Senior Technical Animator - Animation Studio

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Performance-based bonuses

Retirement savings options

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Kimberley Animation Studio in Kimberley (Northern Cape) seeks a Senior Technical Animator to bridge art and tech, developing sophisticated rigs, facial animation systems, and animation tools. You will work with modelers, riggers, and animators to optimize workflows and deliver expressive characters for high-profile projects.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years in technical animation or rigging, strong scripting skills (Python/MEL/C#/C++), expert knowledge of Maya/3ds Max/Blender, and experience

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Animation/CG or related field.
• 6+ years as Technical Animator or Rigger in animation/VFX/gaming.
• Proficiency in Maya/3ds Max/Blender and scripting (Python/MEL/C#).
• Experience with game engines (Unreal/Unity) a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and optimize complex character rigs and facial systems.
• Create and refine animation tools and scripts to streamline workflows.
• Collaborate with modelers to ensure topology/UVs are deformation-ready.
• Troubleshoot issues related to character movement and deformation.
• Optimize assets for real-time engines and rendering pipelines.
• Stay updated with rigging/skin/deformation tech advancements.
• Document technical guidelines and best practices for the team.
• Mentor junior technical animators and animators on technical aspects.
• Contribute to pipeline development and integration of new software.

Skills

Character rigging

3D animation

Scripting

Game engines

Education

Bachelor's degree in Animation/Computer Graphics

Tools

Maya

3ds Max

Blender

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading animation studio in Kimberley renowned for its cutting-edge character animation in film and gaming, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Technical Animator. This critical role bridges the gap between art and technology, focusing on developing sophisticated rigging systems, character setups, and animation tools that empower the animation team to create stunningly realistic and expressive characters. You will work closely with character modelers, riggers, and animators to troubleshoot technical challenges and optimize workflows. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of character deformation, animation principles, and scripting, coupled with a passion for pushing the boundaries of digital character performance. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to high-profile animation projects in the heart of the Northern Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain complex character rigs and facial animation systems.
• Create and refine animation tools and scripts to streamline the animation workflow and improve efficiency.
• Collaborate closely with character modelers to ensure topology and UVs are optimized for deformation.
• Work with animators to identify and resolve technical issues related to character movement and deformation.
• Optimize animation assets for performance in real-time engines and rendering pipelines.
• Stay current with industry advancements in rigging, skinning, and animation technology.
• Troubleshoot and debug technical problems related to character setups and animation playback.
• Develop and document technical guidelines and best practices for the animation team.
• Assist in the training and mentorship of junior technical animators and animators on technical aspects.
• Contribute to the technical pipeline development and integration of new software and technologies.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Animation, Computer Graphics, or a related technical field, or equivalent extensive professional experience.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience as a Technical Animator or Rigger in the animation, VFX, or gaming industry.
• Expert proficiency in 3D animation software such as Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender.
• Strong understanding of character rigging, skeletal structures, skinning, and deformation techniques.
• Proficiency in scripting languages such as Python, MEL, or C# for tool development.
• Experience with game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity) and their animation systems is a significant advantage.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a meticulous attention to detail.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly.
• A portfolio showcasing advanced rigging, character setup, and technical animation work is mandatory.
• A passion for animation and a keen understanding of character performance.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience and skill level. Benefits include comprehensive health insurance, performance-based bonuses, and retirement savings options. The studio provides a supportive and collaborative environment with ample opportunities for professional development, including attending industry conferences and workshops. Employees will have the chance to work on exciting, visually rich projects and contribute to the growing animation industry in Kimberley and the Northern Cape .