Develop character rigs and skeletons that meet the technical limitations of game engines while insuring the characters movements look as realistic as possible

Develop and implement skinning methods to achieve realistic deformation for faces, bodies, and clothes, including the creation of tools and scripts to assist in completing these tasks quickly and efficiently during production

Develop animation tools to assist in the creation of character animation and motion capture clean up, using layers, blends, FK and IK setups, etc.

Develop tools and methods for synchronizing character animations with object animations in game

Develop methods for animating character attachments like props, cloth, and hair procedurally and through baking out animations from character rigs

Work directly with animation programmers to implement all in-game animations defined by the game design and within technical limitations

Take on a leadership role within the art team.  This entails: contributing to schedule management needs, providing guidance to support the diplomatic resolution of complex problems, providing input on team performance reviews, facilitating career coaching, and training and mentoring other technical artists in developing advanced technical skills and artistic abilities

Keep aware of industry trends and technical techniques, evaluate competitive products, and determine areas we can improve or innovate. Communicate innovations in a convincing way and collaborate with the leadership team to develop plans for implementation

Provide input on the technical methods used to achieve the artistic goals and vision through all phases of the game development cycle from pre-production through final product release.  This entails ensuring all animated events are of the highest technical quality and uphold the integrity of the games design and artistic vision as a whole

Serve as a technical resource for all phases of production and other studio art and technical needs.  This includes, but is not limited to: conducting general research, developing cutting-edge tools and techniques, and testing new systems or tools.  Provide training, transmit industry related information, and convey concerns in a constructive way by providing solutions to those concerns

Independently undertake research and information gathering prior to the commencement of a new task to ensure game design needs, reference materials, artistic direction, and technological considerations are all effectively managed to meet the defined goals

Highly proficient in Mel scripting, object rigging, and skinning both mechanical and organic assets.  Some knowledge of Python, Java, C++, and max scripting is a plus.

Highly proficient in the use of 3D animation software to create animation rigs, skin characters, and do animation testing.  This requires mastery of 3D software and the ability to analyze photos, videos, and concept art reference to help achieve the desired quality of character animation and deformation

Knowledge of Havok for rag doll, cloth, and hair setup is a plus

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

Strong time management and project management skills

Strong data management skills,  with the ability to manage and track large amounts of data as they go through the art pipeline with attention to naming conventions, directory structures, and other processes

Extensive portfolio with examples of current, hands-on work, including: object animation (both mechanical and organic), use of Havok and other physics-based tools, and tools and scripts used to assist in the creation of object animation, rigging, and setup

Some previous or next-gen video game platform experience is desirable (PS3, PS4, Xbox 360)

Minimum 5 years’ game art production or film-related experience required; 8-10 years’ preferred

Minimum 2 years’ post-high school education or training required; Master’s degree and/or professional certification preferred

Serve as the project’s key expert and advocate for the art and craft of 3D level design.

Bring creative inspiration, new ideas, process, and problem solving to the project’s levels and overall design through inspiration and expertise from inside and outside of games.

Collaborate with the Creative Director, Lead Designer, and other disciplines to set, document, and communicate the core direction, design values, and quality bar for all level design on the project and ensure these are in harmony with the project’s creative goals, narrative, and themes.

Collaborate with other leads to design, document, and administer the level design workflow, including defining key developmental milestones, interdepartmental approvals, technical standards, and design metrics and standards. Help to scope and schedule level design work and take direct ownership of the timeliness and quality of the final work.

Use a variety of written, visual, and interactive tools to communicate and document design direction, new ideas, core principles, and critical feedback in a clear, actionable, goal-oriented way to other disciplines, all all levels of experience.

Direct management of the Level Design staff, including hiring, career development, tasking and scheduling. Particular focus on strong mentorship, building trust, empowering creative expression, and creating an environment that values continuous improvement in communication, process, and creative output.

Work directly on an individual level team to create polished, memorable, narrative-driven 3D game levels to serve as “pilot content” demonstrating the quality level and direction for the rest of the game.

Lead or participate in interdisciplinary groups to design, implement, and polish level-specific gameplay features, such as unique player mechanics, bosses, and level-specific enemies.

Drive internal feedback process for levels through formal reviews and internal / external playtests. Digest and prioritize feedback into actionable plans for improvement.

Act as a primary client for internal level design tools. Work with programmers to design, test, and drive tools and workflow improvements to empower the Level Design staff.

Maintain an expert level knowledge of the current state and trends in regards to project genre, tools, and competing games. Conduct regular research into past and present games and game productions to inform current project goals and process.