Senior Gameplay Animator - IGC/ Gameplay (Contingent)
Senior Gameplay Animator at Naughty Dog (temporary engagement via staffing partner Yoh) creating high-quality systemic gameplay animation in Maya, implementing it in the studio's game engine, directing motion capture shoots, and collaborating with animation, design, and engineering teams on a hybrid/onsite basis in Santa Monica, CA.
- Compensation
- $70–$87 / hr
- Location
- United States, Santa Monica, CA
- Work setup
- Onsite
- Seniority
- Senior
- Employment
- Contract
- Experience
- 5+ years
- Category
- Creative
- Posted
Must have
- 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, showcased by a strong animation reel
- General technical knowledge of animation technologies including state machines, blend trees, and motion matching
- Passion for gaming and 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
- Comfortable using a script editor
- Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to adapt quickly to challenges
- Highly motivated, proactive, and solution-oriented with a can-do attitude
- Natural team player who fosters collaboration and inspires others across departments
- Strong communication skills with clear and proactive interaction with teams
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, manage shifting priorities, and keep stakeholders informed
- Proactive in taking ownership of assignments and identifying new opportunities
- Proficient with Maya/MotionBuilder animation tools, including layers, time/trax editor, and mocap tools
- Provide a portfolio or demo reel; may be asked to complete an animation test
- Authorized to work in the United States
Nice to have
- Experience developing animation tools
- Character rigging experience
- Experience setting up in-game physics assets
Full description
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
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. We're also proud to say that The Last of Us Parts I & II are now available for the first time on PC. Currently, we’re busy at the kennel working on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, and we'd love to find talented individuals to join us.
Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character-driven stories and attention to detail. We are committed to innovation within our games and as such have curated some of the top creative and technically innovative minds in the industry. We welcome diverse candidates and believe that a broad range of cultural and life experiences contribute to the overall well-being and success of the studio and the titles we craft together. We'd love to find an experienced gameplay animator to join us!
What you’ll do:
- 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
What skills you will use:
- 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