Senior Animator

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 620,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Hybrid work model

Access to development tools

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Animator to join a Pretoria-based game development studio. You will lead character and environmental animations, collaborating with designers and directors to define styles and ensure polished gameplay.

Responsibilities include optimizing animations for Unity/Unreal Engine, mentoring juniors, and contributing to animation pipelines. A strong portfolio and 5+ years in game animation are required, with a hybrid work model offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Animation or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in game animation with a strong portfolio.
• Proficiency in Maya, 3ds Max or Blender.
• Experience with Unity or Unreal Engine.

Responsibilities

• Create high-quality character and environmental animations and visual effects.
• Collaborate with designers and art directors to define animation styles.
• Optimize animations for performance in game engines.
• Provide mentorship to junior animators.
• Contribute to animation pipelines and tools.
• Ensure consistency and quality across all assets.

Skills

5+ years experience

Strong portfolio

Maya

3ds Max

Blender

Animation principles

Unity/Unreal Engine

Education

Bachelor's degree in Animation or related field

Tools

Maya

3ds Max

Blender

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an accomplished Senior Animator to join their innovative game development studio in Pretoria . You will play a crucial role in bringing characters and environments to life, contributing to the creation of immersive and visually stunning gaming experiences. This position requires exceptional artistic talent, a deep understanding of animation principles, and the ability to lead by example. The ideal candidate is passionate about games, possesses a strong portfolio of high-quality character and environmental animations, and thrives in a collaborative team environment. You will work closely with game designers, artists, and programmers to deliver polished and engaging gameplay.

Key Responsibilities

• Create high-quality character animations, environmental animations, and visual effects for video games.
• Collaborate with game designers and art directors to define animation styles and requirements.
• Optimize animations for performance within game engines, ensuring smooth gameplay.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior animators.
• Contribute to the development of animation pipelines and tools.
• Ensure consistency and quality across all animated assets.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Animation, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in game animation, with a strong portfolio showcasing 3D character and environment animation.
• Proficiency in animation software such as Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender.
• Strong understanding of animation principles, including timing, spacing, weight, and anticipation.
• Experience working with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to different artistic styles.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and development tools.
• A collaborative and creative studio culture with a hybrid work model.
• Opportunities for professional growth and skill development.