3D ANIMATOR JOB DESCRIPTION

Keyframing a locomotion cycle one hour and reviewing mocap cleanup the next - a 3D Animator's week rarely looks the same twice. This role owns character and creature motion from blocking through engine integration, sitting inside the art department alongside riggers, technical artists, and level designers. In AAA and mobile game production alike, shipped titles depend on animation that reads clearly at real-time frame budgets, and the 3D Animator is the person responsible for making it feel true to each character's weight and personality. State machine logic, motion blending, and IK systems all fall within this role's scope in ways they do not for a 2D Animator or Character Artist.

Success as a 3D Animator means owning the full motion quality of game-ready characters, from early prototype blocking through final in-engine validation, in a way that directly serves player experience and production schedules. Working under a Lead Animator or Animation Director, you collaborate daily with environment artists, programmers, and designers, with scope spanning mobile titles, console projects, or a single AAA production, depending on studio size.

Career Impact: Animators who ship at least one credited AAA or mobile title with documented engine implementation experience become markedly more competitive for Lead Animator and Animation Director roles within three to five years.

Business Impact: When character motion lacks convincing weight, timing, or behavioral coherence, players disengage. This role is the direct line between animation principles and a game that feels worth finishing.

Growth Opportunity: Hands-on work with state machines, motion blending, and licensed IP pipelines builds a technical depth that opens paths toward Technical Animator and Animation Pipeline TD roles not accessible from purely artistic tracks.

• Produce keyframed and motion-captured character animations spanning locomotion, combat, and facial performance to meet art direction and production quotas.
• Integrate animation assets into the game engine, validating state machine logic, motion blending, and IK system behavior against technical specifications.
• Interpret storyboards and animatics, blocking through to final polish within assigned shot or sequence quotas.
• Collaborate with riggers and technical artists to identify rig issues and propose improvements that unblock the animation team.
• Review and implement director and lead notes within agreed revision cycles, maintaining style and performance consistency across the production.
• Manage animation asset libraries, including locomotion cycles, combat sets, and expression banks for reuse across the project.
• Contribute to pipeline documentation and onboarding materials to support team-wide workflow efficiency.

• Bachelor's degree in animation, fine arts, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 2 or more years of professional 3D animation experience, with at least one shipped game title in your portfolio.
• Demonstrated understanding of animation fundamentals, including weight, timing, posing, acting, and character performance for both humanoid and creature subjects.
• Proven ability to interpret and execute against storyboards, animatics, and director notes with minimal revision cycles.
• Working knowledge of character rigging concepts, including skinning, biped and quadruped skeleton structures, and IK/FK setups.
• Strong grasp of real-time animation constraints, including polygon budgets, draw calls, and frame-rate targets for console or mobile platforms.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills across art and technical disciplines, with a demonstrated ability to receive and act on critique constructively.

• Experience performing in or directing a motion capture shoot, including session setup, cleanup, and retargeting to production rigs.
• Familiarity with Agile or Scrum production workflows, including sprint planning and task tracking in a project management system.
• Exposure to licensed IP production pipelines with external brand partner review processes.
• Background in classical or 2D animation, particularly in timing and weight studies that inform stylized or cartoon-adjacent game projects.

• Core Stack: Autodesk Maya, Autodesk MotionBuilder, 3ds Max
• Game Engines: Unreal Engine, Unity
• Rigging & Physics: Character Studio, CAT, Biped
• Asset Management: ShotGrid (Shotgun)
• 2D & Compositing: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects

• Base Salary Range: $65,000 to $100,000 annually, varying by seniority and studio size.
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus of 5% to 15% common at mid-size and AAA studios.
• Equity: Stock options or RSUs offered at publicly traded or pre-IPO studios.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution rates vary by studio.
• PTO: 15 to 20 days annually; some studios offer unlimited PTO with minimum usage policies.
• Common Perks: Game library access, remote work flexibility, relocation assistance for on-site roles, and professional development stipends.

Figures based on current US market benchmarks. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Candidates who require reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process are encouraged to make that need known. Final offers are contingent on the successful completion of a background check. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Creating compelling animations across characters, creatures, cutscenes, and camera work, the 3D Animator drives the visual quality of in-game experiences from motion capture through final engine integration. Reporting to the Lead Animator, this position contributes to both production execution and junior team development within a game development studio.

Key Responsibilities

• Create high-quality animations using both motion capture data and hand-key animation techniques.
• Create 3D animations for characters and creatures, based on given designs and specifications, including action and combat animation, locomotion, facial animation, and camera animation.
• Create 3D cutscenes according to given storyboards and direction, including shot layout, camera work, character animation, facial animation, and editing.
• Deliver and integrate animation assets into the game engine and ensure that they conform to technical and art specifications.
• Work with Lead Animator to ensure timely completion of tasks at the desired quality.
• Train and guide junior 3D Animators at the discretion of the Lead Animator.

Required Qualifications

• Certificate or degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum 2 years of professional experience in 3D animation.
• Knowledge of art fundamentals such as anatomy, composition and color theory, with a strong eye for balance and detail.
• Knowledge of animation fundamentals in human and creature animation, camera animation and cinematic composition.
• Knowledge of video games and a broad range of different game genres across all platforms, with a passion for the medium.
• Proficiency in animation-related functions within Maya (or similar 3D applications such as 3ds Max, Motion Builder or Blender).
• Proficiency in combat and action animation.
• Proficiency in scripting in Maya, MEL, or Python.
• Experience in animation layout creation.
• Experience with motion capture, including facial capture and performance capture.
• Experience with game animation implementation in Unity or Unreal Engine, including state machines, motion blending and IK systems.
• Experience in character rigging or setup.
• Good communication skills with members across both art and technical teams.
• Able to take direction and critique from Lead Artist and Creative Director to ensure consistency of the game's artistic vision.
• Proactive, self-motivated and driven, with a strong sense of ownership.
• Good organization skills.
• Able to manage assigned tasks in a timely fashion according to priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency in the Japanese language.

Reporting to the Animation Director and Supervisor, the 3D Animator drives quality across a variety of animated content while contributing to rig research, development, and team mentorship. Collaborating across disciplines, this position provides technical direction and performance guidance to fellow animators as part of an established production pipeline.

Core Functions

• Utilize Maya to produce keyframes and motion capture animation under direction.
• Test and suggest improvements for character rigs.
• Create character cycles and libraries.
• Define and communicate motion and performance styles for new characters.
• Work with the Animation Director and Supervisor to understand the style of shows.
• Communicate those concepts to the team.
• Motivate the animation team and act as a mentor for newer artists.
• Understand the scope and schedule of assigned work and communicate progress.
• Assist with onboarding for new hires and department process documentation.
• Look ahead to foresee potential technical, process, or schedule issues and recommend solutions.
• Work to improve pipeline and workflow processes.
• Participate in team meetings, online chat channels, and Motion Capture shoots as a performer.

Qualifications & Experience

• 5+ years working in a production environment.
• Proficiency in Autodesk Maya required, Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud and Shotgun Studio a plus.
• Knowledge of visual storytelling with emphasis on character performance, fight choreography, shot composition, and timing.
• Knowledge of animation principles.
• Experience with motion capture is a plus.
• Experience with remote workflows and team members.
• Strong leadership skills and self-motivation to help the team complete tasks within a deadline.
• Work well within a team.

As the 3D Animator on a AAA title, this role is responsible for delivering believable keyframed and motion-captured performances for both humans and creatures across a complete game pipeline. Partnering with environment, character, lighting, VFX artists, programmers, and level designers, this position helps shape a cohesive and high-quality player experience.

Primary Duties

• Produce believable keyframed performances for both humans and creatures.
• Clean up and enhance motion-captured performances.
• Interpret storyboards and take them through to the final animation.
• Create and iterate key-frame animation.
• Work closely with other disciplines such as environment, character, lighting and VFX artists, graphics programmers and level designers to create a AAA game experience.
• Follow an artistic vision and interpret feedback and direction accurately.

Skills & Qualifications

• Experience as an animator with work on a minimum of one game, backed by a strong portfolio demonstrating the ability to create high-quality animations.
• In-depth understanding of the workflows and methods involved in animating game characters, vehicles and objects.
• Knowledge of key-frame animation principles and motion capture technology.
• Knowledge of traditional animation principles (timing, weight, etc.).
• Knowledge of staging and block-out skills, with a good eye for character posing.
• Experience with Maya and Motion Builder.
• Experience with character rigs and facial animation solutions.
• Experience working with and editing mocap data.

Embedded within a game development team, the 3D Animator takes primary ownership of character animation and asset creation from early prototype through final production. Collaborating across disciplines and reporting to upper management, this position also contributes to team culture and operational continuity across the studio.

Accountabilities

• Develop games from early prototype to final production.
• Animate humanoid and non-humanoid characters to show a range of personalities.
• Make prototype animations.
• Perform special projects and other miscellaneous duties as assigned by upper management.
• Travel on business or work beyond normal work hours when necessary.
• Foster a respectful work environment and good team spirit.

Education & Experience

• Art degree and/or equivalent work experience.
• Proficiency in 3D Modeling tools, with at least 2 years of experience with Maya.
• Full understanding of the fundamentals of animation, for both humanoid and non-humanoid characters.
• Familiarity with Unreal is required.
• Proficiency in Photoshop and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Rigging models is a great plus.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Enjoy working in a small, agile team environment.
• Must provide an animation portfolio via a website link.

A key contributor to a human-sized, creatively driven studio, the 3D Animator is responsible for producing character, animal, object, and scenery animations that align with the Director's artistic vision and technical standards. Working closely with the Animation Director, this position determines the best technical and creative approaches while meeting established timelines and deliverables.

Duties

• Animate characters, animals, objects, scenery, and images.
• Create appropriate animation based on animatics, storyboards, and layout.
• Ensure continuity between shots.
• Ensure that the animation matches the style and vision of the Director and the Animation Director.
• Work in collaboration with the Animation Director to determine the best technical and creative approaches to pursue.
• Execute the corrections requested by the Animation Director and Director.
• Meet established objectives and respect timelines and deliverables.

Position Requirements

• Proficiency in Maya is essential.
• Knowledge of movement, sense of weight, and timing.
• Knowledge of traditional animation techniques and the principles of character movement is an asset.
• Knowledge of an asset manager, such as Shotgun.
• Ability to understand and interpret storyboards.
• Experience in rigging is an asset.
• Strong attention to detail.

Serving on a AAA racing game production, the 3D Animator handles the full spectrum of animation, including crowds, in-car sequences, and high-end cinematics that surface narrative elements such as rivalry and career story arcs. Collaborating with character and tech art teams and attending motion capture shoots, this position contributes directly to the title's cinematic and emotional impact.

Job Functions

• Handle all aspects of animation for the title, including crowds, in-car animation, cut-scene, etc.
• Attend motion capture shoots.
• Create high-end cinematic animations.
• Collaborate with character and tech art teams.
• Bring out narrative elements such as rivalry and career story elements of an AAA racing game.

Requirements

• Proficiency in Motion Builder.
• Experience in motion capture clean-up.
• Knowledge of 3D packages (Maya, 3D Studio Max).
• Able to adhere to technical constraints, budgets, and deadlines.
• Familiarity with managing, coaching, and mentoring staff.

Producing high-quality keyframed and stylized animations for real-time and pre-rendered sequences, the 3D Animator supports all aspects of character, vehicle, and object animation within a game development environment. Working closely with the lead animator, team producer, and Studio Lead Artist, this position upholds production guidelines, resolves technical issues, and contributes to a positive team culture.

Role Responsibilities

• Be responsible for providing high-quality 3D animations for ongoing projects.
• Provide quality feedback for processes and projects in development.
• Create believable, high-quality key-framed animations for real-time and pre-rendered sequences.
• Collaborate with game designers and programmers to achieve the best animation within platform limitations.
• Animate characters and game objects, including rigging and skinning, with the ability to do complex rigs.
• Work closely with the lead animator, team producer, and Studio Lead Artist to support development guidelines for every aspect of art production.
• Meet project milestones and deadlines, report task status to Lead or Producers, and foresee potential issues before they occur.
• Contribute to a good working environment for the team.
• Resolve any artistic or technical issues.
• Define and execute creative and stylish (Cartoony or Realistic) animations for characters, vehicles, and objects.

Professional Experience

• Academic background in animation or equivalent, hand drawing, sketching and/or illustration.
• Over 3 years of games industry experience.
• Over 3 years of experience in 3D Studio Max and Character Studio.
• Working experience on PC or consoles is a major asset.
• Advanced knowledge in character motion, physics-based motion and the fundamental principles of animation.
• Great understanding of human anatomy, proportion, perspective, composition, color, shading, lighting and post-processing.
• Excellent knowledge in skinning and rigging with low to medium polygon counts.
• Perfect understanding of topologies associated with production constraints.
• Knowledge in contemporary media (web, games, comics, film, animation, etc.).
• Ability to accurately estimate time to complete tasks and manage priorities to meet deadlines.
• Great interpersonal, organizational and leadership skills over junior artists.
• Effective communication skills, including negotiation, conflict resolution and decision-making.
• Proactive, autonomous, responsible, self-disciplined and well organized with a great sense of creativity and initiative.
• Strong commitment to the team, ability to work well under pressure, take direction, and demonstrate flexibility of thinking.
• Passion for playing video games across multiple platforms.
• Good English oral and written skills.

Partnering closely with art leads, designers, and project managers, the Animator delivers high-quality 3D characters, environments, and props that meet client art direction within demanding production schedules. Operating within a small, focused team, this position requires the ability to self-manage, adapt to shifting deadlines, and troubleshoot production issues independently or collaboratively.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Create high-quality 3D characters, environments, and props that complement the Art Direction and style desired by the client.
• Create detailed, accurate animations of characters for scene files.
• Work with art leads and designers to plan, layout and execute the vision of the project.
• Troubleshoot and provide solutions to production issues related to asset creation and world building, working independently or in small groups.
• Work in observance of the project budget and schedule, while remaining capable of adapting to shifting priorities.
• Collaborate with Project Managers and fellow Animators to maintain an efficient and successful production process.

Background & Experience

• BA, BFA, or an equivalent professional certification.
• 5-7 years of experience with 3ds Max as a Generalist.
• Advanced 3D skills using 3ds Max, including character animation with CAT, 3D modeling of environments, vehicles and props, character setup and rigging, particles and dynamics, and strong lighting skills in Vray.
• Proficiency in Mari to create textures, including materials and texture creation and editing.
• Experience with Z-Brush or Mudbox is a plus.
• Possess the ability to quickly learn and adapt to art and production pipelines.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure and deadlines.
• Self-motivated individual with a willingness to continue learning.

Bringing game assets to life across rigging, skinning, and animation for mobile platforms, the 3D Animator reports to the Lead Animator and maintains high-quality standards throughout the content pipeline. Collaborating with production artists and developers, this position ensures all game assets are animation-ready and delivered to spec and on schedule.

Scope of Work

• Rig, skin, and animate game assets (characters, environments, UI, etc.) for mobile platforms while pushing and maintaining high-quality standards.
• Report to the Lead Animator for tasks, revisions, content pipeline/workflow, training, and creative ideas.
• Take full ownership of assigned animation tasks, including rigging/skinning/animating in 3ds Max, exporting/testing/fixing bugs in the build.
• Work with the production artists and developers and ensure that game assets are animation and game-ready.
• Learn and apply artistic/IP/licensing guidelines.
• Execute client revisions on spec and promptly.

Experience & Qualifications

• Degree/Diploma in classical/3D animation or equivalent academic or professional experience.
• 2+ years of previous professional experience as a 3D Animator in the gaming industry is preferred.
• An up-to-date demo reel demonstrating a solid understanding of animation principles, human/creature anatomy and motion, with a focus on polished execution.
• Knowledge of 3ds Max, biped, CAT and rigging and skinning is essential.
• Experience in 2D animation and 3D modeling with a focus on characters (topology and modeling for animation) is a plus.
• Excellent communication, customer service and organizational skills; proactive and capable of working under minimal supervision.
• Passionate about all things animation and games related.
• Professionally and personally driven; boldly embrace change and am always willing to grow and learn new things.

Operating across all aspects of a game's visual design, the 3D Animator blends artistic expertise in character animation, motion graphics, and 2D/3D asset creation with strong technical knowledge of the Unity 3D engine. Collaborating with a cross-functional team of artists and programmers, this position produces visually compelling, gameplay-enhancing content across varied game themes and tight production deadlines.

Work Activities

• Collaborate effectively with a team of artists and programmers to offer creative solutions to both art and game design challenges.
• Produce appealing character animation and motion graphics elements to fit a variety of game themes.
• Create high-quality 3D and 2D assets to meet fast-paced deadlines.
• Organize and implement assets in the Unity 3D game engine.
• Work well within a team and thrive under the pressure of deadlines.

Technical Qualifications

• 1-3 years of prior experience in a related position.
• Knowledge of animation principles and foundations.
• Elevated level of proficiency using Maya to create and animate fun and stylized characters/assets.
• Experience in Unity3D game engine (importing assets, animation editor, shuriken particle system).
• Proficiency in Photoshop.

Collaborating directly with the Creative Director and team, the 3D Animator develops models, environments, and animations that function on-brand and on-strategy across all channels, reaching millions of individuals monthly. Working within a creative and wellness-focused environment, this position requires exceptional technical range across 2D, 3D, motion graphics, and video to bring brand concepts to life at scale.

Performance Expectations

• Work hands-on with the Creative Director and team to produce beautiful and highly creative collateral.
• Develop 2D vector illustrations, drawings, motion graphics and other imagery using software.
• Develop 3D images/videos based on creative vision and briefs.
• Test content across various media, producing work that will reach millions of individuals per month and receive real-time consumer feedback.
• Keep up-to-date on emerging trends across both the creative and wellness spaces.

Education & Experience

• Degree in design, Fine Arts, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience for a design agency/in-house creative.
• Demonstrated experience in bringing creative concepts to life with a keen eye for aesthetics and details.
• Strong understanding of the principles of 3D illustration and animation.
• Strong drawing skills with knowledge of human anatomy, physical motion, form and balance.
• Mastery of Adobe Creative Cloud applications, Cinema 4D or related software.
• Bonus points for multi-disciplinary skills from graphic design to video editing.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work methodically and meet deadlines.

At the intersection of technical pipeline work and original character animation, the 3D Animator creates and implements game-ready animated content that meets art direction while contributing to both tool development and vendor feedback management. Working within an iterative, agile environment, this position interacts with internal and external peers to advance the quality and efficiency of the animation pipeline.

Delivery Expectations

• Create and implement 3D character animation that meets art direction.
• Participate in visualizing and developing animated features of games.
• Interact with internal and external peers and/or managers to exchange semi-complex information related to assigned activities.
• Contribute to the animation pipeline and the development of new or enhanced technical tools.
• Provide and manage feedback on assets from external vendors.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• 3+ years of progressively complex related experience.
• Expert understanding of Maya or equivalent visual effects packages, competent working with joints and locators, keyframing, and rigid/soft body simulations.
• Experience using Unreal (including Cascade/Niagara, Material Editor, Blueprints).
• Experience animating both in 3D and 2D.
• Experience working in an iterative, agile environment.
• Excited to improve visual skills, learn new techniques, and apply technology.
• Self-directed, receptive to critique and feedback.

Character and fight animation are the core focus of this 3D Animator role, which encompasses dynamic posing, rhythmic combat sequences, motion capture recording and cleanup, and comedic timing within an established production pipeline. Working under the Director and within a broader team structure, this position communicates effectively with creative and production staff to deliver polished animation on schedule.

Areas of Ownership

• Utilize Maya to produce animation under direction.
• Work with the Director to achieve animation that cohesively fits within the established look of the show.
• Follow established protocols in file management structure, project organization, and version control.
• Participate in Motion Capture shoots as a performer.
• Communicate effectively and respectfully with creative and production staff, as well as coworkers.
• Self-assess progress and utilize time management techniques, as well as production tracking software, to meet deadlines and milestones.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience.
• 1+ years working in a production environment.
• Knowledge of visual storytelling with emphasis on character performance, fight choreography, shot composition, and timing.
• Knowledge of animation principles.
• Proficiency in Autodesk Maya.
• Experience with Unreal Engine is a plus.
• Experience with motion capture a plus.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud and Shotgun Studio is a plus.
• Work well within a team and within the structure of a larger pipeline.

From script-to-screen on a CG feature film pipeline, the 3D Animator completes assigned shots with character performances that serve the Director's overall vision, balancing creative excellence with tight production schedules. Partnering with key stakeholders and attending sequence launches and dailies, this position anticipates and resolves technical issues while demonstrating adaptability to budget and schedule parameters.

Operational Focus

• Complete assigned shots in accordance with the Director's overall vision.
• Gather suitable reference material from various sources.
• Animate characters and props using Maya.
• Attend all sequence launches and dailies to understand the Director and Animation Director's needs, and note required revisions.
• Anticipate, communicate, and troubleshoot any technical issues with the assistance of key stakeholders.
• Handle feedback and constructive criticism well.
• Adapt working style to budget and schedule parameters.

Qualifications & Experience

• Completed post-secondary education in 3D animation or other relevant area of study.
• 3+ years of CG character animation experience (feature film experience preferred), with proven animation skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of animation timing, posing, acting, and storytelling techniques.
• Working knowledge of CG Animation Software (experience with Maya is a tremendous asset).
• Experience with tracking packages such as PF Track and Boujou, as well as Renderman and 3Delight, is an asset.
• Previous study of anatomy, perspective, and composition, with strong drawing skills an asset.
• Strong creative problem-solving skills.
• High level of creativity, with the ability to perform to standard under tight deadlines.
• Availability to work overtime during production crunch periods.

Anchored in core animation fundamentals, the 3D Animator reads scripts, develops storyboards, and creates models, drawings, and illustrations to support a full range of animation requirements from early concept through final output. Serving across both hand-drawn and electronic production methods, this position contributes to synchronization, special effects integration, and visual storytelling within a collaborative team environment.

Scope of Work

• Read scripts and story lines to understand animation requirements.
• Prepare presentations with raw designs.
• Develop storyboards for the initial stages of production.
• Create models, drawings, and illustrations by hand or electronically.
• Join images with background graphics and special effects.
• Ensure synchronization of frames and audio.

Requirements

• Degree in computer animation, 3D/graphic design, fine arts, or relevant field.
• Proven experience as an animator.
• Experience in project management.
• Knowledge of 2D/3D, stop motion, and computer-generated animation.
• Proficiency in CGI software (Photoshop, 3ds Max, Maya, etc.).
• A creative storyteller with presentation abilities.
• Teamwork and excellent communication skills.
• Comfortable working with deadlines and budget restrictions.

Working from storyboard through final polish, the Animator delivers high-calibre, dramatic, and action-oriented character animation for broadcast television or feature film productions that meet both creative and production standards. Reporting to the lead animator, this position actively participates in production meetings, troubleshoots creative and technical issues, and contributes positively as a team player across a deadline-driven environment.

Core Responsibilities

• Work from storyboard/animatic to create animation sequences as assigned by the director.
• Complete assigned animation within the scheduled timeframe, blocking movements in rough animation, refining and polishing to completion in final animation.
• Address required revisions and modify shots as requested.
• Ensure and maintain the quality, style, and continuity of animation based on production schedule and resources available.
• Anticipate, communicate, and troubleshoot any creative or technical issues with assistance from key stakeholders.
• Actively participate in production-related meetings by offering thoughts and ideas, and assist with production-related assignments.
• Ensure the lead animator/director's instructions are carried through, and recommend any team training needs to the lead animator.
• Keep current on animation techniques and technology.
• Carry out duties professionally and positively as a positive and creative force on the team.
• Take direction, collaborate, and be a team player.
• Work independently and collaboratively, often with multiple tasks and under deadline pressure.

Skills & Qualifications

• Degree/diploma in fine arts or animation or equivalent experience an asset.
• Experience in the animation or film industry.
• Strong understanding of the principles of animation, lip-sync, and camera composition.
• Solid understanding of character posing, character animation, lip sync, and camera composition.
• Proficiency with standard industry software (eg. Maya).
• Able to adapt to multiple animation styles.
• Communicate creative and technical thoughts and ideas professionally.
• Able to multitask, prioritize, and manage time efficiently.

Set within a CG theatrical feature film production, the Animator expedites high-quality character animation with strong acting performances and convincing motion under the direction of Animation Supervisors and Leads. Collaborating across the animation department, this position also leads and mentors small teams, helps maintain sequence-level quality, and participates in key decisions that affect the department.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Expedite high-quality character animation for feature films.
• Work closely with Animation Supervisors/Leads to create skilled animation with strong acting performances and convincing motion.
• Work directly with the Animation Director, giving notes and attending dailies.
• Lead and mentor small teams.
• Help maintain the level of the animation for the sequence.
• Organize work according to priorities and deadlines.
• Follow artistic and technical guidelines.
• Involved in key decisions that would affect the department.

Experience & Qualifications

• Experience in feature animation is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of acting, posing, weight, timing, animal, and human motion.
• Knowledge of Maya.
• Demonstrate strong technical skills in 3D animation.
• Have a good technical understanding of models and rigs.
• Ability to work within a team, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines with production.
• Must communicate well and be able to take notes and directions.

Hired to set the quality bar for 3D animation on a licensed IP game, the Senior 3D Animator drives animation initiatives from ideation through in-game implementation while overseeing the animation pipeline and mentoring junior team members. Collaborating with internal artists, engineers, designers, and external vendors, this position also manages relationships with brand licensing partners and ensures best practices are clearly documented across the team.

Strategic Responsibilities

• Bring characters to life and show excellence in motion in line with the role and personality of that character within the game.
• Drive animation initiatives and features from ideation to implementation in collaboration with other disciplines.
• Oversee animation department pipeline, making sure cross-discipline dependencies are resolved.
• Understand and respond to feedback from external brand licensing partners.
• Evaluate the work of internal and external animators and drive and maintain quality standards.
• Mentor more junior animation team members and help improve their output quality and workflow.
• Conduct animation review meetings with external animation partners.
• Report on animation initiative and asset progress to the leadership team.
• Design solid animations that are optimized and streamlined for integration into the game.
• Ensure best practices and quality are maintained, improved and documented to improve Art team efficiency.
• Collaborate and iterate with a passionate team of artists, technical artists, engineers and designers to craft games for mobile and tablet devices.
• Follow the existing art style and assist in asset creation, ensuring concept art meets technical and visual quality standards.
• Clearly document workflows that will be used by internal and external teams.
• Participate in production and art team meetings, brainstorming, art reviews and critiques.
• Keep up to date on the latest industry standard tools, workflows, and techniques.
• Deliver artwork and elements within deadlines set by production.

Background & Experience

• Post-secondary education in art, animation, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience with animation in the video games industry.
• Strong knowledge of anatomy, movement and basic real-world physics and how to apply these to animation.
• Working knowledge of animation techniques and proficiency in 3D software packages, particularly Maya; Unity experience is an asset.
• Advanced experience with digital illustration software (ie, Photoshop).
• Working familiarity with Scrum/Agile project processes.
• Experience with Jira and Confluence is a plus.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, time management, and organizational skills.
• Self-motivated, collaborative attitude in a team environment.
• Strong attention to detail.

Under the guidance of animation leadership, the 3D Animator creates and implements character animations, manages asset libraries, and ensures all final deliverables align with project needs and are approved on schedule. Collaborating with a cross-functional team of artists and programmers, this position uses creativity and technical skill to animate characters, creatures, props, vehicles, and objects across active game productions.

Key Deliverables

• Create and implement 3D character animation utilizing Maya.
• Listen to feedback and alter animations to better suit project needs.
• Ensure that the final product aligns with the project's needs and is delivered on time.
• Present the final animated piece to the head of Animation for approval.
• Manage files, asset libraries, and update procedures documentation.
• Animate characters, creatures, props, vehicles, weapons, objects, etc.
• Use creativity and artistic techniques to tell a story or provide information in visual form.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or certificate in computer animation, fine arts, graphic design, or related field (not a must).
• Knowledge of animation, storytelling, and character development techniques.
• Knowledge of the movement of limbs, the effect of weight, and the behavior of skin and flesh.
• Knowledge of lighting, shadows, and textures.
• Knowledge of visual language, including perspective, point of view, proportion, color, composition, and framing.
• Proficiency in Maya, including character rigging as a plus.
• Experience and knowledge of Unity are a plus.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, presentation, and computer skills.
• Ability to work independently or with a team to develop animations and solve problems.
• A good instinct for timing, movement, and editing cuts.
• Strong attention to detail, adaptability, and receptiveness to feedback and direction.
• Artistic talent and technical skills with a good eye for detail.

Delivering polished, harmonious animation that allows players to fully immerse themselves in a stylistically believable and consistent game world, the 3D Animator works across characters, creatures, crowds, and objects at an established AAA studio. Collaborating with artists, designers, programmers, leads, and fellow animators, this position blends attention to detail, organizational discipline, and creative adaptability to serve a unified artistic vision.

What You'll Do

• Sync the engine and the build to ensure the working with the latest code and animations.
• Check in with the lead and the team to update and be updated on the current situation.
• Prototype, key frame, or block an animation.
• Work on animations from scratch or from mo-cap.
• Test animations and validate designs.
• Read the latest relevant academic literature to stay at the forefront of the field.

Position Requirements

• A college diploma in 3D for video games or equivalent.
• 1 to 3 years of experience in video game animation or equivalent.
• Experience with animation software such as Motion Builder, 3ds Max, or Maya.
• Proficiency in communicating with all disciplines and supporting and elevating the team in terms of visuals.
• Passionate about pushing the envelope while understanding the demands of cohesive teamwork.

Part of an established CG animated production pipeline, the 3D Animator creates character and object animation that supports the overall creative vision for the story under the guidance of Supervisors, Leads, and Principals. Collaborating across departments, this position balances timing, composition, and performance complexity while adhering to digital file management protocols and a culture of community, connectivity, and creativity.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Follow the established style of performance for the project under the leadership of the Supervisor and/or Leads.
• Collaborate to create and determine unique traits for characters and/or objects to be animated as requested.
• Deliver assignments per project schedules and set quotas.
• Work to ensure balance, composition, and timing requirements are implemented in a way that supports story and character performance.
• Creatively enhance material to achieve set standards of performance and complexity.
• Interpret and implement notes and feedback from Director(s), Supervisors, or Leads in a timely and qualitatively acceptable way.
• Adhere to digital file management protocols.
• Align and engage with the values of the studio: a culture of community, connectivity, creativity, and collaboration.
• Interact respectfully and professionally with colleagues, staff members, and clients.
• Makes decisions promptly and accepts accountability for own actions.

Qualifications & Experience

• A degree and/or diploma in fine arts or animation or equivalent experience is preferred.
• 2+ years of experience working in a professional environment within their discipline.
• Demonstrated understanding of principles of animation.
• Working knowledge of anatomy, perspective, and composition; background in classical animation is preferred.
• Proficiency in Maya is required.
• Strong aesthetic skills, including staging and timing.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively.
• Ability to communicate and/or demonstrate ideas clearly and concisely; practices attentive and active listening and incorporates feedback and direction received from the Director/Supervisor.
• Solid work ethic and positive attitude; self-motivated, proactive, and consistently strives to expand knowledge base.
• Efficient and detail-oriented with the ability to work under pressure.
• Ability to deliver work on time and fulfill production quota.

Responsible for delivering high-quality character animation, rig tests, and reusable asset libraries within a broadcast animation production, the 3D Animator works collaboratively with rigging, modelling, and production teams to maintain consistency with the Director's vision across episodes. Proficiency in Maya and a solid grasp of body mechanics, facial posing, and lip sync are central to success in this position.

Scope of Work

• Collaborate with the Animation team to create the highest quality animation within the constraints of the project budget and schedule.
• Deliver assigned scenes on schedule that are consistent in quality and style.
• Handle 1-2 passes of revisions as required while completing the assigned quota.
• Work with the animation team to ensure that scenes fit into the episode as a whole and in line with the Director's vision.
• Work with the Rigging and/or modelling team in the development of 3D character rigs for production.
• Work closely with the rigging team to troubleshoot and problem-solve potential rig issues.
• Create libraries of reusable animation assets for use in production, e.g., walk cycles, run cycles, and use/manipulate available assets when needed while staying on model.
• Create banks of expressions and phonemes for characters in productions.
• Produce animation cycles, retakes, and rig tests.

Technical Qualifications

• 3D Animation experience (Animation Qualification desirable).
• Strong knowledge of animation principles and able to apply them.
• Solid understanding of body mechanics, including weight and balance, lip sync/facial posing, and character timing.
• Good understanding of facial posing is required to achieve appealing expressions and mouth shapes.
• Ability to utilize space and posing choices effectively.
• Proficiency in Autodesk Maya.
• Track record of working effectively with all levels of production crew, artistic staff, and management.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Collaborative with a positive attitude; can professionally take direction and critiques.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines.
• Ability to seek, resolve, and predict any potential issues with assigned tasks.

Joining as the studio's first animator, the 3D Animator sets the foundational quality bar, shapes the animation pipeline, and creates real-time game assets for a combat-based title from initial prototypes through production. Collaborating with artists, designers, and engineers in a small, tight-knit team, this position also contributes to art style development, design ideation, and player-focused iteration.

Engineering Responsibilities

• Bring the first characters to life through animation, setting the bar for excellence as the studio's first animator.
• Contribute to the formation of the animation pipeline.
• Conceive and create animations for real-time game assets, including prototypes to help designers and engineers with earlier visualization.
• Collaborate with artists, designers, and engineers to ensure assets meet gameplay and technical needs.
• Help grow and build the art style as well as team culture as part of the initial art team.
• Iterate frequently based on player intuitions, feedback from playtesters, and from the team itself.
• Contribute design ideas for the prototypes, as everyone on the team helps shape the games we make.

Requirements

• 2 years of experience doing character animation for combat-based games.
• Strong understanding of the principles of motion.
• Experience with Unreal and a strong understanding of its animation systems.
• Strong knowledge of industry-standard tools (3DS Max, Maya, MotionBuilder, etc.).
• Rigging experience.
• Strong analytical skills that aid in understanding and articulating what makes games great.
• Ability to work without a producer to self-manage and scope projects and features.
• Solid team player; comfortable working in a small, scrappy, tight-knit group.
• Passion and love for games.
• Passion for RPG and core fantasy worlds.

Animating stylized 3D characters, particle systems, and marketing assets within Unity3D, the 3D Animator supports game features, transitions, and sizzle reel productions across a mobile or casino gaming environment. Collaborating with a cross-functional art team, this position spans character rigging, weight painting, motion graphics, and dynamic VFX pipelines to deliver polished, engaging player experiences.

Accountabilities

• Understand the company's Mission, Vision, and Values and be an ambassador of MVV.
• Collaborate effectively with artists and programmers to create high-quality, stylized 3D character animations for games produced by the team.
• Rig and weight paint prepared 3D characters for animation.
• Animate real-time pop-ups/motion graphics in 3D space to be used in Unity3D.
• Assist in creating entertaining Unity3D transitions to and from game features.
• Create high-quality animations of characters or key art assets specifically for marketing promos and sizzle reel videos.
• Work with the art team to create dynamic and engaging particle systems in Unity's Shuriken Particle Editor.

Technical Qualifications

• An art degree preferred or equivalent work experience.
• 1-2 years of prior experience in a related position.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating understanding of animation principles as they apply to a variety of stylized 3D characters.
• Work experience in the mobile or casino gaming industries.
• Experience developing motion graphics elements for any type of media.
• Experience in Unity3D engine (importing assets, animation editor, shuriken particle system).
• Familiarity with VFX pipelines in games and knowledge of Unity 3D particle systems.
• Proficiency in Autodesk Maya and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Competency in both Photoshop and After Effects.

Building anime-styled characters and rigs for mobile platforms, the 3D Animator creates, optimizes, and implements game-ready animations within Unreal Engine 4 while collaborating with non-art developers to deliver the best possible player experience. Operating within a games studio with a strong anime focus, this position requires fluency in industry-standard tools, an understanding of mobile hardware constraints, and bilingual communication skills.

Project Responsibilities

• Create rigs for bipeds, quadrupeds, and other creatures.
• Develop anime 3D movement for characters.
• Export, import, and configure animations inside Unreal Engine 4.
• Team up with non-art developers to build and improve games, emphasizing results.
• Understand and articulate art and design trade-offs; solve for the best player experience.
• Keep up to date with industry-related art developments and harness that knowledge for the benefit of games and teams.

Requirements

• 3+ years of applicable games industry experience.
• 3D Animation and rigging experience at a major game studio.
• Experience creating and optimizing game art for mobile devices.
• Knowledge of animation content creation and in-game implementation, including rigging limitations related to mobile hardware.
• Proficiency in animation in Autodesk Maya.
• Unreal Engine 4 and/or mobile game development experience.
• Anime-focused portfolio demonstrating game-ready work in a matching art style.
• Great interpersonal skills; humility and respect when receiving comments from the team.
• Passion for anime and mobile games.
• Bilingual: Mandarin, Korean, or Japanese (oral and written, fluent or professional only).

Tasked with creating stylized humanoid animations and integrating them with gameplay systems, the 3D Animator contributes to the development of a live game title and future projects in either a remote contract or on-site full-time capacity. Collaborating with programmers, artists, and designers on a day-to-day basis, this position spans locomotion, combat, cinematic emotes, and skeletal rig maintenance across a cartoonish low-poly aesthetic.

Key Deliverables

• Develop and create 3D stylized animations for humanoids.
• Maintain skeletal rigs.
• Create locomotion animations (e.g., running, 8-direction walk, dodging, rolling, sliding).
• Create combat animations.
• Create cinematic cutscene emotes.
• Integrate animation with gameplay.

Requirements

• 1+ years relevant full-time professional work experience.
• 1+ shipped games credited as 3D Animator or equivalent.
• Experience with stylized animations.
• Experience with non-PBR cartoonish low-poly 3D game art.
• Adaptability and a keen eye for composition, shape, color, and detail.
• Strong communication skills and an optimistic attitude.
• A proactive personality that relishes working independently and delivers results on time.
• Passion for playing and making games.

Crafting 3D projects from conception through final asset creation, the 3D Designer / Animator delivers on-brand, deadline-driven motion graphics and animation work that advances brand strategy and pushes creative concepts to the next level. Working closely with the video and design team and participating in brainstorming and visioning sessions, this position problem-solves across multiple simultaneous campaigns with a strong hands-on ethos.

Primary Duties

• Deliver 3D projects from conception and design to asset creation, that are engaging, on-brand, and to deadline.
• Push new concepts to take the brand to the next level.
• Participate in brainstorming and visioning sessions with the team or client as appropriate.
• Work closely with other members of the video/design team to ensure work is aligned with the campaign/brief.
• Problem-solve animations.

Requirements

• Experience working previously in 3D motion graphics/animation.
• Experience with modelling, animation, textures, and lighting.
• Experience with Cinema 4D, After Effects, and the rest of the Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience with Redshift and X-Particles.
• A team player with a hands-on approach and a strong work ethic.
• Professional demeanour with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.
• Exceptional creativity and innovation, with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Flexibility to switch between several projects at once.