Lead Gameplay Animator

About Us

AEXLAB is a virtual reality technology studio. We create meaningful technologies that make people feel present and connected in virtual worlds for gaming, training, simulation and more. Our mission is to apply our technologies to further virtual reality as a first-class social experience.

In active development, we are building the ultimate VR first person shooter experience, VAIL VR. Our flagship title emphasizes tactical gunplay, high-caliber combat, and collaborative teamwork. Featuring social and matchmaking systems, players can find games for casual or competitive play. Forge lasting friendships and work together with your teammates to achieve victory.

The Role

We have an opening for an experienced Lead Gameplay Animator to help push the quality and innovation to the next level with our talented Animation Team! 

Responsibilities:

• Drive the quality of animation at AEXLAB while balancing aesthetics, technology, and scheduling requirements

• Develop and adapt existing gameplay animation systems in order to support the design of the game, while delivering best-in-class animation

• Work closely with Design and Programming to devise, implement, and debug new animation systems and core gameplay mechanics that meet AAA quality standards

• Be an active partner in the integration of gameplay animation with cinematic animation

• Work closely with External Development Animation teams to ensure that clear communication, timeliness and quality are being met

• Support the Lead Rigging Artist in the development of character and non-character rigs

• Review existing animation processes in order to improve team efficiency

• Guide, manage, and organize the work of our exceptional animation team

• Provide constructive feedback and direction to the animation team

• Tackle unique challenges for animating in VR and inventing new solutions that provide immersive and impactful experiences

• Direct, capture, cleanup, and implement animation through a Motion Capture pipeline

• Lead and mentor a team to balance creative ambitions with the requirements of production

• Proactively identify opportunities to improve the work of the team and the quality of the animation through the training and development of the animators

• Keep up to date with the cutting edge of animation trends, tools and technology within the video game and VR industries

• Establish and maintain all documents for gameplay animation pipelines and workflows

• Assist in the hiring process of all new animation team members

Qualifications:

• 2+ years of experience leading an animation team

• Working knowledge of Unreal Engine 4 is a plus

• 8+ years in the video game industry with credits on multiple AAA titles

• 4+ years experience with motion capture pipelines

• A great eye for animation quality, combined with strong technical acumen

• Strong understanding of human and animal motion, weight, acting and timing applied to 3D animation

• Excellent keyframe animation skills with a solid understanding of advanced animation principles and techniques

• Ability to troubleshoot gameplay problems and collaborate with other departments to find the appropriate solutions

• Experience in working with Design and Engineering to create new ways of presenting and interacting with animations in VR

• Ability to review the quality of animations and provide animators with valuable artistic and technical critique, while also keeping tasks on track

• Proven experience with defining, organizing and managing the animation direction and roadmap for large-scale projects

• Strong leadership, people and mentoring skills with the ability to elevate the team's animation skills and overall morale

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present feedback and ideas in a clear and professional manner

• A passionate gamer, with a sense for game design

Bonus, but not required:

• Experience with facial motion capture

• Ability to script

AEXLAB is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace that seeks to hire, develop and retain the most talented people from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. If you are passionate about the future of gaming, VR, and community, we’d love for you to join us.