Animation Lead Specialist

4 days ago

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Next Level Games Full time

**About Next Level Games**

We are a renowned video game development studio, passionate about creating immersive experiences for gamers worldwide. With over 20 years of expertise in shipping award-winning games, we continue to push the boundaries of innovation and creativity.

**The Role**

We are seeking an experienced Technical Animation Lead to join our team in Vancouver, Canada. As a key member of our animation department, you will be responsible for leading the technical aspects of character production, ensuring seamless collaboration with directors, artists, animators, designers, and engineers.

**Responsibilities**

  • Partner with directors, character artists, animators, designers, and engineers to deliver high-quality assets within real-time development constraints.
  • Support animators in unblocking their potential and develop new techniques to solve character production challenges.
  • Collaborate with stakeholder teams to understand technical and creative requirements and suggest solutions for technical issues.
  • Work with the concept team to ensure downstream considerations are evaluated and discussed early.
  • Ensure outsourcing partners have the resources to be productive and informed.
  • Help identify workflow deficiencies and communicate requirements for improvement with the tools team.
  • Partner with production to budget, prioritize, assign, track, and organize all content deliverables.
  • Ensure a constructive, collaborative relationship between the Modeling, Rigging, and Animation departments.
  • Oversee building of prototype assets where applicable to unblock teams.
  • Ensure creation of robust, efficient, and intuitive body and facial controls.
  • Ensure team growth and mentorship in craft excellence.
  • Ensure creation of documentation, onboarding plans, and feedback for the technical production of characters, animation, and prop assets.
  • Bring teams together through consistent and effective communication.

**Requirements**

  • 7+ years of experience as a 3D technical artist in video games and film.
  • Experience working on at least one major project as a team lead.
  • Intimate knowledge of Maya and strong understanding of Maya's rigging tools.
  • Ability to pioneer practical production-oriented rig systems and workflows.
  • Deep knowledge of animator workflows.
  • Strong understanding of rigging optimization and budgeting as they pertain to game engine.
  • Proficient with modeling and topology adjustments related to character deformations.
  • Expertise in Python and/or C++ – specifically as it applies to programming and tool creation in Maya (MEL and API).
  • Working knowledge of shaders, specifically as they relate to animation.
  • Experience with Project Management (Jira, Confluence, SharePoint) tools.
  • Experience with Source Control (Perforce) software.

**What Sets You Apart**

  • Proactive, technical problem solver and a team player.
  • Driven by cross-discipline collaborative environments.
  • Excel at constructively giving and receiving feedback.
  • Experience supporting and maintaining cinematics workflows.
  • A strong understanding of the principles of animation.
  • Ability to research and apply new approaches to push our character capabilities.
  • Ability to create high-quality content.
  • Stay adaptable to the iterative needs of the team by leaning into curiosity, experimentation, and growth mindset.

**Location and Compensation**

This is a hybrid position, requiring at least three days per week at our Vancouver studio.

The estimated salary range for this position is $123,000 - $144,000 CAD annually, based on factors such as skills, education, and experience. The final base salary compensation will be determined accordingly.

  • Lead Animation Specialist

    3 weeks ago

    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Electronic Arts Full time

    Unlock your creative potential as a Lead Animation Specialist at Electronic Arts, where innovation meets excellence. Our collaborative and inclusive team is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of animation technology.About the RoleThis key position plays a vital role in developing and implementing cutting-edge animation systems and concepts. Your expertise...

  • Animation Specialist

    2 months ago

    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Electronic Arts Full time

    About the Role:We are seeking a highly skilled Animation Specialist to join our team at Electronic Arts. As an Animation Specialist, you will be responsible for creating high-quality keyframe animation with a focus on full body character acting.Responsibilities:Work with the Animation Lead and Director to develop and implement animation...

  • Lead Animator

    1 month ago

    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Zoic Studios Full time

    Job Title: Lead AnimatorAbout Zoic Studios:Zoic Studios is a Visual Effects company that specializes in high-end visual effects for television, film, and advertising. Our mantra is Visual Evolution - we focus on every part of the process, from the final picture to the pipeline used to create them.Job Summary:We are seeking a skilled Lead Animator to join our...

  • Gameplay Animation Systems Specialist

    3 weeks ago

    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada IFG - International Financial Group Full time

    Technical Animator is a key role at IFG - International Financial Group where collaboration and communication are essential to develop and maintain gameplay animation systems in UE5.We're seeking an experienced Gameplay Animation Systems Specialist who will collaborate with peers on animation state machines, behaviors, and runtime solutions while adhering to...

  • Animal Care Specialist

    4 weeks ago

    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Bhullar Enterprises Inc dba Atlas Animal Hospital Full time

    Join a dynamic team at Bhullar Enterprises Inc dba Atlas Animal Hospital as an Animal Care Specialist. This role offers the opportunity to work in a veterinary clinic environment where you will be responsible for diagnosing diseases, treating sick animals, and providing expert advice to clients. You will also conduct research, enforce regulations, and...

  • Gameplay Animation Outsourcing Specialist

    3 weeks ago

    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Dexian Full time

    We are seeking a highly creative and motivated Gameplay Animation Outsourcing Specialist to help deliver high-quality animations through our external partners. In this position, you will work closely with the Lead Gameplay Animators to reinforce our quality bar and bring their vision to reality.The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of experience in gameplay...

  • Creative Animation Specialist

    3 weeks ago

    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Sony Pictures Imageworks Canada Full time

    Job Title: Creative Animation SpecialistWe are seeking a highly skilled Creative Animation Specialist to join our team at Sony Pictures Imageworks Canada.The estimated salary for this position is $80,000 - $110,000 per year, based on industry standards and location.About the RoleThis is an exciting opportunity to work on animated films as a key member of our...

  • Senior Animation Layout Specialist

    3 weeks ago

    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Bardel Entertainment Full time

    Bardel EntertainmentOverviewWe are an internationally recognized, Emmy Award-winning animation studio in Vancouver and Montreal.SalaryThe estimated salary for this role is between $75,000 and $90,000 per year, depending on experience.About the JobWe are seeking a dedicated Senior Animation Layout Specialist to join our team. As a key member of our animation...

  • Animal Health Specialist

    3 weeks ago

    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Jagpal & Bains Enterprises Inc. Full time

    Job DescriptionWe are seeking an experienced Animal Health Specialist to join our team at Jagpal & Bains Enterprises Inc. As a key member of our veterinary services, you will be responsible for providing high-quality care to our animal patients.About the RoleThis is a permanent position working 40 hours per week in a fast-paced environment.You will work...

  • Compassionate Animal Care Specialist

    3 weeks ago

    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Bhullar Enterprises Inc dba Atlas Animal Hospital Full time

    Job OverviewWe are seeking a highly skilled and compassionate Animal Care Specialist to join our team at Atlas Animal Hospital. In this rewarding role, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals and their owners.About the RoleAs an Animal Care Specialist, you will be responsible for providing exceptional care and...

  • Lead Animator Innovator

    3 weeks ago

    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Electronic Arts (EA) Full time

    Drive the future of character animation technology as a Senior Technical Animator in EA's A-Team. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and innovate animation tools and workflows.Key Responsibilities:Curate motion capture data for animation sets and push the limits of new technologies in Motion Matching and Machine Learning.Develop new...

  • Animal Care Specialist

    6 hours ago

    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada PetSitter Full time

    We are seeking a reliable and caring individual to take care of our baby bearded dragon. This is a unique opportunity for someone who loves animals and is willing to learn about their needs.The ideal candidate will have experience in animal care, be able to follow instructions, and be comfortable with live insects as food.We estimate the salary for this...

  • Visual Effects Specialist for Animation Studios

    1 week ago

    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Bardel Entertainment Full time

    We are an internationally recognized, Emmy Award-winning studio – in two prominent Canadian cities. For over 35 years, we have led the animation industry through unwavering commitment to quality, creativity, and innovation.Our team is seeking a dedicated Visual Effects Specialist to join us at Bardel Entertainment. Once a shot wraps up in rough layout, it...

  • Veterinary Animal Care Specialist

    3 weeks ago

    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Jagpal & Bains Enterprises Inc. Full time

    About the RoleWe are seeking a skilled Veterinary Animal Care Specialist to join our team at Jagpal & Bains Enterprises Inc. As a key member of our animal hospital staff, you will play a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of animals under our care.

  • Veterinary Animal Care Specialist

    6 days ago

    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Atlas Animal Hospital Full time

    About Atlas Animal HospitalWe are a reputable animal hospital dedicated to providing exceptional care for our furry patients.As a Veterinary Animal Care Specialist, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and comfort of our animals.Job DescriptionWe are seeking an experienced Veterinary Animal Care Specialist to join our team. The ideal...

  • Technical Animation Lead

    3 weeks ago

    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Electronic Arts (EA) Full time

    Electronic Arts (EA)We are a leading global interactive entertainment software company, delivering games, content and online services for Internet-connected consoles, personal computers, mobile phones and tablets.The A-Team is an innovative Character Animation Research Team based in Vancouver, British Columbia, with talented remote members spread across...

  • Lead CG Character Animation Specialist

    3 weeks ago

    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Zoic Studios Full time

    About Zoic StudiosZoic Studios is a Visual Effects company specializing in high-end visual effects for television, film, and advertising.We focus on every aspect of the process, from the final picture to the pipeline used to create them.Job SummaryThe Animator is responsible for creating engaging performances for a wide array of CG characters and objects...

  • Veterinary Technician

    3 weeks ago

    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Canada West Veterinary Specialists and Critical Care Hospital Full time

    About Canada West Veterinary Specialists and Critical Care HospitalWe are a leading veterinary hospital dedicated to providing exceptional care for animals. Our team is passionate about delivering compassionate service, innovative treatments, and unparalleled expertise.Job SummaryWe are seeking an experienced Veterinary Technician to join our dynamic team!...

  • Animal Care Specialist

    4 weeks ago

    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Canada West Veterinary Specialists and Critical Care Hospital Full time

    Job Title: Animal Care Specialist - Veterinary TeamAre you passionate about animal care and want to join a dynamic team of professionals dedicated to delivering exceptional veterinary services?We are seeking an experienced Animal Care Specialist to join our team at Canada West Veterinary Specialists and Critical Care Hospital.Job Summary:The Animal Care...

  • Lead Animator Engineer

    7 days ago

    Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Next Level Games Full time $100,000 - $144,000

    About UsAt Next Level Games, we strive to push the boundaries of video game development. With over 20 years of experience in creating award-winning titles, our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality experiences for fans worldwide.Our Studio CultureWe believe that collaboration and teamwork are key to achieving success. Our studio fosters an environment...