Lead 3D Character Animator
Snap Inc. is a camera company. We believe that reinventing the camera represents our greatest opportunity to improve the way people live and communicate. Our products empower people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together.
Snapchat is a camera used by over 150 million people every day to Snap with family, watch Stories from friends, see events from around the world, and explore expertly-curated content from top publishers. In short, we are passionate team working hard to build the best platform in the world for communication and storytelling.
We’re looking for a Lead 3D Character Animator to join Team Snapchat! We’re looking for someone who is an expert in producing 3D character and props animation for 3D animation products and games. Working from our Venice, CA office, you’ll partner with prototypers, engineers, modelers, riggers, and VFX artists to develop new assets and experiences from initial concepts to final implementation.
What you'll do:
- Lead the animation department that animates 3D Characters and props in Maya, 3ds Max, and/or Character Animation Toolkit (CAT)
- Provide guidance and direction of animation timing and style (art directing) based on storyboards, draft cuts, and instructions from the project lead
- Review animation footage
- Delegate assignments within your department, oversee performance, and maintain quality control
- Diagnose and fix problems related to animation processes
- Collaborate with morph target artists and riggers
- Support and identify animation pain points related to rigging and skinning
- Support the development of tools that optimize animation processes
- Develop specific requirements for character models, rigs, controls, and tools for efficient character animation
- Collaborate with character storyboard artists, modelers, VFX artists, prototypers, and engineers
What we’re looking for:
- 3+ years experience in a lead animator role or equivalent
- A strong 3D character and props animation portfolio that showcases your work
- Proficiency in Maya
- Proficiency in 3dsMax is a plus
- Experience in rigging and facial setup is a plus
- Experience in skinning (Skin, Skin Morph, Skin Wrap)
- Creativity, precision, and an eye for details
- Experience in Character Animation Toolkit (CAT) or similar systems (Character Studio, Bones) is a big plus
- Experience in post-production motion capture is a big plus
- Ability to solve technical problems related to animation and character setup
- Knowledge of MotionBuilder is a plus
- Ability to complete tasks within production schedules and deadlines in an organized manner
- Ability to learn and adapt to new workflows and methods
- Someone who’s responsive to guidance from both creative and technical supervisors