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The role

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Technical Animator to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in creating animation tools and workflows, with a strong capability in rigging when necessary. This role will focus primarily on the development and maintenance of animation tools to streamline production and improve the overall animation pipeline within unreal and animation software

Responsibilities

Tool Creation:

  • Design, develop, and maintain animation tools and scripts to enhance the productivity and efficiency of the animation team.

  • Collaborate with animators to understand their needs and create tools that improve their workflows.

  • Ensure tools are well-documented and user-friendly, providing training and support to animators as needed.

  • Stay updated on the latest industry trends and technologies to incorporate best practices into tool development.

  • Ensure our pipeline is functional and working in-game within Unreal Engine

Rigging:

  • Create and maintain character rigs, ensuring they meet the high standards of animation quality.

  • Troubleshoot and resolve rigging issues that arise during production.

  • Work closely with modelers and animators to ensure rigs meet the artistic and functional requirements of the project.

Collaboration:

  • Work closely with the animation, modelling, and technical art teams to ensure seamless integration of tools and rigs.

  • Participate in regular team meetings and contribute to the overall planning and development of animation projects.

  • Provide mentorship and guidance to junior technical animators and animators, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

  • Integrate and advise on the latest advances from Epic which benefit our pipeline.

Requirements

  • Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience as a technical animator or similar role in the video game industry.

  • Tool Development: Proven expertise in creating and maintaining animation tools using scripting languages such as Python and/or C++/C#.

  • Rigging Skills: Strong experience in character rigging, including knowledge of skinning, deformation, and facial rigging.

  • Software Proficiency: Proficient in Maya, Motion Builder, Unreal, and version control systems (P4V).

  • Problem-Solving: Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues.

  • Collaboration: Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment.

  • Portfolio: A portfolio demonstrating your technical animation and rigging work, including examples of tools you have developed.

Sharkmob London is a brand-new AAA studio in the heart of London, with aspirations to build one of the largest and most creatively ambitious development teams in the world. Just like the original Sharkmob studio in Malmö, Sharkmob London was founded by a team of industry veterans. As a part of Tencent Games we have the experience, backing, and ambition to build the games of the future!

At Sharkmob, we are committed to building an inclusive team that represents diverse backgrounds, perspectives and skillsets – because we believe that helps us create great games. We welcome all candidates that are aligned with our core values of shared ownership, smart decisions and last but not least – having fun!

Remuneration and benefits

  • Competitive salaries based on up-to-date data from external benchmarking providers & reviewed annually.

  • 30 days annual leave, in addition to all UK Bank Holidays.

  • Hybrid work-from-home policy.

  • Discretionary annual performance-based bonus.

  • Private pension (10% total, up to 5% individual contribution matched by Sharkmob).

  • BUPA private Healthcare, Cigna dental cover, life insurance scheme and income protection policy.

  • £425 yearly preventative healthcare allowance.

  • Core studio hours 10:00-16:00 with 1 'wellness hour' to be used per week.

  • Daily breakfasts, snacks & refreshments at the studio.

  • VISA sponsorship (individual & dependents).

  • Relocation assistance for people outside the UK (1 month accommodation, flights/travel paid for, £2,500 logistics/removal costs reimbursed).

  • Assistance for people relocating within the UK (up to £2,000 to spend on travel into London for flat viewings and moving vans/couriers).