Join Romero Games as we develop John Romero’s next First Person Shooter in partnership with a major publisher! This is an unprecedented opportunity to join a thriving independent development studio and work on a high-profile title that will be played by millions of gamers worldwide.

We are looking for a Lead Animator to join our growing team on a full-time basis. You will manage a team of Animators and support creation of high-quality 3D animations for the game, including human body and facial animation, animal character animation and environment animation.  

This position is open to remote work for the right candidate.

Responsibilities

Contribute to the set-up and maintenance of the animation pipeline.
Work with the Art Director to understand the high-quality objectives and ensure animation style consistency across the game.
Collaborate with Technical Artists and riggers to design and build custom rigs and skeletons
Responsible for team members overall efficiency and motivation.
Animate and perform motion editing within complex animation systems including integration and refinement of Mocap data, ensuring technical constraints are met.
Provide accurate time estimates for tasks and meet production deadlines.
Support production in planning and prioritizing tasks.

Verify in-game animation quality with the Art Director and adapt according to feedback.
Act as mentor for more junior animators.

Skills

At least 8 years’ experience as an animator within the game industry, with published games on console, preferably AAA.
Excellent team management skills.
Excellent skills in key frame animation and strong experience working with mocap.
Deep knowledge of animating in a package such as 3DS Max, Maya, or Motion Builder
Expert Understanding of the character and animation pipeline including rigging and integration.
Up to date knowledge of current animation techniques and development processes.
Good knowledge of human and animal anatomy and movement, body language and the mechanics of expression of emotion.
Good understanding of gameplay systems, state machines and blend spaces.
Excellent cross-team communication skills.
Excellent self-organization skills.
Able to work to deadlines under pressure and with minimal supervision.
Open to receive and act on constructive criticism.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Preferences

Experience with Unreal Engine on a AAA game.
A positive attitude and a commitment to bringing fresh ideas to the team and the game.
A passion for gaming and for making games, playing current titles and keeping abreast of industry trends.

Romero Games Benefits

Ownership. Everyone in the company benefits from ownership in the company. Every full-time Romero Games employee is given a stake.
Vacation: Time off for vacation. Four weeks vacation per year + 10 national holidays.
Hybrid Working. Flexible working hours, including work-from-home and remote work.
Bonus Weeks: Bonus week off in your 5th year and 10th year.
Sabbaticals: At 5+ years, should you choose to take unpaid time for a personal project, we will cover 20% of your pay provided that it is in your area of interest.
Premium Health. Premium health benefits, plus extended healthcare coverage.
Fertility Leave: For employees undergoing IVF treatment, surrogacy or other forms of fertility treatment, two days per cycle for recovery or travel.
Relocation assistance. Flexible start dates, relocation reimbursement and assistance in finding housing.
Life-Friendly Policies: We understand that work is one of the things that you do and that life happens. We have a long and consistent pattern of life-friendly management, whether taking your kids to creche, assisting your parents with an appointment, or taking your pet to the vet.
Compassionate Leave / Bereavement. We support employees by offering paid time off during bereavement for immediate family. This includes loss of pregnancy, including the loss of surrogate pregnancy.
Parental Leave and Support. Family-focused benefits include paid maternity and paternity leave and flexible work hours. Most people here are parents. We get it.
Social Events. Regular social events such as pub nights (including online pub nights), holiday parties, barbecues and conferences, with accommodation and travel covered by us.
Expert Speakers. Monthly insider expert seminars with renowned creators such as John Carmack, Rhianna Pratchett (Tomb Raider), Warren Spector (Deus Ex), David Brevik (Diablo), Harvey Smith (Dishonored), Josh Sawyer (Pillars of Eternity), and more.
Bike to Work Programme: Within Ireland, using the Bike-to-Work government initiative, employees obtain a brand new bike and safety equipment worth up to €1,250 for a regular bike, and up to €1,500 for an electric bike. The scheme covers your new bike and gear, saving 52% of the retail price of bike and equipment. https://www.biketowork.ie/