Lead Animator

Cold Iron Studios is in search of a Lead Animator to bolster our team in the development of a new sci-fi third-person action game. We are committed to delivering a visually compelling experience, underpinned by thoughtful narrative design and innovative gameplay.
This position is fully remote and open to applicants across the country.
The Lead Animator will establish the bar of excellence and maintain high animation standards to craft a cohesive co-op narrative-driven gameplay experience. Leveraging your animation expertise, you will provide feedback and context to guide and support a high-performing team to create engaging gameplay. The Lead Animator will use their knowledge, craft, and technical expertise to set clear goals and manage the animation team along with external partners to deliver work that meets the project standards and style. They will look for opportunities to enhance the game, embrace constructive feedback, and excel in a collaborative, cross disciplinary environment. The ideal candidate would have gameplay experience.

In addition, as a senior member of our esteemed team, your expertise will serve as a guiding force, illuminating the path for your fellow teammates. Your role will extend beyond technical mastery, as you inspire and mentor them, fostering a culture of continuous growth to create a culture of excellence.
Responsibilities:

• As overall animation craft lead, you will maintain, oversee, and be accountable for the quality of the work the team deliver, and set the bar for excellence
• Regularly review animations with your team, and provide actionable artistic and technical feedback to ensure quality of animation and technical implementation
• Collaborate with internal and external animation teams worldwide, to make sure product goals are fulfilled and appropriate working practices are implemented
• Collaborate with Area Leads and Directors to define the visual and design goals for Animation content 
• Document and drive the development of Style Guides and Process Guides for animation
• Establish and communicate best practice animation guidelines for both internal and external teams 
• Act as the single point of contact for Animation based communication with the external teams
• Encourage and coordinate knowledge sharing within the team through training and the maintenance of written and video tutorials/documentation
• Lead and improve team rituals to support high quality craft and individual growth
• Mentor, manage, and regularly review individuals to build a cohesive and effective team 
  

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience creating high quality animations in gaming or entertainment
• Working Knowledge of Unreal, Maya or similar 3D animation software
• Experience through full AAA development cycles 
• Experience working with external partners and outsourcing
• Willingness to work outside of core hours for conference calls with external partners as needed 
• Outstanding collaboration and excellent written/oral communication skills 
• Advanced understanding of the core principles of animation art content creation
• Understand body mechanics, acting, posing and storytelling techniques for characters and creatures
• Understand physical motion, weight, balance, texture, form, and all other animation principles
• Demonstrated ability to create high quality, creative animation driven by storytelling and fits the IP
• Proven experience leading/mentoring teams and individuals
• Growth minded and motivated towards teaching, enabling, and coaching the artists

Would Love to See:

• Unreal experience (Unreal 4 or 5)
• Experience in Third-Person Shooter or First-Person Shooter gameplay animation
• Prior experience in game/film/cinematic development
• Skills in one or more related art/tech disciplines – modeling, rigging, VFX, technical art, etc

Education

No requirement. 

Salary Range

$120,000 - $160,000

Location

This position is fully remote and open to applicants across the country.

Please Note

Applicants without a portfolio will not be considered

At Cold Iron Studios, we're dedicated to creating narrative-driven, impactful games. We recognize that diversity brings richness to our work, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. This position offers a significant opportunity to shape the visual identity of our games and make a substantial contribution to our studio's success.

We invite you to apply and take part in crafting unforgettable gaming experiences.
Exceptional employee benefits, Remote work; 18 days PTO first year in addition to 11 paid holidays plus company-wide shutdown between Christmas and New Year’s Day; Robust Medical, Dental, Vision insurance coverage for entire family; Company matched 401k vested immediately; Flex Spending Accounts, annual stipend to help cover work from home expenses, ultra-creative environment.