We are looking for a Principal Facial Animator with extensive experience developing keyframe and motion capture animations. As a Principal Animator, you will not simply animate; you will set the standard for animation excellence both on the game you work on as well as the studio you work at, leading by doing, inspiring by iterating and delivering by technical superiority.

What You Will Do:

Create both keyframe and mocap-driven facial animations that set the standard for character animation on both creatures and bipeds.
Work with technical artists, technical animators, Character TD, character artists, and engineers to define tools, pipelines, and technology updates.
Collaborate with the Animation Lead to set the standard for quality across the animation team
Drive designers and character modelers to understand your vision for the character facial animation and how you want to bring it into life
Define character animation at every stage, from concept to animatics and actual animations

Who We Believe Will Be A Good Fit:

An animator passionate about working on industry-defining titles that push your abilities and define true-to-life characters and creatures.
Impressive animation reel demonstrating strong animation ability.
Exceptional understanding of facial animation for various types of emotions, complementing activities typical for the characters. Ability to analyze, capture, and reproduce these expressions.
Advanced knowledge of Maya.
Knowledge of Unreal Engine.
A keyframe specialist who loves the challenge of unique rigs and character designs.
Degree in Computer Animation or related experience.
3+ years of experience working with keyframe or mocap animation in games or film.
Strong creative and technical problem-solving skills.
Knowledge of classic animation principles, body mechanics, acting, posing, and storytelling techniques.
Ability to work independently in a team environment.
Ability to communicate and collaborate across multiple locations effectively.
Self-education related to animations and keeping track of new trends in the industry.
Ability to set the vision and help to explain it both within the studio and across other studio locations.
Communicative knowledge of English.

Nice to have:

Experience with motion capture, directing shoots, and processing the mocap data.
At least two shipped AAA titles where animations you created helped to define the character and/or creature movement and abilities.
Experience with some tracking/scheduling tools (Hansoft, Jira, Shotgun, Trello, etc.).

Who We Are:

Hangar 13 is an internal 2K development studio based in four locations: Novato (California), Brighton (UK), and Brno & Prague (Czech Republic), working collaboratively as one team.

Each of our locations provides the opportunity to Bravely Create on big-budget, AAA console titles in a diverse and inclusive environment.

At Hangar 13, we want people driven by curiosity — Visionaries who aren’t afraid to explore new territory. Intrepid individuals who embrace the weird, the challenging, the unconventional.

We’re continuing to build a space that empowers you to take risks and redefine what’s possible,

Where your inquisitive nature is nourished —

A home for people who aren’t satisfied with what is, but who are obsessed by what could be.

So bring your talent,

Your unique point-of-view, Your fearless tenacity,

And together, we’ll Bravely Create

Brno:

Located in the south-east part of the Czech Republic, just a 2-hour drive from Prague, 3 hrs from Budapest and mere 90 minutes from Vienna, surrounded by vineyards from the south-east and highlands from the north-west, Brno is a comfortable place to live and work. This Czech Republic´s second largest city offers everything you need without the big city rush - modern architecture, perfect cuisine, award-winning bars, and diverse countryside.

Prague:

Located in the heart of Europe, with its enchanting historical centre and magic energy, Prague is one of the world's most stunning cities. The Hangar 13 office is based in the city centre, just a few minutes from the Old Town and its famous astronomical clock. Cultural events, vibrant nightlife, sports and leisure time activities, beautiful nature – all just a few steps away.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to

Knowledge of Motion Builder.
Knowledge of computer games.