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Senior Animator | NEW ZEALAND (CONTRACT/TEMP)

Blind Squirrel Games (BSG) is a AAA console and PC studio specializing in full game development as well as co-creation of high-quality content for AAA titles.

Over the last decade, we’ve earned our stripes creating the console version of games like The Sims 4 and XCOM 2 and remastering popular franchises such as Mass Effect , Borderlands, Sonic Colors and Bioshock.

In addition to restoring these beloved classics, BSG has fostered robust partnerships within the industry to create steady collaboration opportunities on both technical and creative fronts—most recently contributing to work on Amazon’s new open-world MMO New World and developing the single player campaign for an upcoming AAA military FPS .

All of our positions are remote friendly with flexible hours and we have plans to open an optional studio in Auckland later this year for in-person collaboration and team events.

Driven by our core values of respect, integrity, and a growth-mindset we look forward to continue growing our reputation as a high quality development partner and creating our own IP.

Interested in joining our scurry? Read on and submit your application today.

Supported by Lead Animators and Art Directors, the Senior Animator will spearhead the creation and delivery of high-quality animation assets, including organic character navigation, engaging combat, and cinematic storytelling.

The ideal candidate for this senior developer role has experience animating and enhancing existing animations for AAA titles and can translate a thorough understanding of the principles of body movement into eye-capturing work that meets project expectations and deadlines.

Your responsibilities in this role will entail delivering and improving upon on a wide variety of sequences—from first-person weapons, AI animations, to polished cinematic facial performances. It is essential that the person in this position is well-versed in 3D content creation software, such as Motion Builder. Comprehensive knowledge of state machine implementation is a plus!

Beyond the technical know-how, we are seeking an animator that possesses the interpersonal skills necessary to do the job effectively, the vision to collaborate on pipeline elements cross-departmentally, and the clarity to collectively achieve those objectives.

This job is a full-time 6-month contract position that is fully remote with an optional studio opening in Auckland later this year. All applicants must be eligible to work in NZ (Residency or Valid Work Visa).

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create compelling and memorable character animations through a blend of motion capture and some key-frame animation
• Produce visually stunning performances in a range of animation styles
• Work with motion capture data for both cinematic and in-game features
• Implement gameplay animations into state machine
• Collaborate cross-departmentally to establish, iterate, and refine the animation pipeline
• Work closely with animators and programmers to construct, implement and debug polished gameplay mechanics
• Facilitate and inform tool development for animation-centric deliverables

QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of professional gameplay animation experience
• Previous motion capture experience
• Bachelor's degree in Art/Animation or equivalent experience
• Demo reel demonstrating strong animation principles—preferably implemented in a real time engine

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Familiarity with Unreal Engine 4
• Well-versed with the motion capture pipeline
• Adept comprehension of Motion Builder and Maya
• Understanding of animation pipeline, integration, tools, and character rigs
• Demonstrated ability to succeed in creative, team-oriented environments
• Excellent communication, time-management, and organizational skills
• Pride in everything you animate, a positive attitude and aptitude for technical problem-solving
• Ability to take direction and critique from peers and supervisors to ensure consistency
• Proficient command of weight, timing, and posing through motion capture data manipulation as it relates to animation

PLUSES

• AAA game development experience
• Familiarity with animation blending systems
• Published title working with FPS or TPS perspectives
• Knowledge of commercial and proprietary game engines
• A deep-rooted interest in video games and game development