Lead Animation TD

We are looking for a Lead Pipeline TD specializing in animation production to help build and maintain an efficient pipeline to facilitate both cinematic and gameplay animation into the engine. You will work with hardworking animators and engineers to push the quality and fidelity for next-gen game animation and enable the artists to do their best work.  

Responsibilities:  

• Take primary support ownership of both gameplay and cinematic animation pipelines from performance acquisition across multiple DCC software packages into engine  
• Hands-on leadership and mentoring of tech artists on the team   
• Work closely with engineering, design, and animation teams to maintain and innovate and develop systems and techniques to improve the visual results while keeping mindful of production efficiency as well as game engine performance budgets  
• Deliver easy to use tools to streamline content creation workflow and improve efficiency  
• Collaborate with other TDs to build a cohesive studio codebase 
• Troubleshoot animation issues in game as well as in DCC apps.  
• Drive initiative for reusable animation library system  
• Build/Maintain relevant usage documentation  

Requirements & Skills:  

• (Required) 7+ years of professional experience as animation TD or tech animator in game, film, or other relevant industries  
• (Required) Maya Expertise in areas of animation  
• (Required) Understanding of gameplay and cinematic animation workflows  
• (Required) Strong Python experience in the areas of tools and UI (e.g., PyQt) and Maya Scripting  
• (Preferred) Prior leadership experience 
• (Preferred) Degree in animation or related art and/or technical field  
• (Preferred) Experience working with MoCap data  
• (Preferred) Experience working with UE4, Unity, or similar game engine  
• (Preferred) Motion Builder and API Experience  
• (Bonus) Motion Matching experience and knowledge  
• (Bonus) Maya API / Plugin Experience  
• (Bonus) Familiarity with Unreal Virtual Production  

Qualities:  

• Proven track record of balancing multiple tasks in a fast-paced development environment  
• Self-motivated and able to find solutions on one's own  
• Capable of switching tasks quickly to address emergent production issues in a professional manner  
• Empathetic leader who leads by example 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to articulate issues and risks  
• Collaborative, team oriented, and open to peer feedback  
• High desire/focus to help making artists' lives better and processes more efficient/scalable, mindful of areas of workflow improvements   

TNM considers a number of factors when determining each role's base pay range, including industry benchmarks, location, experience, and other job specific skills. In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for other incentive compensation including equity and profit share. The estimated base pay range for this role is U.S. only and not applicable for locations outside of the U.S.
TNM offers competitive and comprehensive benefits that include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, unlimited PTO, supplemental life and disability, and more. Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part-time or temporary employees.  
The estimated base pay range for this role is: $159,000 - $211,000