Technical Animator

5 days ago

Toronto, Canada SPINVFX Full time

OVERVIEW

The Technical Animator position helps establish a connection between the animation team and the more technical aspects of a VFX pipeline. You will be working on enabling new workflows, help design new pipeline based tools and help troubleshoot issues for the Animation Department. This role is expected to handle production support and also Maya based development tasks in a fast-paced, feature film visual effects production environment. The primary focus is ensuring the pipeline and artist tools are enabling Animators to focus on the artistry. While reporting to the Head of Animation, this role will collaborate with Department TDs, Animation Supervisors and Leads to ensure animators are able to delivery projects in a timely manner.

RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide front-line production support to Animators, troubleshoot assets and shots and help artists with general problem-solving via the prevalent ticketing system.
- Further the Animation tool set by integrating new commercial and/or inhouse artist software tools to meet immediate, show-directed production demands and ensuring facility-wide consistency.
- Work on debugging, troubleshooting and extending cross department pipeline tools like asset loaders, publishers, QC rendering.
- Maintain and evolve the SpinVFX Animation pipeline tool set composed of Python, PySide/PyQT UIs, Maya’s C++ and scripted plugins.
- Collaborate with fellow Department TDs to understand and contribute to smooth functioning of Animation tools with upstream and downstream data workflows.
- Test and validate tools and techniques with Animation stakeholders and release new and modified software systems as per the department standards.
- Document necessary updates to Animation tools and workflows in tickets and artist facing documentation.

**REQUIREMENTS**
- Strong understanding of animation principles and the animation workflows.
- Basic knowledge of rigging workflows and techniques.
- 3+ years experience as a Pipeline Developer with Autodesk Maya software.
- Good experience with Python, PySide/PyQt, GIT.
- Experience with Maya APIs.
- Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining tools for use in a VFX pipeline.
- Good grasp of Animation/VFX pipeline workflows especially of the Model, Rigging, Animation, Layout departments.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to build strong relationships with technical leadership, developers and non-technical stakeholders.
- Detail oriented, self reliant, self motivated and be able to use constructive feedback to improve one’s coding and design skills.

**Desirable Experience**
- Experience with ABC, USD,, is highly regarded
- Xsens Motion Capture Experience
- Motion Builder Experience

SPIN VFX is committed to an inclusive and accessible workplace. We welcome all qualified individuals that reflect the talents and diversity of the community to apply. SPIN VFX offers accommodation for applicants throughout the recruitment process upon request.

**Job Type**: Permanent

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- RRSP match

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Toronto, ON

  • Technical Animator

    5 days ago

    Toronto, Canada Ubisoft Full time

    **Company Description** Ubisoft Toronto is one of the largest development studios within Ubisoft, employing talented people from around the world. We create worlds and tell stories that grip you, inspire you and challenge you. Since opening in 2010, we have shipped innovative game projects on some of Ubisoft’s biggest brands: Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry,...

  • Lead Technical Animator

    2 weeks ago

    Toronto, Canada Certain Affinity, Inc. Full time

    Lead Technical Animator Would you like to work on some of the greatest franchises in gaming history? What about working on our new original IP? Certain Affinity has physical locations in Austin, Texas, and Toronto, Canada. Our culture reflects the values and the vibrant nature of the cities we call home. This includes a commitment to evolution, diversity,...

  • Lead Technical Animator

    2 weeks ago

    Toronto, Canada Certain Affinity, Inc. Full time

    Lead Technical Animator Would you like to work on some of the greatest franchises in gaming history? What about working on our new original IP? Certain Affinity has physical locations in Austin, Texas, and Toronto, Canada. Our culture reflects the values and the vibrant nature of the cities we call home. This includes a commitment to evolution, diversity,...

  • Lead Technical Animator

    1 week ago

    Toronto, Canada Certain Affinity, Inc. Full time

    Lead Technical Animator Would you like to work on some of the greatest franchises in gaming history? What about working on our new original IP? Certain Affinity has physical locations in Austin, Texas, and Toronto, Canada. Our culture reflects the values and the vibrant nature of the cities we call home. This includes a commitment to evolution, diversity,...

  • Lead Technical Animator

    2 weeks ago

    Toronto, Canada Certain Affinity Full time

    Would you like to work on some of the greatest franchises in gaming history? What about working on our new original IP? Certain Affinity has physical locations in Austin, Texas, and Toronto, Canada. Our culture reflects the values and the vibrant nature of the cities we call home. This includes a commitment to evolution, diversity, excellence, and...

  • Lead Technical Animator

    2 weeks ago

    Toronto, Canada Certain Affinity Full time

    Would you like to work on some of the greatest franchises in gaming history? What about working on our new original IP? Certain Affinity has physical locations in Austin, Texas, and Toronto, Canada. Our culture reflects the values and the vibrant nature of the cities we call home. This includes a commitment to evolution, diversity, excellence, and...

  • Lead Technical Animator

    6 hours ago

    Toronto, Ontario, Canada Certain Affinity Full time

    Would you like to work on some of the greatest franchises in gaming history? What about working on our new original IP? Certain Affinity has physical locations in Austin, Texas, and Toronto, Canada. Our culture reflects the values and the vibrant nature of the cities we call home. This includes a commitment to evolution, diversity, excellence, and work-life...

  • Senior Technical Animator: Unreal Rigging

    3 weeks ago

    Toronto, Canada Behaviour Interactive Full time

    A leading gaming studio in Toronto is seeking a Senior Technical Animator to join their team. This role involves character integration, troubleshooting animation issues, and optimizing assets. Candidates should have over 8 years of experience in video game animation, strong technical skills in rigging and skinning, and expertise in Maya and Unreal Engine....

  • Senior Technical Animator: Unreal Rigging

    4 weeks ago

    Toronto, Canada Behaviour Interactive Full time

    A leading gaming studio in Toronto is seeking a Senior Technical Animator to join their team. This role involves character integration, troubleshooting animation issues, and optimizing assets. Candidates should have over 8 years of experience in video game animation, strong technical skills in rigging and skinning, and expertise in Maya and Unreal Engine....

  • Senior Technical Animator – Blight:Survival

    4 weeks ago

    Toronto, Canada Behaviour Interactive Full time

    Senior Technical Animator – Blight:Survival Behaviour Interactive is a dynamic, independent studio headquartered in Montreal, with studios in Toronto, Rotterdam, and the UK. Our day‑to‑day work revolves around two core focuses: Services (collaborating with industry giants like Disney, Sony, Activision, and Nintendo) and Original Games (e.g., our iconic...