Lead Animator

Key Skills

Aartificial intelligence, Analytical and Problem solving, Animations, Design, Effective communication skills, Leadership Skill, Planning and organization, Teamwork

Job Description

Cloud Chamber is looking for talented and articulated (see what we did there?) Lead Animator to manage and mentor our team of energetic animators. We need you to pilot the efforts of the animation team while maintaining the creative vision for the project. You are an expert in the fundamentals of traditional animation principles and how they are applied to video games. Working in partnership with the Animation Director, Lead Tech Animator, and Production you will push the limits of what is possible, carry forward the vision of the project, and build the culture for our animation department.

Job Details:

• Manage and mentor a team of animators in the development of high-end gameplay and AI animations.
• Develop the animation pipeline and workflows, with a continuous eye for improvement.
• Work with other department leads and animation leadership to plan for mocap sessions.
• Review dailies and lead review sessions with the animation team, giving constructive, actionable feedback.
• Actively collaborate with other disciplines to ensure animation goals are set, met, and completed in a timely manner.
• Work closely with Production to identify blocking issues, develop milestone roadmaps, participate in sprint planning and tasking, and delegate animation work.
• Share your own experience, best practices, and animation know-how to help the less experienced members of the team.
• Take on a small animation workload when time permits.
• Take an active role in the animation leadership circle, by sharing your voice and best practices to help guide the culture of the animation team. As well as updating the group on any new or outstanding issues.
• Participate in the hiring process for the department, including the creation of job roles and responsibilities.
• Establish on-boarding and team training for the animation team regarding animation related tools and processes, as well as Unreal Engine 5.
• Embrace and evangelize the Cloud Chamber values: Act with Kindness, Lead With Courage, Dare To Be Original and Creative, Stand For Unity, and Embrace Diversity.

Skills, Experience, and Qualifications:

• Previous Lead, Team Lead, or coaching experience, managing an animation department.
• Shipped multiple AAA titles, ideally using Unreal or a comparable engine.
• Exceptional knowledge of how to create and maintain gameplay and AI systems as they pertain to video game animation.
• Animation graph and data integration experience.
• Experience working with Motion Capture data and pipelines.
• Experience with hand key facial animation and tools such as FaceFx.
• Experience structuring & maintaining animation processes such as rigging, or prototyping.
• A very strong understanding of character performance, form, gesture, and silhouette in regard to player character and AI.
• Excellent understanding of anatomy and caricature.
• Exceptional skill in animating the human bipedal figure, organic forms, quadrupedal, and mechanical objects.
• An exemplary understanding of traditional animation principles and how they support and enhance gameplay.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with a critical eye for detail.
• Highly detail-oriented, deadline-driven, and able to embrace change for a fast-growing organization.
• The ability to problem-solve and prioritize issues while developing a production pipeline.
• Strong collaborative and flexible spirit.
• Work ethic focused on dynamism and collaboration.
• Champion of high standards, pushing for progress, embracing change, and challenging the status quo.
• Uncompromising ethics and unwavering integrity.
• Willing to uphold the values of Cloud Chamber.

We are Cloud Chamber: a collaborative team of inspired minds who create games together. We strive to make unique, entertaining, and thoughtful game experiences that engage the world.

We believe in the beauty and strength of diversity, in both the makeup of the studio and the nature of our thinking. Our focus on open communication and overall well-being allows each of us to strive for excellence in our work, and happiness in our lives.

We’re currently making the next BioShock. Our passion and love for this iconic franchise is what brought us together. The thrill and responsibility of creating the next iteration of such a beloved game is what keeps us going.

If all of this sounds as exciting to you as it is to us we’d love to meet you. Join us in creating worlds that move people.

Please note that 2K Games and its studios never use instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews. When emailing prospective employees we only use 2K.com email accounts.

This is a fully remote role that may be based anywhere in the United States. Below are the expected salary and wage ranges for applicants based in locations where the pay transparency law is in effect:

Colorado: $115,000 and $150,000 per year

California: $145,000 and $170,000 per year

New York State (inclusive of New York City): $145,000 and $170,000 per year

Washington: $115,000 and $150,000 per year

Base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan, in addition to a full range of medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Employees will also receive 14 paid holidays per calendar year, are eligible to earn a minimum of 15 days of vacation leave per year (subject to proration based on start date during the calendar year) and will receive 10 sick days per calendar year. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an at-will position and the company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, 4 including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.