Senior Gameplay Animator — Hybrid Studio (AAA)

Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.; Santa Monica (CA); Hybrid; USD 96,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Naughty Dog in Santa Monica is seeking an experienced Senior Gameplay Animator to join our team on a hybrid/onsite basis. You will create high-quality runtime animations in Maya, collaborate with Animation, Design, and Engineering, and mentor peers while driving systemic gameplay features.

The ideal candidate has shipped at least one AAA title, 5+ years in games, strong motion capture and keyframe skills, and a portfolio demonstrating momentum and technical breadth.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 shipped AAA game as a Senior Gameplay Animator (or equivalent).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the video game industry.
• Expertise in systemic gameplay animation.
• Mastery of both motion capture and keyframe character animation as showcased by your strong animation reel.
• General technical knowledge of animation technologies, including state machines, blend trees, and motion matching.
• Passion for gaming and a deep understanding of game design principles and player experience.
• Ability to provide clear and constructive feedback to peers.
• Proven experience planning, setting up, and directing motion capture shoots independently and efficiently.
• Must be comfortable using a script editor.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt quickly to challenges.
• A natural team player who fosters collaboration and inspires others across departments.
• Proficient with Maya/MotionBuilder animation tools, including layers, time/trax editor, and mocap tools.

Responsibilities

• Create high-quality animation content in Maya and ensure proper implementation in our game engine.
• Serve as a positive role model through exemplary demeanor, ability, proactivity, communication, and productivity.
• Collaborate with the Animation, Design, and Engineering teams to create new exciting, mind-blowing systemic animations.
• Take ownership of challenging projects and provide innovative solutions, including mentoring team members and creating documentation.
• Direct and participate in motion capture shoots.
• Learn and master Naughty Dog’s unique gameplay systems.
• Work with game systems, adhering to efficient and effective practices.
• Utilize engine debug tools to identify and resolve gameplay issues in collaboration with designers and programmers.
• Partner with animation leadership to define and uphold the style and quality bar for in-game animations.
• Provide constructive feedback to improve internal technologies and artistic workflows.
• Take on additional responsibilities as needed.

Skills

AAA title shipped

5+ years game industry

Systemic gameplay animation

Motion capture and keyframe

Animation tech (state machines, blend)

Passion for gaming

Feedback to peers

Direct motion capture shoots

Script editor

Problem-solving

Strong communication

Proactive ownership

Maya/MotionBuilder

Job description

Naughty Dog in Santa Monica is seeking an experienced Senior Gameplay Animator to join our team on a hybrid/onsite basis. You will create high-quality runtime animations in Maya, collaborate with Animation, Design, and Engineering, and mentor peers while driving systemic gameplay features.

The ideal candidate has shipped at least one AAA title, 5+ years in games, strong motion capture and keyframe skills, and a portfolio demonstrating momentum and technical breadth.