About the role
Employment Type
This position is for temporary engagement through our staffing partner, Yoh Enterprise Solutions. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States for this position. This is a hybrid / onsite position based at our studio in Santa Monica, CA.
Company Overview
For nearly 40 years, Naughty Dog has been crafting best-selling, critically acclaimed games that constantly push the boundaries of narrative, gameplay, and technology. Naughty Dog recently released The Last of Us Part II Remastered as well as a current generation remake of The Last of Us Part I for the PS5. The Last of Us Parts I & II are available on PC. The studio is currently working on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. Naughty Dog games are lauded for evocative, character-driven stories and attention to detail.
Responsibilities
- Create high-quality animation content in Maya and ensure proper implementation in our game engine.
- Serve as a positive role model through exemplary demeanor, ability, proactivity, communication, and productivity.
- Collaborate with the Animation, Design, and Engineering teams to create new exciting, mind-blowing systemic animations.
- Take ownership of challenging projects and provide innovative solutions, including mentoring team members and creating documentation.
- Direct and participate in motion capture shoots.
- Learn and master Naughty Dog’s unique gameplay systems.
- Work with game systems, adhering to efficient and effective practices.
- Utilize engine debug tools to identify and resolve gameplay issues in collaboration with designers and programmers.
- Partner with animation leadership to define and uphold the style and quality bar for in-game animations.
- Provide constructive feedback to improve internal technologies and artistic workflows.
- Take on additional responsibilities as needed.
Required Skills and Experience
- Minimum of 1 shipped AAA game as a Senior Gameplay Animator (or equivalent).
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in the video game industry.
- Expertise in systemic gameplay animation.
- Mastery of both motion capture and keyframe character animation as showcased by a strong animation reel.
- General technical knowledge of animation technologies, including state machines, blend trees, and motion matching.
- Passion for gaming and a deep understanding of game design principles and player experience.
- Ability to provide clear and constructive feedback to peers.
- Proven experience planning, setting up, and directing motion capture shoots independently and efficiently.
- Must be comfortable using a script editor.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt quickly to challenges.
- Highly motivated, proactive, and solution-oriented, with a "can-do" attitude.
- A natural team player who fosters collaboration and inspires others across departments.
- Strong communication skills, ensuring clear and proactive interaction with animation and other teams.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, manage shifting priorities, and keep stakeholders informed.
- Proactive in taking ownership of assignments and identifying new opportunities to support the team and company goals.
- Proficient with Maya/MotionBuilder animation tools, including layers, time/trax editor, and mocap tools.
Bonus Skills
- Experience developing animation tools.
- Character rigging experience.
- Experience setting up in-game physics assets.
Application Requirements
- Portfolio or demo reel.
- Potential animation test.
Compensation and Benefits
- Estimated base pay range: $69.52 - $86.93 USD (hourly rate).
- Individual base pay range may vary based on job-related factors including knowledge, skills, experience, and location.
- Eligible for benefit offerings including medical, dental, and vision.