Lead Technical Animator

Key Skills

Animations, API, Autodesk Maya, C++, JIRA, Leadership, Linear Algebra, Machine learning techniques, Python Programming, Vector CANalyzer

Job Description

When we say, the stuff dreams are made of, we’re not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD’s vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the storytellers bringing our characters to life, the creators bringing them to your living rooms and the dreamers creating what’s next…

From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.

Rocksteady Studios is an award-winning, critically acclaimed video game developer. Founded in 2004, we are home to the widely celebrated Batman: Arkham series of games. Our philosophy for game development is all about treating people well to create quality entertainment that stands the test of time. We’re a one-project studio that built our success by combining genre-defining gameplay and character-driven cinematic narrative with AAA production values. Born in the heart of London, our multicultural team takes inspiration from the culture and history of our home in one of the most diverse cities in the world.

Your New Role…

Rocksteady is looking for a Lead Technical Animator to join our dedicated and collaborative team working on our upcoming AAA title Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.

The role involves leading, supporting and developing our team of friendly and passionate technical animators. You’ll also be applying your technical expertise directly by creating rigs, developing pipelines and collaborating with art and animation teams to solve all kinds of problems.

Working closely with a plethora of Leads and Directors – you’ll be developing outstanding art assets with brilliant deformation alongside making easy to use tools for gaining efficiency and quality.

Your Role Accountabilities…

• Lead the Technical Animation team in achieving project targets
• Collaborate with the Art and Animation teams to assist on technical challenges and improve pipelines and processes
• Integrate, research and develop new technologies and tools to advance quality, efficiency and adaptability of animation, rigging and art pipelines.
• Supervise/create high quality character, body and facial rigs.
• Create and share accountability over Technical Animation schedules/roadmaps, alongside the Production team
• Leading and supporting the Technical Animation team through hiring, mentoring and running 121s/appraisals
• Create and manage documentation for tools and processes within animation and asset processes in the studio

Qualifications & Experience…

• Demonstrable experience as a Team Lead in Artistic/Technical Games Development
• Complex rigging/Technical Animation experience.
• Strong working knowledge of Python in Maya and coding standards and practices
• Good understanding of anatomy and body mechanics
• Engine animation experience (Unity/Unreal)

Bonus Points:

• Experience with gameplay technical animation – such as state machines, cloth, physics and ragdoll setups – particularly in Unreal.
• Experience with Jira and/or Shotgrid
• Experience with Motionbuilder, motionbuilder API and mocap processes
• Experience with facial rigging
• Programming knowledge such as C++/Maya API & Plugin Writing.
• Interest and experience with machine learning
• Knowledge of vector maths, linear algebra and matrices.