Studio Wildcard - Redmond, WA or Remote
Open role:
Junior Animator
We're Studio Wildcard, developers of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved -- one of the most popular and original video games in recent years. Despite our massive success, we've been able to stay independent, so that we can steer our own future in games and beyond. There's never been a better time for you to join this adventure and help us build ARK II, the next chapter of our original hit franchise! We're expanding and updating many of the ARK community's most beloved features while taking full advantage of the latest tools and technologies. And now we're searching for an exceptionally talented and passionate Junior Animator who can create high-impact work for the expanding ARK franchise.
Responsibilities:
- Create human/creature animations utilizing new techniques and methods focusing on 3rd person's perspective.
- Work with a lead/senior animator to ensure all animation deliverables are completed at the desired quality on time
- Iterate on animations with cross-functional teams and leads through prototyping and constructive feedback
Requirements:
- Minimum of 1-2 years of game development experience (professional or school-projects) as a 3D animator
- A strong understanding of video game animation development
- Processing retargeting between characters and for mocap
- Iterating upon characters that have already been animated, but need adjustments due to production changes and needs
- Assisting with any in-engine control rig processes
- Creating new animation assets where and when needed
- Self-direction and the ability to work autonomously as well as with a team
- Self-motivated, communicative, and a dependable team contributor
- Familiarity with relevant software packages such as Maya
- Strong knowledge of traditional animation principles
- Ability to problem-solve and prototype with direction from leads
- Able to communicate effectively with animators, character artists, and engineers
- Detail-oriented problem-solving ability
Pluses:
- Unreal Engine 4/5, implementation, tools, and techniques
- Familiarity with Shotgrid, perforce and JIRA
- Knowledge of Full-body physics and IK systems
- Experience using MotionBuilder
- Experience with rigging
- Motion Capture cleanup experience
Required Application Materials:
- Resume
- Cover letter (optional)
- Demo Reel/Portfolio (online)
- Be willing to complete an animation test if requested to do so
About Studio Wildcard
Studio Wildcard was founded in 2014 by industry veterans Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak, with the mission of bringing AAA quality to ambitious indie productions designed for core gamers. With countless years of combined industry experience across multiple independent and studio-backed titles, Wildcard's core team continues to grow, with offices in Redmond, WA, and Gainesville, FL, including distributed team members across multiple continents.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Wildcard is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws, regulations or ordinances. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to disability during the application or the recruiting process, please let us know.
Pay Transparency Information
The expected annual base pay range(s) for this position vary based on a variety of factors, which include: (but aren't limited to) skills, competencies, qualifications, knowledge, and experience. Each pay range is only relevant to those residing in WA state and can vary based on geographical location.
Wildcard Benefits
We pay 100% of all premiums for the employee and discounted rates for dependent premiums. Our coverage includes Medical (5 different plans to choose from), Dental, Vision, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, 401(k) option, 100% covered Parental Leave, PTO, Paid Holidays, Unlimited Sick Time, and FSA/ HSA options