Crystal Dynamics is seeking a Lead Animator who will play a pivotal role in defining the animation vision for our upcoming high-fidelity action-adventure titles. As the Lead Animator, you will blend leadership with hands-on contribution, directly influencing the gameplay experience through the execution of top-tier animations. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the visual and interactive elements of our games, making a substantial impact on our projects.

As a Lead Animator, you will:

• Lead the animation vision in collaboration with the Creative Director and Art Director, ensuring the game’s visual and interactive identity is maintained.

• Work in close partnership with Department Leads, Animators, and Designers to assess and meet the game’s animation requirements.

• Develop a team of skilled animators, directing the creation of high-fidelity game animations and systems.

• Deliver engaging combat and traversal animations in collaboration with combat designers and engineers.

• Set and manage goals, aligning deliverables with project milestones and deadlines.

• Conduct and direct motion capture shoots for both gameplay and cinematic performances as needed.

• Manage, direct, and review co-developers and external vendors in different countries and time zones.

• Run full pipelines (both internal and external), from narrative / storyboard to fully implemented in-game shippable content.

• Promote team growth through regular individual meetings, performance reviews, and targeted training.

• Foster a positive, collaborative team environment that values open communication and constructive feedback.

• Streamline animation processes to enhance team productivity throughout the game development cycle.

• Document and manage animation tasks and processes.

• Guide animators across various styles, ensuring a consistent animation approach throughout the project.

To be considered for this role, we require the following:

• Experience in a leadership role within animation (Lead or Principal Animator) in the game development industry, particularly for high-fidelity action-adventure games.

• In-depth understanding of gameplay systems, especially in 3rd person perspectives, including weapon, traversal, melee, and ranged combat animations.

• Expertise in animation trees, animation blending, and node-based animation editors.

• Proficiency in Motion Capture, Motion Matching, Maya, and real-time game engines/editors.

• A collaborative mindset, particularly in working with design and engineering teams.

• Examples of relevant work (i.e., demo reel, portfolio, or contributions to shipped title). An ideal reel will include:

• Up to date examples of realistic animations that clearly demonstrate your skills/expertise

• Inclusion of a breakdown sheet detailing your specific contributions to each piece is highly recommended.

• Note: If you directed others, then we would be looking for a director’s cut.

Preference will be given to candidates who have:

• Experience with cinematic tools in Unreal Engine.

• Demonstrated leadership abilities with a track record of nurturing and developing animation talent.

It’ll be a bonus if you also have:

• Shipped 2+ AAA titles as a Senior or Lead Animator.

$77,500 — $117,500/year