3D Animation Specialist (The Motion Magician) - Unreal Gigs

Are you passionate about breathing life into static 3D models, creating animations that captivate and inspire? Do you thrive on crafting realistic movements, dynamic scenes, and storytelling through motion? If you’re ready to bring worlds to life frame by frame, our client has the perfect role for you. We’re looking for a 3D Animation Specialist (aka The Motion Magician) to design and execute high-quality animations for games, simulations, AR/VR, and multimedia projects.

As a 3D Animation Specialist at our client, you’ll collaborate with designers, artists, and developers to create engaging animations that enrich immersive experiences. Your mastery of movement, timing, and storytelling will be vital in crafting visually compelling and technically sound animations.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Create High-Quality 3D Animations:
• Design and execute animations for characters, environments, and props, ensuring fluid motion and expressive storytelling. You’ll bring assets to life with a focus on detail and impact.
2. Develop Character Rigging and Skinning:
• Build and refine character rigs that support realistic, dynamic movements. You’ll create versatile rigs and apply skinning techniques to ensure seamless animations.
3. Collaborate on Storyboarding and Scene Planning:
• Work with creative teams to storyboard and plan animations, aligning visuals with narrative goals. You’ll contribute ideas to enhance the flow and pacing of animated sequences.
4. Optimize Animations for Performance:
• Ensure animations run smoothly across platforms, optimizing keyframes, bone structures, and physics for real-time performance. You’ll balance visual quality with efficiency.
5. Implement Animations into Interactive Systems:
• Collaborate with developers to integrate animations into games, AR/VR applications, or simulations. You’ll ensure transitions, triggers, and interactive elements work flawlessly.
6. Experiment with Advanced Animation Techniques:
• Explore techniques like motion capture, procedural animation, and dynamic simulations to push creative boundaries. You’ll incorporate cutting-edge methods to elevate animation quality.
7. Stay Updated on Animation Tools and Trends:
• Continuously research the latest software, tools, and animation trends. You’ll bring innovative techniques to the team, keeping designs fresh and modern.

Requirements

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Animation Software: Expertise in tools like Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max for 3D animation and rigging.
• Strong Understanding of Animation Principles: Mastery of timing, weight, anticipation, and follow-through to create natural and compelling motion.
• Rigging and Skinning Skills: Experience building flexible rigs and applying skinning techniques to ensure smooth deformations and realistic movements.
• Experience with Motion Capture: Familiarity with motion capture systems and data cleanup for realistic character animations.
• Collaborative and Adaptive Mindset: Ability to work closely with artists, developers, and designers, adapting to project goals and creative direction.

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Animation, Game Design, Digital Media, or a related field. Equivalent experience in 3D animation may be considered.
• Specialized training or certifications in character animation, rigging, or visual storytelling are advantageous.

Experience Requirements:

• 3+ years of experience in 3D animation, with a portfolio showcasing high-quality character and environmental animations.
• Experience creating animations for games, AR/VR, or interactive media is a plus.
• Familiarity with real-time rendering engines like Unity or Unreal Engine is beneficial.

Benefits

• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with low co-pays and premiums.
• Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation, sick leave, and 20 paid holidays per year.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible work schedules and telecommuting options.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certification reimbursement, and career advancement programs.
• Wellness Programs: Access to wellness programs, including gym memberships, health screenings, and mental health resources.
• Life and Disability Insurance: Life insurance and short-term/long-term disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for personal and professional challenges.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Financial assistance for continuing education and professional development.
• Community Engagement: Opportunities to participate in community service and volunteer activities.
• Recognition Programs: Employee recognition programs to celebrate achievements and milestones.