3D Animation Intern at Black Shamrock – a Virtuos Studio
Are you an aspiring animator ready to transition from foundational theory to professional AAA game production? Black Shamrock, Ireland’s largest PC and console game development studio, is seeking a motivated and creative Animation Intern to join our team in Dublin. In this role, you will be embedded within our dynamic animation department, gaining hands-on experience in the professional pipeline of a global powerhouse. Working on cutting-edge AAA titles, you will assist our senior animators in translating raw motion capture into polished, immersive in-game experiences. This is an exceptional opportunity for a talented individual to bridge the gap between education and industry, building a portfolio that reflects professional-grade animation while learning from the best in the business. Internship Overview Feature Details Company Black Shamrock (a Virtuos Studio) Location Dublin, Ireland (On-site) Employment Type Full-Time, Fixed-Term Internship Industry AAA Video Game Development Your Responsibilities as Animation Intern As an Animation Intern, you will be a vital contributor to our animation workflows. Your primary responsibilities will include: Motion Capture Cleanup: Mastering the art of cleaning and refining motion capture data within Maya and Unreal Engine to ensure high-fidelity character performance. Performance Polishing: Collaborating closely with lead animators to iterate on character movements, ensuring they are fluid, believable, and adhere to our strict project quality standards. Engine Integration: Learning the technical side of game development by implementing animations directly into Unreal Engine, including the management of animation montages, state machines, and sequencer tasks. Professional Development: Engaging in regular workshops, peer reviews, and feedback loops to refine your skills and gain insights into the nuances of game production. Pipeline Participation: Contributing to the overall animation workflow, from initial integration to final technical polish, to ensure seamless gameplay. Qualifications We are looking for a candidate who combines a strong artistic eye with the technical aptitude to succeed in a fast-paced development environment. Education/Experience: A formal qualification in Animation or equivalent professional experience. Artistic Foundations: A deep understanding of the 12 principles of animation and how they apply to character weight, timing, and appeal. Technical Skills: Familiarity with Unreal Engine (specifically importing animations, using the Sequencer, and setting up montages). Software Proficiency: Practical experience using Maya for animation or motion capture cleanup. Portfolio: A strong portfolio demonstrating your animation capabilities, particularly focusing on character motion and gameplay mechanics. Soft Skills: Excellent communication and collaboration skills; the ability to receive feedback constructively and implement changes efficiently. Passion: A genuine, infectious enthusiasm for gaming and the craft of character animation. About Us: Virtuos & Black Shamrock Founded in 2004, Virtuos is one of the world’s largest independent video game development companies. With a global presence across Asia, Europe, and North America, we have delivered high-quality content for over 1,500 projects, collaborating with 23 of the top 25 gaming companies worldwide. Black Shamrock, based in Dublin, was founded in 2016 and acquired by Virtuos in 2017. We pride ourselves on being a hub of innovation where talent flourishes. Our multi-disciplinary team—covering everything from narrative and design to high-end engineering and graphics—is dedicated to putting Dublin on the map as a center for world-class AAA game development. What We Offer Career Growth: A direct path to contribute to some of the world’s most recognizable AAA titles. Professional Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from industry experts within a supportive, tight-knit community. Global Exposure: Access to the Virtuos Internal Mobility Program, offering international experience and career development. Competitive Benefits: A comprehensive package including company healthcare, an occupational pension scheme, and tax-saver plans. Work-Life Balance: Flexible work arrangements, subsidized leave, and dedicated wellness support. Relocation Support: Assistance for those moving to Dublin to join our team. Our Commitment to You At Virtuos and Black Shamrock, people matter. We recognize that our strength lies in our diversity of thought, background, and expression. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every team member is empowered to play, grow, and win together. How to Apply: If you are ready to start your career in professional animation and contribute to cutting-edge gaming projects, please submit your application, including your resume and a link to your animation portfolio, through our careers portal. Are you ready to take the first step toward a career in AAA game animation? Explore More Internship Jobs Apply Now