Senior Character Animator (3D)

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Flexible remote work

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior 3D Character Animator to lead high-quality character animation for games, film, or TV. The role emphasizes expressive performances, collaboration with modelers, riggers, and art directors, and interpreting briefs to deliver compelling motion.

You will mentor junior staff, contribute to pipeline improvements, and stay current with industry trends while working remotely to maintain flexibility and balance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of 3D character animation experience for games, film, or TV.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating character performance and mechanics.
• Proficiency with Maya, Blender or 3ds Max.
• Experience with motion capture data cleanup is a plus.
• Ability to create performances across realistic and stylized characters.
• Excellent problem-solving and deadline-driven.
• Strong communication and remote collaboration.
• Degree in Animation or related field.
• Experience with game engines (Unreal/Unity) is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Animate high-quality 3D characters with expressive performances.
• Collaborate with modelers, riggers and art directors.
• Interpret briefs and director notes to deliver character performances.
• Execute complex sequences including action, dialogue.
• Troubleshoot animation issues and optimize performance.
• Mentor junior animators.
• Contribute to pipeline improvements.
• Ensure consistency across assets.
• Maintain clear production communication.
• Stay updated on latest techniques.

Skills

Character animation

Storytelling through animation

Remote collaboration

Mentorship

Education

Degree in Animation

Tools

Maya

Blender

3ds Max

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a trailblazing studio in the digital animation space, is actively seeking a highly skilled and creative Senior Character Animator (3D) to join their innovative team based in Rustenburg, North West . This role is crucial for bringing our client's compelling characters to life with exceptional fluidity, personality, and emotional depth. You will be instrumental in defining the animation style and quality for key projects, working with state-of-the-art tools and collaborating with a passionate team of artists and developers. This position is ideal for an animator with a profound understanding of character performance, mechanics, and storytelling through motion. As a senior member, you will also have opportunities to mentor junior animators and contribute to pipeline improvements, all while working remotely to maintain flexibility and work-life balance.

Key Responsibilities

Animate high-quality 3D characters for various media, ensuring realistic movement, expressive performances, and adherence to project style guides.

Collaborate closely with character modelers, riggers, and art directors to ensure seamless integration of animated assets.

Interpret animation briefs and director's notes to deliver compelling character performances that convey emotion and narrative.

Execute complex animation sequences, including action, dialogue, and subtle emotional expressions.

Troubleshoot and resolve animation-related technical issues, optimizing animation for performance and efficiency.

Provide constructive feedback and mentorship to junior and mid-level animators, fostering a collaborative and learning-focused environment.

Contribute to the development and refinement of animation pipelines, tools, and best practices.

Ensure animation quality and consistency across all project assets.

Maintain strong communication with the production team, providing regular updates on progress and potential challenges.

Stay current with the latest animation techniques, software, and industry trends.

Requirements

A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in 3D character animation for games, film, or television, with a robust portfolio demonstrating expertise in character performance and mechanics.

Proficiency in industry-standard animation software such as Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max.

Strong understanding of animation principles, including timing, spacing, weight, and appeal.

Experience with motion capture data cleanup and application is a plus.

Ability to create compelling performances for a wide range of characters, from realistic to stylized.

Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.

Strong communication and collaboration skills, comfortable working within a remote team structure.

A keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling through animation.

Degree or diploma in Animation, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.

Experience with game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity) is advantageous.

Benefits

This remote position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and the flexibility to work from anywhere. Our client provides opportunities for professional growth, access to advanced animation tools, and a collaborative culture that encourages creativity and innovation. Enjoy a generous annual leave policy and potential for performance-based bonuses. Be part of a team that is shaping the future of digital storytelling and bring iconic characters to life from the comfort of your own space.