Animator - High Moon Studios (Temporary)
About The Position
High Moon Studios is seeking an Animator to create polished animations for AAA video game titles. The role covers the production process from initial concept through high-level feedback and includes action, cinematic, dialogue, and supporting animations using motion capture and hand-key authoring. The Animator will work with the Narrative team on cinematics and scripted in-game animation, create and present previs and animation concepts, and implement and maintain animations in the game engine using proprietary tools. The position also involves troubleshooting animation and technical issues and partnering with Technical Animation to improve tools and pipelines. Experience using generative AI tools for creative exploration is included among the role’s duties. This is a temporary position estimated to last approximately 12 months, based in High Moon Studios’ Carlsbad, California office. The onsite schedule is four days per week, and work arrangements may change at the company’s discretion to meet business needs. The studio employs more than 170 people. The role offers an hourly base pay range of $30.47 to $56.35 in the U.S.; actual compensation depends on factors including experience, performance, and work location. Incentive compensation may also be available but is not guaranteed. The successful candidate will have at least five years of professional animation experience, including work on AAA console titles, strong first-person and cinematic animation skills, and a solid understanding of 3D animation principles, cinematography, and storytelling. A portfolio is required, with a shot breakdown identifying the candidate’s direct contributions to projects.
Requirements
- At least 5 years of professional animation experience, including experience working on AAA console titles.
- Solid first-person and cinematic animation skills, with excellent awareness of timing, weight, and composition.
- Highly demonstrated skill in all areas of 3D animation principles and techniques.
- Solid understanding of cinematography and storytelling techniques.
- Ability to quickly learn and master new tools, processes, and pipelines.
- Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
- Ability to contribute to a creative team and give and receive feedback.
- Positive attitude and pride in the quality of work.
- Portfolio submission required, focused on personal contributions and including a shot breakdown specifying what the candidate directly created.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in first-person shooter (FPS) games.
- Extensive knowledge of the Call of Duty games.
- Experience using generative AI tools for creative exploration.
Responsibilities
- Work with the Narrative team to create cinematics and scripted in-game animations.
- Create polished action, cinematic, dialogue, and supporting animations using motion capture and hand-key authoring techniques.
- Create previsualizations and present animation concepts to the Narrative team.
- Collaborate with teams across the studio to meet project goals and deliver high-quality work.
- Help troubleshoot animation and technical issues.
- Partner with the Technical Animation team to improve tools and pipelines and provide feedback on their development.
- Implement and maintain animations in the game engine using proprietary tools.
- Use generative AI tools for creative exploration.
- Provide direction to other disciplines and departments to drive scene vision.
- Give and receive feedback as part of a highly creative team.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Health savings or health reimbursement account; healthcare and dependent care spending accounts.
- Life and AD&D insurance and disability insurance.
- 401(k) with Company match.
- Tuition reimbursement.
- Charitable donation matching.
- Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, and floating holidays.
- Compassion and bereavement leaves and parental leave.
- Mental health and wellbeing programs and fitness programs.
- Free and discounted games.
- Other voluntary benefits, including supplemental life and disability insurance, legal services, ID protection, and rental insurance.
- Relocation assistance may be available if the Company requires the employee to move for the job.
- Eligible employees in this role may receive incentive compensation, which is not guaranteed.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
