Senior Technical Gameplay Animator

Sony Playstation; Santa Monica (CA); On-site; USD 126,400 - 227,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading gaming company in Santa Monica, California seeks an experienced technical animator. In this hybrid role, you will create high-quality animation systems and streamline pipeline processes while collaborating with various teams. Candidates should have 5+ years in technical animation, with proficiency in languages such as Python and C++. The estimated pay range for this position is $126,400 to $227,000 USD, reflecting the company's commitment to competitive compensation and innovation in gaming.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in technical animation for games.
• Proficiency in Python, C#, C++, or similar programming languages.
• Full understanding of in-game animation tools like state machines, blend trees, IK solvers, etc.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate the creation of high-quality animation systems.
• Innovate animation pipeline processes and workflows.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve in-game animation issues.

Skills

Technical animation expertise

Python programming

C# programming

C++ programming

In-game animation tools

Mocap expertise

Digital content creation

Collaboration

Job description

Why PlayStation?

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 PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®VR, PlayStation®Plus, 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.

This is a hybrid / onsite position.

For nearly 40 years, Naughty Dog has been crafting best-selling, critically acclaimed games that constantly push the boundaries of narrative, gameplay, and technology. Naughty Dog recently released The Last of Us Part II Remastered as well as a current generation remake of The Last of Us Part I for the PS5. We're also proud to say that The Last of Us Part I and Part II are now available for the first time on PC. Currently, we’re busy at the kennel working on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, and we'd love to find talented individuals to join us!

Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character-driven stories and attention to detail. We are committed to innovation within our games and as such have curated some of the top creative and technically innovative minds in the industry. We welcome diverse candidates and believe that a broad range of cultural and life experiences contribute to the overall well‑being and success of the studio and the titles we craft together.

What you will do:

• Facilitate the creation and implementation of tools and techniques that allow the building of complex and high‑quality animation systems
• Innovate and streamline animation pipeline processes and workflows
• Collaborate with the Animation, Design, and Engineering teams to analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve in‑game animation implementation issues and animation‑related technical challenges
• Create high quality animation content supporting the newly developed behaviors and systems and implement it in engine
• Work with the animation leadership on defining and maintaining the style and quality bar of the in‑game animation
• Take ownership of challenging projects and provide innovative solutions, including mentoring team members and creating documentation
• Contribute to the strategic development of internal technologies and artistic processes

What skills you will use:

• 5+ years of industry experience in technical animation for games
• Proficiency in Python, C#, C++ or other programming languages is required
• Full understanding of in‑game animation tools like state machines, blend trees, IK solvers, etc.
• Expertise with mocap and keyframe‑based digital content creation pipelines built on Maya or Motionbuilder
• Proven track record of creating visually stunning animations for diverse game genres
• Proactively contributes to the progress of the team and the project

As a part of the Naughty Dog application process, candidates will be expected to provide a portfolio or demo reel of their work and may be asked to complete an animation test.

#LI-SP3

Pay Range

The estimated USA base pay range for this zone (Los Angeles area) is listed below. This role may be eligible for additional compensation packages that include annual bonus and other incentive plans.

$126,400 — $227,000 USD

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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.