VFX Animator

As a leading mobile games developer, Jam City is looking to “level up” our talent.  We’re searching for innovators who consider themselves dynamic, collaborative, and thrive in a fast-paced environment. 

PERKS & BENEFITS

Unlimited Vacation, Paid Sick Days & Holidays

100% Employee Covered Medical, Dental, Vision Plan Base Plan

Life Insurance, 401k, Flexible Spending Accounts, Commuter Benefits & More

Catered Lunches & Well-stocked Kitchens

Yoga & Wellness Activities

Happy Hours

Company Events

ABOUT THE ROLE

As the VFX Animator, you will be involved in all aspects of our internal game development. You will help develop the game’s VFX and animation in Unity. You will help create presentation moments in the game to enhance the player’s experience and bolster the IP look and feel. Having a solid understanding of VFX and animation principles is a must. This position requires a creative, talented, and motivated individual to help create the next hit Disney game. This role is approved as a nine month contract with possible extensions.

**This role is approved as a nine month contract with a possible extension to full time hire.

***In order to be considered, you MUST provide us with a Demo Reel with examples of your most current animation and effects work***

 **Open to fully remote candidates willing to work PDT hours.

• Deliver high quality VFX and animations for 2D interfaces and 3D gameplay
• ]With the Lead Animator, Art Director and UI/UX manager, help define the look and feel of VFX and animations
• From concept to execution, create and integrate high quality VFX and animations that support compelling UI presentation moments and exciting gameplay experience
• Understand technical restrictions of the hardware, and create beautiful VFX and animations within those constraints
• Collaborate with UI/UX, Art Team and Design team to understand and emphasize the intended look and feel and game behaviors
• Collaborate with Technical Artists, Game Designers, and Engineers to define and improve our VFX and animation pipeline
• Ensure VFX  and animations meet technical and visual quality standard
• Manage VFX and animation bugs and task workload in order to hit sprint and release deadlines
• Work with Production and Project Managers to accurately scope and size level of effort and deliverables

• Animate and give emotion and personality to inanimate objects
• May occasionally assist in posing characters
• Work with the Lead Animator and the Art Director to define direction, methods and approaches to solving creative animation challenges

• Minimum 3 years of professional VFX / animation experience
• Extensive experience with Unity / Shuriken particle system
• Great understanding of VFX pipeline, particle animation, shaders, lighting and some light programming
• Ability to adapt to different styles of animation and VFX
• A portfolio/demo-reel showcasing an understanding of timing, momentum, effects, weight, and anticipation
• Proven track record of creating compelling and beautiful VFX and animations in the face of artistic, technical, and gameplay challenges or limitations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present feedback and ideas in a clear, concise, and professional manner
• Art degree or equivalent work experience
• Solid understanding of art and visual design principles and techniques regarding 2D, 3D, layout, color theory, and lighting
• Solid knowledge with the latest content creation tools (Maya a plus)
• Able to multi-task like a pro
• Sense of humor and a positive, enthusiastic attitude
• Ability to take direction, and able to iterate VFX and animations when necessary
• Self-starter, reliable, and passionate about their work
• Eye for detail with a clear understanding of the big picture
• Team player who understands the value of regular and effective communication
• Passion for video games a must!

• Affinity for or experience with Disney/Pixar.
• Character animation experience
• Experience exploring / creating VFX using shaders

In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation for this role.  The range listed is just one component of Jam City's total compensation package for employees, which may also include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.  Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of job-related factors, which may include education, training, experience, certifications, location, business needs, or market demands. This range is based on a full-time position. This range may be modified in the future. In addition, Jam City provides a variety of benefits to employees, including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, parental leave, paid time off, a 401(k) plan, life, disability, and accident insurance.  Pay Range: $31.00/hr — $64.66 per hour

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, & INCLUSION

We believe in creating games that unite people across the world and that showcase our commitment to providing an environment that is both inclusive and diverse for our players and employees. We strive to create a workforce that is reflective of our global player community as we know that we are stronger and better when we play together. To help promote an inclusive culture, we celebrate the visible and invisible diversity of our Jam Citizens through initiatives including Employee Resource Groups, cultural events, trainings, speaker series, and more. 

Jam City is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, age, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, religion, ethnicity, marital, or domestic partnerships status, disability, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, veteran status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expressions, or any other classification protected by federal, state, and local laws. Our management is committed to following this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruiting, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.

ABOUT JAM CITY

Jam City is an award-winning mobile entertainment studio providing unique and deeply engaging games that appeal to a broad, global audience.

Led by CEO Josh Yguado, former 20th Century Fox executive, Jam City is the creative powerhouse behind some of the highest-grossing and most enduring mobile games. Jam City’s global franchise Cookie Jam has generated more than half a billion dollars, and Panda Pop has more than 120 million downloads to date.

The company also is the go-to studio for Hollywood, having developed immersive, narrative-rich mobile games around iconic entertainment brands. The company’s popular RPG game Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery was the #1 game in more than 40 countries at its launch in April 2018.

Jam City has nine studios located in Los Angeles (HQ), Berlin, Buenos Aires, Bogotá, Burbank, Cedar Falls, San Diego, San Francisco, and Toronto.