Would you like to work on some of the greatest franchises in gaming history? Certain Affinity brings an exceptionally talented group together to form the largest independent developer in Austin, Texas and opened a second studio in Toronto, Canada, in 2019. Our company culture reflects the vibrant nature of the cities we call home. This includes a commitment to our evolution, excellence, and work-life balance. We’re best known for co-developing numerous AAA FPS games, though we are also creating compelling new games of our own.
As a Lead Technical Animator at Certain Affinity, you will get the chance to see some of the custom 3D tools and pipelines behind the world’s biggest shooters and contribute to our proprietary technology. This role requires an energetic individual to take a hands-on approach to our pipeline management and tools creation for our studio art team. If you have a desire to create world-class characters and enjoy technical work, we’d like to hear from you.
Responsibilities
Ability to write tools to facilitate Tech Animation and Animation Pipeline
Proficient in coding and the ability to set up modular rigging pipeline
Establish and promote coding standards within the tech animation department
Ability to manage and mentor multiple personnel on multiple projects and be the spokesperson for Tech Animation
Collaborate with character artists, animators, and tools programmers to develop animation rigs and pipelines for characters, vehicles, and props
Support the modeling and animation teams by advising on topology & deformation, maintaining rigs and pipelines, troubleshooting, and implementing the desired functionality
Implement and troubleshoot in-game assets
Maximize aesthetic quality while respecting and enforcing project performance constraints
Research and implement in-engine dynamic solutions such as hair, cloth, ragdolls, etc.
Maintain and polish in-engine animation state machines
Explore, document, promote, and integrate cutting-edge processes and techniques to help keep studio animation quality competitive
Seek ways to improve and streamline art pipelines, drive quality, and improve team efficiency
Requirements
5 years' experience in rigging and skinning characters, creatures, vehicles, and props
Expert-level proficiency with Autodesk Maya
Mastery of Python scripting for extending content creation tools and automating tasks
Experience in Unreal Engine 4
Strong knowledge of facial rigging and deformation
Possess an approachable, customer-oriented demeanor
Strong communication skills and desire to collaborate with art, design, and engineering
Experienced in ramping up a technical animation team in a variety of engines and toolsets
Experience with performance capture systems within Motionbuilder
A desire to work in a diverse and inclusive environment
A deep passion for games
Extra Credit
Animation key-framing
Knowledge of C++ or C#
Experience writing Maya plug-ins
FBX SDK
Certain Affinity also offers relocation for this position to assist you in the move to Austin, Texas.