Senior Technical Animator at Cloud Chamber, USA

Cloud Chamber, a premier studio under the 2K (Take-Two Interactive) umbrella, is seeking a “technical wizard” with a keen artistic eye to join our world-class development team in Novato, California. In this role, you will help shape the advanced animation systems and runtime character performance that will define the next entry in the legendary BioShock franchise.

We are looking for a Technical Animator who thrives on understanding the “why” behind the “how.” You will collaborate with a passionate group of developers to build scalable technical solutions and animation workflows that support immersive gameplay, ensuring that our richly imagined worlds are both believable and highly performant.

Job Overview: Senior Technical Animator

Compensation & Salary Benchmarks

At Cloud Chamber, we recognize that Novato is a high-cost-of-living area within the San Francisco Bay Area ecosystem. Our compensation reflects the specialized nature of technical animation and the experience required for AAA development.

Note: Final offers are based on specific factors including relevant experience, performance, and technical depth. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees are eligible for incentive compensation and a comprehensive benefits suite.

Role Responsibilities: Engineering High-Fidelity Performance

As a Senior Technical Animator, your mission is to bridge the gap between creative ambition and technical reality.

1. Core Implementation & Systems

• In-Engine Setup: Implement and set up high-quality assets directly within the game engine.

• Blueprint Architecture: Author and maintain complex Animation Blueprints, State Machines, and Blend Trees.

• Procedural Systems: Author and maintain procedural animation solutions, including IK (Inverse Kinematics), Cloth physics, Retargeting, and Ragdoll systems.

• Motion Matching: Tune and troubleshoot Motion Matching locomotion to ensure seamless, believable character movement.

2. Workflow Optimization & Troubleshooting

• Performance Budgeting: Ensure all animation assets and systems are highly optimized for runtime performance.

• Pipeline Scripting: Proficiently use Python, MEL, or other scripting languages to streamline workflows and automate repetitive tasks.

• Technical Support: Act as the primary troubleshoot expert for animation-related issues in both Maya and the game engine.

• Structure & Organization: Take an active role in the organization and performance of animation systems within the editor to maintain high standards of quality.

3. Leadership & Knowledge Sharing

• Mentorship: Take pride in teaching and mentoring others on tool usage, technical workflows, and best practices.

• Documentation: Create written or video documentation to aid in studio-wide information sharing and knowledge retention.

• Collaboration: Work closely and constructively across design, art, engineering, and audio teams to realize our creative ambitions.

Detailed Requirements & Candidate Profile

Skills & Experiences

• AAA Pedigree: Previous experience in games development, preferably with at least one shipped AAA title.

• Engine Mastery: Thorough knowledge of Animation Graphs, Blend Trees, Sequencer, and State Machine maintenance.

• Systemic Understanding: Deep knowledge of procedural runtime solutions such as IK, Ragdoll, Cloth, and Motion Matching.

• Technical Prowess: Proficient in scripting (Python/MEL) to improve the animation pipeline.

• Artistic Principles: A firm understanding of how to apply animation principles (weight, timing, anticipation) to combined motions for maximum believability.

Key Attributes: Who You Are

• The Force Multiplier: You are a reliable, positive influence who seeks opportunities to integrate work across disciplines and contribute to a healthy team environment.

• Expert Communicator: You possess excellent verbal and written skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and deliver feedback with empathy.

• Proactive Mindset: You are self-motivated, persistent, and able to maintain effectiveness under the pressure of fast-changing priorities.

• Continuous Learner: You possess a desire to learn new skills and are highly open to feedback and direction.

Who We Are: The Cloud Chamber Mission

At Cloud Chamber, we strive to make BioShock games that move people—evocative, immersive, and meaningful experiences that stay with players long after they’ve rolled the credits.

Our studio culture is built on:

• Collaboration: Great games are born from great partnerships.

• Ownership: We take pride in our tasks and drive our work forward autonomously.

• Inclusive Excellence: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or disability status.

How to Apply

To be considered for the Senior Technical Animator role in Novato, your application must include:

1. Professional Resume: Highlighting your AAA experience and technical contributions.

2. Technical Portfolio / Reel: Showcasing examples of Animation Blueprints, scripting (Python/MEL), and procedural implementation (IK/Cloth/Motion Matching).

3. Work Breakdown: A clear description of your specific role in the work presented in your reel.

Cloud Chamber Novato is dedicated to upholding a positive and respectful company culture while striving for excellence. We look forward to seeing your work!