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Qualifications:To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Computer Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of Maya, including FK and IK techniques and basic rigging methodologies.
• Proficiencywith office programsand production tracking programs.
• Proficiency with non-linear editing programs, such as Premiere, as well as working with sound and music.
• Ability to learn and apply new software packages.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

Other Skills:Ability to articulate one’s thought and ideas effectively through written or verbal means. Ability to work well as part of a large team. Ability to communicate effectively with other project leads. Open and supportive attitude with members of animation department.

Please refer to our Candidate Privacy Notice for more information about how we process your personal information, and your data protection rights.

At SIE, we consider several factors when setting each role’s base pay range, including the competitive benchmarking data for the market and geographic location.

Base pay is one component of our total compensation package. Please note that the base pay range may vary in line with our hybrid working policy and individual base pay will be determined based on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location, as well as additional compensation components, such as annual bonus, profit sharing, and other incentive plans.

In addition, this role is eligible for SIE’s top-tier benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k), paid time off, wellness program and coveted employee discounts for Sony products. This role also may be eligible for a bonus package. Click here to learn more.

Profit Sharing (PSS Only)

$151,500 - $227,300 USD

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, maternity or parental status, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.

We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond.

PlayStation is a Fair Chance employer and qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment.

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