Lead Gameplay Animator

We are looking for a Lead Gameplay Animator with a passion for creating incredible animation for a AAA title. You will manage a team of animators, guiding them in creating animations that are both visually stunning and integral to the gameplay experience. You will aid in developing workflows, tools and processes used by animators. Collaborating with the Animation Director, Design, Engineering, and Motion Capture teams, you’ll support the creation of gameplay mechanics that are smooth, responsive, and seamlessly integrated with cinematics and the story. 

Join us in this leadership role to shape the animation experience of our gameplay systems, driving innovation and excellence across every movement and interaction!  

Responsibilities:  

• Create and integrate AAA quality gameplay animations using Motion Capture to ensure a realistic and fluid performance 
• Collaborate with tech artists to help develop tools and workflow.  
• Work closely with engineers and designers to implement complex animation systems such as motion matching.  
• Work with animation production to assign, schedule, and organize animation tasks for your team 
• Be proactive in troubleshooting animation workflow, rigging and pipeline issues.  
• Communicate effectively with animators, engineers and designers, to give and accept feedback.  
• Lead and mentor a team of gameplay animators to ensure all animation is at the highest quality, functionality, and enhances the player experience 
• Demonstrate standard methodologies in animation for efficiency and quality. Lead by example 
• Participate in motion capture shoots 

Requirements & Skills:  

• Proven leadership experience working with motion capture data and hand-key animation in on AAA titles 
• Demo reel showing an understanding of animation principles with an emphasis on motion capture  
• Experience working on complex gameplay systems such as motion matching 
• Professional working knowledge of Maya 
• Experience with Unreal Engine blueprints, state machines, blend spaces, montages, and event graphs 
• Proven ability to successfully lead an Animation team, including career management and growth 
• Ability to innovate, bringing new insights to gameplay through animation and prototyping  
• Excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills 
• Passion for making games and the enthusiasm to make the best! 

Qualities:  

• Flexibility in switching tasks to accommodate production priorities  
• Ability to appreciate other department's perspectives  
• Maintain integrity and confidence in results-oriented times  
• Empathic and respected team leader  
• Team oriented with a desire to mentor other animators  
• Promote inclusivity, diversity and fairness  
• Practice patience and be open to giving and receiving feedback 

TNM considers a number of factors when determining each role's base pay range, including industry benchmarks, location, experience, and other job specific skills. In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for other incentive compensation including equity and profit share. The estimated base pay range for this role is U.S. only and not applicable for locations outside of the U.S.

The estimated base pay range for this role is: $150,000 - $190,000