Senior Gameplay Technical Animator
Barcelona / Gent
Technical Animation /
Full -time /
On-site
The Larian Technical Animation team is looking for a highly skilled Senior Technical Animator who thrives in the intersection of creativity and technology. This position demands ample experience working with different game engines and in-game systems, together with proven skills authoring, debugging and improving animation gameplay systems for both Gameplay and Cinematics.
The role is best suited for those technical animators that are in their element when working in the editor, enjoy iterating on multiple dynamic animation systems, excel in a collaborative environment that include artists and programmers alike, have great attention to detail and are looking for an ever changing challenge.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop and implement in-game animation systems which are at the core of gameplay and cinematics such as inverse kinematics, retargeting, and simulation, ensuring they integrate seamlessly with gameplay to enhance both realism and interactivity.
- Develop, maintain, and enhance complex animation blueprints, focusing on robust debugging and iterative improvements, ensuring high standards of quality and functionality.
- Write and maintain custom Python tools that support and enhance animation workflows primarily within Autodesk Maya and MotionBuilder, and focus on automation and efficiency improvements that aid the animation team in their daily tasks.
- Work closely with a multidisciplinary team, communicating effectively with animators and programmers to develop cohesive and efficient animation solutions.
- Mentor a team of animators and technical animators, promoting a culture of knowledge-sharing, innovation, and continuous growth.
- Remain at the forefront of animation technology, incorporating the latest trends and techniques into our workflows to keep our outputs state-of-the-art.
- Support the Lead of the department in any ad hoc tasks and duties.
Requirements
- A minimum of 7 years’ relevant experience.
- Advanced proficiency in various animation systems including in-game retargeting, full-body inverse kinematics (IK), cloth simulation, and ragdoll physics.
- Highly skilled authoring and debugging animation graphs, state machines, and their application to real-time gameplay mechanics.
- Deep understanding of the game development process, particularly in the integration and optimization of advanced animation systems.
- Strong knowledge of Autodesk Maya, MotionBuilder, and other DCC tools, used to create and manipulate complex animation setups.
- Good Python scripting abilities with experience in developing tools that support animation processes in Maya or other DCC applications.
- Previous roles that highlight projects involving sophisticated animation technologies and their application in game development.
- Team oriented with a strong desire for collaborative participation in a team-based pipeline across different geographic locations.
- Able to take direction and feedback positively, adapt to change and thrive under the pressure of tight deadlines.
- Enthusiastic, methodical and organized approach to work with high quality standards.
- Sense of initiative, originality and resourcefulness in problem solving.
Nice to Haves
- Knowledge in C#, C++ a strong plus
- Experience in facial rigging and facial animation systems is a plus
- Good knowledge of setting up and working with different motion capture systems
What we offer
- An international team of over 400 employees spread across 6 studios around the world, each of which have their own unique qualities, and maintain a small-studio feel
- An open, collaborative environment where ideas are welcome and encouraged
- A managerial team consisting of highly experienced game developers at the top of their fields
- Sharing hobbies and passions with likeminded colleagues
- Inclusive environment with many activities organized by the studios or the employees
- Commitment to making the best game possible for the fans, including listening to community feedback
