Lead Animator

Lead Animator

Redwood City, CA

Together Labs is seeking a talented Lead Animator who will be managing and mentoring a team of artists.  The ideal Lead Animator is an expert in animation and holds a wealth of knowledge in dealing with production and technical issues. In this role, they will be expected to focus on finding solutions rather than simply identifying issues within the animation production pipeline.  

The Lead Animator will work with a cross discipline team to prioritize and manage tasks for the animation deliverables reporting to the Art Director. In conjunction with leading the team, They will be creating dynamic and compelling animations for gameplay systems using both keyframe and motion capture data. The ideal candidate is well versed in the principles of animation and videogame production pipelines and how animation as a discipline, fits within that process.

The Lead Animator, will hold the vision for animation within the studio and ensure that the animation team can work creatively and effectively. In this role, you will be responsible for owning the complex gameplay features from start to finish, working collaboratively with other disciplines to plan, prototype, create and polish those systems to a high quality, as well as scheduling and reviewing work from your team. You will be responsible for creating content for a new Metaverse that millions of players will experience!

*** Portfolio/ Demo reel of animation work Required***

Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of character animation using keyframe, motion capture, and in-engine tools
• Oversee the Animation team; regularly reviewing work, delegating, and planning workloads for team members, ensuring that work is completed to a high standard
• Serve as the main point of contact for the project’s Animation team
• Be heavily involved in the continued development of tools and pipeline processes, maintaining an understanding of industry best practices
• Serve as an active participant in team discussions, critiques, and reviews
• Meet production schedules and deadlines
• Communicate effectively with peers and direct reports
• Be a strong team player with a desire to push the quality of animation in the game
• Iterate and refine animation based on Leads and Art Director feedback
• Lead the development of new tools, workflows and pipeline systems in Maya, and Unreal
• Collaborate with Engineers, Design, 3d Artists and Product Managers
• Ensure that Animations and Animation Tools follow quality standards, artistic direction, and meet deadlines
• Anticipate potential conflicts and Address production issues
• Provide constructive feedback to Animation Team and track progress
• Mentor and track career growth for animators and conduct regular coaching sessions

Required Qualifications:

• 8 years of professional experience working in animation for games
• 2 years of professional experience as Senior Management as a game developer
• Shipped at least 1 title as Lead Animator
• Strong 3d animation skills and the ability to apply them to gameplay and cinematic systems
• Knowledge of Maya, Perforce, JIRA, Unreal 4 Engine and asset integration
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize teamwork in the context of given timescales and quality requirements
• Worked on a Mobile product and understands technical limitations  
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, documenting process and workflow
• Experience owning and leading systems from start to finish, while driving implementation.
• Familiarity with motion capture process & pipelines

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working in and developing Social, Mobile and or games that incorporate User Generated Content
• Professional experience with outsourcing studios to generate assets
• Unreal VFX work

ABOUT US

Together Labs innovates technologies that empower people worldwide to connect, create and earn in virtual worlds. Our mission is to redefine social media as a catalyst for authentic human connection through the development of a family of products grounded in this core value. These include: IMVU, the world's largest friendship discovery and social platform; VCOIN, the first regulatory-approved transferable digital currency; and WithMe, an upcoming mobile platform built on insights from the science of friendship. For more information, please visit https://togetherlabs.com/

Founded in 2004 and based in the heart of Silicon Valley, Together Labs is led by a team that's dedicated to pioneering the virtual reality industry. Together Labs is backed by venture investors Menlo Ventures, Allegis Capital, Bridgescale Partners and Best Buy Capital.

Together Labs (formerly IMVU) has been recognized frequently as Best Place to Work in the Silicon Valley. 

HOW TO APPLY

• Please familiarize yourself with our products and feel free to try out our core product at https://www.imvu.com/

Together Labs is an equal opportunity employer, and is committed to fostering a culture of inclusion. Our unique differences enable us to learn, collaborate, and grow together. We welcome all applicants without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identification, marital, parental, veteran or military status, unfavorable military discharge, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.