Naughty Dog | Senior 3D Technical Gameplay Animator, CA

Festybay; Santa Monica (CA); Hybrid; USD 126,400 - 227,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company matching

Paid time off and studio holidays

Wellness programs

Employee discounts on products

Job summary

Festybay is looking for a Senior Technical Gameplay Animator to design, implement, and troubleshoot complex runtime animation systems based in Santa Monica, California. You will work closely with animation and gameplay engineering teams to build cutting-edge animation tools and create high-quality content.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of technical or gameplay animation experience, proficiency in Python, C#, or C++, and artistic understanding to deliver stunning animations. Generous compensation and benefits include a base salary of $126,400–$227,500 USD.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in technical or gameplay animation roles, with AAA experience preferred.
• Proven portfolio of high-quality animations.
• Expert in state machines, blend trees, and procedural physics.

Responsibilities

• Design and deploy proprietary tools for animation workflows.
• Build animation networks and troubleshoot complex bugs.
• Mentor junior animators and document production processes.

Skills

Technical animation experience

Programming in Python, C#, or C++

Strong collaboration skills

Tools

Autodesk Maya

MotionBuilder

Job description

Senior Technical Gameplay Animator

Naughty Dog is seeking a visionary and highly skilled Senior Technical Gameplay Animator to design, implement, and troubleshoot complex runtime animation systems and dynamic character behaviors.

This is not a character rigging position; it is for an expert animator with deep technical programming or scripting capabilities. Operating from our studio in Santa Monica, California, under a hybrid or onsite arrangement, you will collaborate closely with Animation, Design, and Gameplay Engineering teams.

Your goal is to pioneer next-generation animation pipelines, build cutting‑edge runtime tools, and author high‑quality animation content to test and prove these systems in‑game.

Key Responsibilities

• Workflow Optimization: Facilitate design, creation, and deployment of proprietary tools, scripts, and workflows.
• Pipeline Streamlining: Identify bottlenecks and implement automated solutions to optimize efficiency.
• Strategic R&D: Contribute to long‑term development of internal animation technologies.
• Runtime Implementation: Build and maintain complex in‑game animation networks.
• High‑Quality Animation Authoring: Create visually stunning content for new gameplay systems.
• Cross‑Departmental Debugging: Collaborate to analyze, isolate, and resolve complex animation bugs.
• Defining the Standard: Partner with leadership to maintain signature artistic style and quality bar.
• Project Ownership: Own high‑risk tech‑animation sub‑projects from concept to shipping polish.
• Mentorship & Training: Guide junior and mid‑level technical animators.
• Technical Documentation: Author clear documentation, tutorials, and reference wikis.

Qualifications

• Experience: 5+ years in technical or gameplay animation roles; AAA experience preferred.
• Portfolio: Proven track record of responsive, high‑quality animations across genres.
• Artistic Understanding: Sophisticated grasp of weight, momentum, timing, and anatomy.
• Programming: Proficiency in Python, C#, or C++ for production tools and engine integration.
• Runtime Systems: Expert‑level knowledge of state machines, blend trees, procedural physics, ragdoll blending, custom IK solvers.
• DCC Pipeline: Advanced expertise with Autodesk Maya or MotionBuilder and related SDKs/APIs.
• Collaboration: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Compensation & Benefits

Base salary: $126,400–$227,500 USD. May include annual bonus and long‑term incentive plans.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching.
• Generous paid time off and studio holidays.
• Wellness programs and counseling access.
• Sony employee discounts on products and services.

Equal Opportunity & Background Checks

Naughty Dog and Sony Interactive Entertainment are proud Equal Opportunity Employers. All individuals are respected and empowered.

Background checks are conducted at the offer stage per local laws to ensure studio safety.