Gearbox Software is looking for a technically minded Designer or Animator with a passion for pushing character animation fidelity in games to new levels. This role primarily focuses on developing new animation features in engine and providing ongoing support for current tech, and working to create improved pipeline and planning practices with animation to improve overall content efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Create & maintain animation blueprints / state machines / character data
Tune blending for gameplay animations.
Break-down, and document, design features into easy to animate content.
Work with Designers and Animators to maintain/monitor best practices and optimal workflows.
Support animation content implementation with other departments including Missions, Systems, and Gameplay teams.
Research & prototype new animation systems for use by Animation and Design teams.
Communicate and work closely with Gameplay and Engine Programmers to develop new features needed to deliver highly polished, sophisticated presentations.
Document system functionality and breakdowns for use by future employees or other teams.
Identify potential pipeline improvements and act to improve them.

Qualifications

Required

Familiarity with animation systems including blending, warping, layering, synched choreography, and state machines.
A strong understanding of logic, technical architecture, and experience with one or more scripting languages.
Needs to be familiar with animation pipelines from mesh to implementation of final assets.
Able to collaborate and work well with teams from various disciplines.
Ability to own a feature from pitch and documentation to prototype and final implementation.
Should be comfortable working in documentation and production platforms such as Jira or Confluence.
A positive attitude and an ability to receive and provide objective feedback on areas of game feel and presentation.
5+ Years as a Game Designer, Animator, or Programmer, with at least 3 years previous experience working in a relevant area that pertains to character animation.

Desired

Experience in Unreal 4 Animation Systems
Programming Capability in Python, MEL, or C++
Experience in Maya and Motion Builder Animation Systems
Experience with mocap systems and software such as Vicon Blade
Strong balance of creative/visual aesthetics and technical skills.
An avid fan of first-person and action games, with an eye towards what other studios are doing to elevate the presentation and feel of their games.
Experience with advanced animation systems such as Motion Matching or Distance Matching.