Animation Technical Director

For nearly 40 years, Naughty Dog has been crafting best-selling, critically acclaimed games that constantly push the boundaries of narrative, gameplay, and technology. Naughty Dog recently released The Last of Us Part II Remastered as well as a current generation remake of The Last of Us Part I for the PS5. We're also proud to say that The Last of Us Part I is now available for the first time on PC. Currently, we’re busy at the kennel working on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, and The Last of Us Part II Remastered for PC and we'd love to find talented individuals to join us.

Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character-driven stories and attention to detail. We are committed to innovation within our games and as such have curated some of the top creative and technically innovative minds in the industry. We welcome diverse candidates and believe that a broad range of cultural and life experiences contribute to the overall well-being and success of the studio and the titles we craft together.

What you will do: 

• Create tools to streamline artist workflows (example: asset management tools, pipeline automation scripts, integration with project management software)
• Build tools to give artists more power (example: motion capture data processing, animation retargeting tools, physics sim pipeline, Editorial to Cinematic pipeline, nonlinear Camera editing tools)
• Work with the engineering team to develop low-level tools infrastructure and asset pipelines
• Ensure tool interfaces are user-friendly and effective
• Create well-architected systems that can be built upon for years to come
• Develop workflows and standards for efficient content generation, including optimization standards
• Help to maintain a wide array of existing workflows and tools
• Test and validate tools and techniques in production
• Work between all art departments (characters, VFX, sound, environment, etc.) on shared technology

What skills you will use: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Entertainment Technology, Computer Science, or in a related field, or foreign equivalent
• Two (2) years of experience as an Animator, Associate Technical Animator, Intern/Trainee, or in a related occupation
• Experience/ability must include the following –
  • Experience with Python, PyQT/PySide, and with Maya scripting
  • Ability to write robust code, both from a functional and architectural standpoint
  • Familiarity with content creation and game development pipelines
  • Production experience in video games, film or VFX

Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression, and gender reassignment), race (including color, nationality, ethnic, national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or parental status, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.

We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees, and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond.