Sony Interactive Entertainment - Senior Gameplay Animator

3D Animator is needed in Santa Monica, United States.

Client: Sony Interactive Entertainment

Location: Santa Monica, CA

Contract: Temporary

Job 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, where Naughty Dog has been crafting best-selling, critically acclaimed games for nearly 40 years. Recently released titles include The Last of Us Part II Remastered and a remake of The Last of Us Part I for the PS5, now available on PC. We are currently working on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet and are looking for an experienced gameplay animator to join us.

Naughty Dog games are known for their evocative, character-driven stories and attention to detail. We welcome diverse candidates, believing that a range of cultural and life experiences contributes positively to our studio and game development.

Requirements

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, proactivity, communication, and productivity.
• Collaborate with Animation, Design, and Engineering teams to create innovative 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 practices.
• Utilize engine debug tools to resolve gameplay issues in collaboration with designers and programmers.
• Partner with animation leadership to uphold style and quality standards 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.
• 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 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 adaptability.
• Highly motivated with a proactive, solution-oriented, “can-do” attitude.
• Team player who fosters collaboration and inspires others.
• Strong communication skills for clear interaction with animation and other teams.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and manage shifting priorities.
• Proactive in taking ownership of assignments and identifying new opportunities.
• Proficient with Maya/MotionBuilder animation tools.

Bonus Skills:

• Experience developing animation tools is a plus.
• Character rigging experience is a plus.
• Experience setting up in-game physics assets is a plus.

Additional Information

As part of the Naughty Dog application process, candidates will be expected to provide a portfolio or demo reel of their work and may be asked to complete an animation test.

Estimated base pay range for this role is $69.52—$86.93 USD per hour. This role is also eligible for benefit offerings that include medical, dental, and vision.

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