Art: Lead Animator - Subnautica 2

We are seeking a highly skilled animation lead to join the Subnautica 2 development team. Our ideal candidate is highly technical and has extensive experience working in Unreal Engine.  This role offers the opportunity to lead and inspire a team of animators while collaborating across all disciplines to create incredible game experiences. This is a unique opportunity to lead a team creating animation and character movement in immersive underwater environments. 

This is a remote position on a fully remote team.

• Lead and manage the animation team, providing mentorship and guidance to foster and promote their professional and creative growth.
• Develop and maintain animation pipelines with tech art and engineering that optimize workflow and efficiency. 
• Collaborate across disciplines to ensure animations enhance and integrate seamlessly into gameplay. 
• Ensure animation content meets aesthetic and technical requirements with an eye towards game feel and performance. 
• Lead animation reviews and provide feedback to team members on a regular basis.
• Work with production to set priorities and expectations with the team on a per milestone basis. 
• Create high quality animations for characters, creatures, vehicles and other game assets.

• 5+ years of experience in an animation field in the gaming industry, with at least two shipped titles.
• High level of proficiency with Unreal Engine and it’s animation systems including Blueprint and Sequencer experience. 
• Deep understanding of character rigging and skinning techniques and processes including IK, FK, and procedural technologies.
• Experience evaluating animation project needs and resourcing that work.  
• Self-motivated with excellent leadership, communication, and strong technical problem solving skills. 
• Expertise in keyframe animation techniques.
• Extensive knowledge of animation software including Blender, MotionBuilder, Maya, etc. Proficiency in Blender is strongly preferred. 

• Experience animating assets for underwater or zero gravity game environments.
• Experience working with external outsource animation partners. 
• Solid understanding of gameplay movement mechanics and game feel.
• Experience with early access or other open development processes.