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PlayStation

Sr Character Technical Artist (Contract)

Posted 6 Hours Ago
Be an Early Applicant
In-Office
Los Angeles, CA
57-86 Annually
Senior level
In-Office
Los Angeles, CA
57-86 Annually
Senior level
As a Character Technical Artist, you will create and maintain rigging and animation toolsets, collaborate with character artists and animators, and solve technical problems related to character workflows.
The summary above was generated by AI

Why PlayStation?

PlayStation isn’t just the Best Place to Play — it’s also the Best Place to Work. Today, we’re recognized as a global leader in entertainment producing The PlayStation family of products and services including PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®VR, PlayStation®Plus, acclaimed PlayStation software titles from PlayStation Studios, and more.

PlayStation also strives to create an inclusive environment that empowers employees and embraces diversity. We welcome and encourage everyone who has a passion and curiosity for innovation, technology, and play to explore our open positions and join our growing global team.

The PlayStation brand falls under Sony Interactive Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation.


Join the award-winning team that created God of War

Santa Monica Studio is seeking an experienced Character Technical Artist for the development of a new unannounced title!

Animator and programmer, or programmer and character artist – which are you? No matter; you bridge tech and character. You understand the creative process, you have an artistic sensibility, and an eye for animation. And you can rig. Above all you collaborate with character artists and animators to deliver the highest quality vision of the game.

Talent, initiative, collaboration – bring them all. We are a large team that fundamentally works together across all disciplines. Sound interesting? Give us a shout!

Responsibilities
  • Create and maintain Rigging and Animation toolsets, modules, and workflows
  • Create DCC side tools that assist in producing Engine side content
  • Research, define, extend, and maintain character pipelines, processes, and workflows
  • Collaborate with character artists and animators
  • Identify problems; solve them by inventing or building robust technical implementations
  • Engage in broader game production challenges as they relate to combat design, animation, and character art
Requirements
  • 5+ years of professional experience in computer-generated art
  • Intimate knowledge of Maya and strong understanding of Maya’s rigging tools
  • Deep knowledge of rigging and animator workflows
  • Ability to design and architect workflow/pipelines and work effectively with engineers across departments toward a common goal
  • Ability to apply linear algebra, geometry, and vector math to solve rigging and animation problems
  • Can recognize efficient polygon topology related to character deformations
  • Working knowledge of shaders, specifically as they relate to animation
  • Expertise in Python, PyQt, PySide, and/or C++ – specifically as it applies to programming in Maya
  • Execute according to proposed plans so individual contributions connect with the big picture
  • Able and motivated to work with other team members
  • Enthusiasm and initiative
Preferred Experience
  • Knowledge in IK, Animation Blending, and/or game engines process data – quaternions, matrices, blending, etc.
  • Knowledge of DCCs outside of Maya – Houdini, Unreal, Wrap3D, etc
  • Well-versed in human and animal anatomy
  • A keen eye for proper form and deformation throughout a wide range of movement
  • Machine Learning, CNNs, or Linear Regression knowledge

#LI-SMS
#LI-PT1

Please refer to our Candidate Privacy Notice for more information about how we process your personal information, and your data protection rights.


At SIE, working with our partners, we consider several factors when setting each role’s base pay range, including the competitive benchmarking data for the market and geographic location. 
Please note that the individual base pay range may vary based on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location.
In addition, this role is eligible for benefit offerings that include medical, dental, and vision. Click here to learn more.

The estimated base pay range for this role is listed below, this is an hourly rate.
$57.98$86.92 USD

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, maternity or parental status, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.

We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond. 

PlayStation is a Fair Chance employer and qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment.

Top Skills

C++
Maya
Pyqt
Pyside
Python

PlayStation Aliso Viejo, California, USA Office

65 Enterprise, Aliso Viejo, CA, United States

PlayStation Los Angeles, California, USA Office

13031 W Jefferson Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, United States

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