Lead Animator (3D Character Specialist)

Placements24; Rustenburg; Híbrido; ZAR 900.000 - 1.300.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Competitive salary

Medical insurance

Retirement contributions

Access to latest animation software

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Animator (3D Character Specialist) near Rustenburg, North West, to spearhead the animation department. You will guide a team of animators, set quality standards, and ensure seamless integration of animations into the game engine (Unreal/Unity).

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in 3D character animation for games, with 2+ in a lead role, strong Maya/Blender skills, and a solid portfolio. Bachelor’s in Animation or related field or equivalent experience is required.

Formación

• Minimum 5 years in 3D character animation for games, with at least 2 in a lead role.
• Proficient with Maya or Blender for animation and rigging.
• Strong knowledge of animation principles, anatomy, timing, and acting.
• Experience with Unreal Engine or Unity and state machines/IK/FK.
• Portfolio demonstrating high-quality character work is mandatory.
• Bachelor's degree in Animation, Game Design, or related field, or equivalent experience.

Responsabilidades

• Lead and mentor a team of 3D character animators.
• Set and maintain animation quality standards across all projects.
• Create high-quality animations: walk cycles, combat moves, expressions, and cinematic sequences.
• Collaborate with designers and narrative teams to align animations with gameplay and story.
• Work with engineers to implement animations in the game engine (Unreal/Unity).
• Develop and refine animation pipelines, tools, and workflows.
• Conduct animation reviews and provide actionable feedback to team.
• Oversee rigging for characters to ensure fidelity.
• Stay current with industry trends and best practices in 3D animation.
• Manage animation tasks and deadlines for projects.

Conocimientos

3D animation

Lead team

Maya

Blender

Unreal/Unity

Rigging

Feedback & mentoring

Educación

Bachelor's in Animation/Game Design or related field

Herramientas

Unreal Engine

Unity

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and rapidly growing game development studio located near Rustenburg, North West , is looking for a highly skilled and innovative Lead Animator (3D Character Specialist) to spearhead their animation department. This role is crucial for bringing our game characters to life with believable movement, compelling performances, and exceptional visual appeal. As a lead, you will be responsible for setting the animation quality bar, guiding a team of talented animators, and collaborating closely with art directors, game designers, and programmers to ensure seamless integration of animations into the game engine. We are seeking a creative visionary with a deep understanding of character mechanics, performance animation, and the technical pipelines involved in modern game development. Join us in crafting unforgettable interactive experiences from the heart of the North West province.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of 3D character animators, providing constructive feedback and artistic direction.
• Set and maintain the highest standards for character animation quality, style, and performance across all game projects.
• Create high-quality character animations, including walk cycles, combat moves, facial expressions, and cinematic sequences.
• Collaborate with game designers and narrative teams to ensure animations align with gameplay mechanics and story requirements.
• Work with technical artists and programmers to implement animations efficiently within the game engine (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity).
• Develop and refine animation pipelines, tools, and workflows to enhance productivity and quality.
• Conduct animation reviews and provide clear, actionable feedback to team members.
• Oversee the rigging process for characters to ensure optimal animation fidelity.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in 3D animation.
• Manage animation tasks and deadlines for assigned projects.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in 3D character animation for video games, with at least 2 years in a lead or senior role.
• Proven expertise in creating realistic and stylized character animations using industry-standard software (e.g., Maya, Blender).
• Strong understanding of animation principles, human and creature anatomy, weight, timing, and acting.
• Experience with game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity, including animation state machines and IK/FK setups.
• Proficiency in character rigging and skinning techniques.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to technical challenges.
• A keen eye for detail and a passion for creating emotionally engaging character performances.
• Portfolio demonstrating exceptional character animation skills is mandatory.
• Bachelor's degree in Animation, Game Design, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including comprehensive medical insurance and retirement contributions.
• You will have the opportunity to work on exciting, cutting-edge game projects with a talented and passionate team.
• We provide a stimulating work environment that encourages creativity and professional growth, with access to the latest animation software and hardware.
• Enjoy the unique lifestyle benefits of living and working near Rustenburg, North West , while contributing to globally recognized entertainment.
• We offer flexible working arrangements and opportunities for career advancement within a rapidly expanding studio.
• Your contributions will directly impact the quality and success of our games.