3D Animator (Project Based)

Animator Position at Amber

At Amber, we're always on the hunt for the most talented individuals in the industry to join our team. We're dedicated to delivering top-notch service to our customers and know that our employees are key to making that happen. We offer attractive compensation packages and plenty of chances to grow with us, and we're always on the lookout for ways to do things better. Our team works together towards common goals and we value each member's contributions to our mission of continuous improvement and innovation.

About the Role

Hello talented professionals! We're currently looking to expand our pool of talent and invite skilled individuals to join us by applying to this job posting. While specific positions may not be available immediately, we're proactively building a network of qualified candidates for future paid partnerships. If you're passionate about game development, eager to showcase and improve your skills on major titles, and if you are open to potential partnerships down the line, we encourage you to apply and become part of our expert talent community. We look forward to connecting with you!

The animator is the one responsible to give life and believability to a 3D character or any 3D object through movement and performance.

Using techniques and styles particular for the needs of each project, they aim to animate characters and backgrounds that players will find believable and immersive.

Here's what you can expect:

• Profile Preselection: Our Talent Acquisition team will review your profile to ensure it aligns with our requirements and values
• Talent Acquisition Interview: Selected candidates will undergo an initial interview to discuss their experience, skills, and fit for the role.
• Online Test: Qualified candidates will be invited to complete an online assessment to demonstrate their abilities.
• Technical Interview: Finalists will participate in a technical interview to assess their proficiency and compatibility with our team when a project staffing plan is made.

We're committed to finding the best talent to join our growing team, and we look forward to connecting with you throughout this exciting process. The Quest:

• Character and Object Animation: Create high-quality, believable and vivid 3D animations for in-game characters, creatures, and objects, including but not limited to walking, running, jumping, talking, and interaction animations.
• Rigging: Work closely with modelers to create efficient, animator-friendly rigs that allow for a wide range of movements and expressions, ensuring that the animations are realistic and technically sound.
• Motion Capture Editing: Utilize and edit motion capture data as required, refining and enhancing captured movements to fit the game's style and character personalities.
• Collaboration with Development Team: Collaborate with game designers, artists, and programmers to ensure that animations work seamlessly within the game environment, contributing to gameplay, narrative, and visual style.
• Animation Integration: Work with the technical team to integrate animations into the game engine, troubleshooting and adjusting as necessary to maintain performance and visual quality.
• Iterative Animation Process: Participate in reviews and be receptive to feedback, making necessary revisions to animations to meet quality standards and creative direction.
• Efficient time management: Work efficiently to achieve the estimated times for each phase and punctually meet the delivery date.
• Teamwork: Collaborate and work closely with other artists to be a problem solver and foresee and communicate on time any quality, technical or delivery issue that may affect the project.
• Punctuality: Present your progress on a daily basis and/or when requested and assist on time to any meeting, call or communication request.

The Skills:

• Strong foundational knowledge in animation principles, such as timing, weight, and facial expressions.
• Full understanding of the technical foundations to manage assets to fit memory and performance considerations.
• Deep understanding of character rigging and skinning principles.
• Keen eye for detail and dedication to delivering high-quality work under tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine.
• High degree of self-direction, but also a great team-player with a strong verbal and written communication, willing to seek help and feedback from others and give it in return. Being extremely proactive and open to direction and iteration.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to addressing technical and artistic challenges in 3D asset creation.
• Strong knowledge of industry-standard pipelines, workflows, and asset exporting process.
• Quick learner of new processes and software as needed.
• 3-5 years of experience in the videogame industry and at least 3 credited games.

Software Expertise

• Maya, 3DS Max, Blender or equivalent software.
• Unreal Engine 5 and Unity.
• Zbrush.
• Adobe Photoshop.
• Substance Painter.
• Substance Designer is a plus.

Required Application Materials

• Resume/CV
• Cover letter
• Reel or portfolio demonstrating the art and technical skills

The Reward:

• Competitive project-based compensation
• Opportunity to work on exciting and diverse projects
• Clear communication and support throughout the project duration.
• Flexibility in project timelines and deadlines.
• Potential for long-term collaboration on future projects.
• Transparent and fair evaluation of your work.