Expert Animator

Job Title:

Requisition ID:

Job Description:

Sledgehammer Games is a leading developer in the video game industry, best known for its work on the Call of Duty franchise. Since our inception in 2009, the studio has delivered iconic titles like Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Call of Duty: WWII (2017), and, most recently, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III.

As industry leaders in first-person shooter development, our commitment to excellence is reflected in every detail of our games, from highly polished multiplayer experiences to emotionally engaging single-player campaigns. At Sledgehammer Games, we believe in pushing boundaries, redefining the possibilities of interactive storytelling, and setting new standards for visual and gameplay fidelity.

We are excited to invite a talented and passionate developer to join our growing team as an Expert Animator based in our Guildford, UK studio. In this role, you will work collaboratively with our talented teams across the globe, including our locations in the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Please note: This is not a remote role. This is a hybrid position based in our Guildford Studio, offering flexibility with a combination of in-studio and remote workdays. Permanent remote work is not available for this position.

Responsibilities:

1. Lead high-profile design processes within the Animation Department, ensuring top-tier quality and innovation.
2. Spearhead and complete large, high-priority initiatives, demonstrating reliability and expertise.
3. Contribute to the development and enhancement of Animation Department pipelines and processes.
4. Mentor and support team members, fostering a collaborative and successful work environment.
5. Exhibit industry-leading animation abilities in your field of expertise.
6. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of design principles across all design departments.
7. Utilize strong management skills with tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the wiki.
8. Collaborate effectively with other departments, ensuring seamless interdepartmental communication and cooperation.
9. Arbitrate effectively when conflicting issues arise, maintaining a balanced and fair approach.
10. Take and give direction with confidence and clarity.
11. Establish and maintain an informal leadership role among peers, providing guidance and support as needed.
12. Lead groups and teams comfortably when required.

Qualifications:

1. A great understanding of realistic body mechanics as well as animation principles.
2. Mentorship skills.
3. Facial animation experience.
4. Expert knowledge of Maya.
5. Expert knowledge of animation implementation and debugging techniques.
6. Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills, and be a self-starter and problem solver.
7. Recognized by peers and team members as a top studio expert performer in animation.

Bonus Points:

1. Proficiency with Motion Capture animation.
2. Strong leadership and mentoring abilities.
3. Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
4. Proficiency in management tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the wiki.
5. The ability to handle high-pressure situations and make informed decisions.

We love hearing from anyone who is enthusiastic about changing the games industry. Not sure you meet all qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! At Activision Blizzard, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

Sledgehammer Games is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.