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Location: United Kingdom

Lead 3D Animator required at Ubisoft

Ubisoft logo

Lead 3D Animator required at Ubisoft

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for tactical realism and high-stakes action? Ubisoft is seeking a Lead Animator to join the legendary Rainbow Six team in Newcastle upon Tyne. This is a rare opportunity to steer the animation direction of a globally recognized AAA franchise, blending hands-on creative artistry with high-level team leadership.

Job Overview: Lead Animator

  • Company: Ubisoft Reflections
  • Position: Lead Animator (Rainbow Six)
  • Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
  • Employment Type: Full-time
  • Contract Type: Permanent
  • Work Model: On-site (Studio-based role in Newcastle)
  • Salary: Competitive (Aligned with UK AAA industry standards)
  • Primary Tools: MotionBuilder, Keyframe Animation, Proprietary In-house Engines
  • Eligibility Requirement: Must hold valid UK Right to Work (No visa sponsorship available)

The Role: Leading the Future of Tactical Animation

As the Lead Animator, you aren’t just managing a team; you are the bridge between creative vision and technical execution. You will oversee an international cohort of elite animators, ensuring that every movement—from the tactical reload of an operator to the subtle weight of environmental interaction—aligns with the gritty, realistic aesthetic that defines the Rainbow Six brand.

Strategic Leadership and Collaboration

In this role, you will act as the primary point of contact between your animation team and the broader production and direction departments. You are responsible for:

  • Vision Alignment: Translating the Director’s creative vision into actionable tasks for your team.

  • Project Management: Being accountable for production timelines and ensuring high-quality assets are delivered on schedule.

  • Mentorship: Actively listening to your colleagues, encouraging innovative solutions, and fostering a culture of professional growth.

  • Delegation: Identifying the unique strengths of your team members and assigning tasks that optimize both efficiency and individual development.

Hands-On Artistry

While leadership is a core component, this is a role for a practitioner. You will remain deeply involved in the creation of high-quality animation assets. Your expertise in Keyframe animation and Motion Capture (MoCap) will be vital in shaping the visual identity of the game. You will work within complex 1st person and 3rd person animation systems, ensuring seamless transitions and immersive gameplay experiences.

What You Bring to the Team

To succeed in this high-impact position, you must demonstrate a blend of technical mastery and interpersonal “soft skills.” Ubisoft is looking for a leader who is as comfortable in a spreadsheet as they are in a MoCap suit.

Core Requirements:

  • Proven Leadership: You have a track record of mentoring or leading teams within a game development environment. You know how to handle “crunch” situations with composure and maintain team morale.

  • Realistic Style Expertise: Your portfolio or showreel should showcase a mastery of realistic movement. We are looking for weight, momentum, and authenticity.

  • Technical Proficiency: Deep familiarity with MotionBuilder is essential. You should also be comfortable working with proprietary/in-house engines and navigating the complexities of AAA pipelines.

  • Systemic Understanding: You understand the nuanced differences between 1st person “view-model” animations (the hands/weapons the player sees) and 3rd person world-model animations.

  • Development Life-cycle: Ideally, you have seen a project through from pre-production to gold master, understanding the evolving demands of each phase.

Why Ubisoft? (Benefits and Culture)

Ubisoft Reflections is more than just a workplace; it is a creative hub that prioritizes the wellbeing and growth of its employees. Recognized as a Gold Employer in the Mind Workplace Wellbeing Index, the studio puts people at the heart of its operations.

Compensation and Financial Security:

  • Competitive Salary: Negotiated based on your experience level within the UK industry.

  • Life and Income Insurance: Ensuring you and your family are protected.

  • Private Healthcare: Full access to top-tier medical support.

Work-Life Harmony:

  • Flexible Core Hours: Work in a way that suits your rhythm.

  • Annual Leave: 25 days plus a guaranteed Christmas shutdown.

  • “Work from Anywhere” Policy: The ability to work from anywhere within the EU for up to four weeks per year.

  • Relocation Support: If you are moving to the vibrant city of Newcastle, Ubisoft provides generous assistance to get you settled.

Professional Growth and Fun:

  • Personal Development: Significant resources dedicated to your continuous learning.

  • Free Gaming: Access to the vast Ubisoft catalog.

  • Community Investment: Paid days for volunteering and contributing to local causes.

  • Vibrant Social Scene: Regular celebrations, activities, and a studio culture that values “the art of belonging.”

About the Location: Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle is one of the UK’s most iconic cities, known for its rich industrial heritage, world-class nightlife, and proximity to stunning coastlines and countryside. Working at Ubisoft Reflections places you at the center of a thriving tech and gaming ecosystem in the North East of England.

How to Apply

If you are ready to place your stamp on one of the industry’s most respected series and help lead the next generation of animators, we want to hear from you.

Please Ensure Your Application Includes:

  1. A current CV/Resume.

  2. A link to your Portfolio or Showreel (Focusing on realistic, keyframed, and MoCap-integrated work).

  3. Confirmation of your UK Right to Work.

Note on Diversity: Ubisoft believes that diverse perspectives help teams thrive. We encourage applications from all backgrounds to help us “create the unknown.”

Read more

Red Star hiring CFX / VFX Artist , Sheffield 2026

RED STAR 3D LOGO

Red Star, a multi-award-winning studio known for high-octane storytelling and technical precision, is expanding its creative powerhouse. We are currently seeking talented and ambitious CFX / VFX Artists to join us on the highly anticipated production of “The Amazing Maurice 2.” Following the massive global success of the first installment, we are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in stylized feature animation. This is a rare opportunity to contribute to a major animated feature film while enjoying the flexibility of a remote-first work environment. Whether you are a simulation specialist or a versatile generalist in the FX space, Red Star offers a collaborative culture where technical innovation meets artistic flair. CFX / VFX Artist Job Overview Company Name: Red Star Vacancy Name: CFX / VFX Artist Salary Range: Negotiable (Based on experience & portfolio) Job Type: Full-time Contract Contract Duration: May 2026 – February 2027 Location: Sheffield, United Kingdom (Remote Option Available) Eligibility: Must be physically based in the UK or EU 🇬🇧🇪🇺 The Role: Crafting the Spectacle The CFX / VFX Artist at Red Star is responsible for adding the layers of realism, magic, and tactile detail that bring an animated world to life. In “The Amazing Maurice 2,” the stakes are higher, the environments are more complex, and the character interactions require a sophisticated touch. You will be tasked with everything from the subtle sway of a character’s clothing to the explosive dynamics of large-scale fluid and particle simulations. This role sits at the intersection of the Animation and Lighting departments, ensuring that character performances are enhanced by believable physics and that the visual language of the film remains consistent and breathtaking. Detailed Key Responsibilities 1. Visual Effects (VFX) & Dynamics Particle Systems: Design and implement intricate particle effects using Houdini, ranging from atmospheric dust and magical elements to debris and environmental FX. Rigid & Soft Body Dynamics: Execute complex simulations for breaking objects, colliding surfaces, and organic tissue movement to ensure the physical world feels “heavy” and reactive. Fluid Simulations: Run high-end fluid simulations in Houdini. This includes both large-scale liquid effects (splashes, pouring, oceans) and volumetric effects (smoke, fire, clouds, and magical mists). 2. Character Effects (CFX) Cloth Simulation: Implement high-fidelity cloth FX using Maya. You will be responsible for the motion of garments, ensuring they react naturally to the character’s performance without clipping or losing their silhouette. Groom & Hair Simulation: Manage hair and fur simulations, maintaining the aesthetic style of the characters while ensuring the groom behaves predictably under various lighting and movement conditions. Deformation Cleanup: Work closely with the animation team to fix intersections or technical glitches that occur during high-action sequences. 3. Pipeline & Technical Contribution Inter-Departmental Collaboration: Coordinate with the Rigging and Animation departments to ensure that assets are “sim-ready” and with the Lighting/Compositing teams to ensure the FX passes are optimized for the final render. Optimization: Balance visual quality with render times, ensuring that complex simulations remain efficient and manageable within the studio’s technical infrastructure. Comprehensive Requirements Red Star is seeking artists who possess a “problem-solving” mindset and a deep love for the technical side of the craft. Core Experience Production Background: A minimum of four years of professional experience in a production environment (Animation, Film, or High-End Games). Software Proficiency: Expert-level skills in Houdini and Autodesk Maya. You should be comfortable jumping between these two packages depending on the specific needs of the shot. Portfolio Excellence: A strong showreel demonstrating a keen eye for timing, weight, and the physical properties of different materials (liquids, fabrics, particulates). Technical Skills & “Nice to Haves” Scripting: Proficiency in Python or experience with the Maya API is highly desirable. We value artists who can automate repetitive tasks or build custom tools to enhance the pipeline. Feature Film Pedigree: Previous experience working on a feature-length animated film is a significant advantage. Software Versatility: Familiarity with Nuke (for slap-comps) or specialized grooming tools is a plus. Important Details & Residency Requirements While this role is fully remote, our funding and production structure require that all candidates reside within specific geographic regions. Critical Note: Due to project funding requirements, candidates MUST be physically based in the United Kingdom or the European Union for the duration of the contract. Strong preference will be given to candidates based in the UK. What We Offer Creative Freedom: At Red Star, we value artist input. You won’t just be “running sims”; you’ll be helping design the look of the effects. Flexibility: Our remote-first approach allows you to work from the comfort of your home studio while staying connected via high-speed collaboration tools. The Sheffield Hub: For those who prefer a studio environment, our Sheffield office offers a vibrant community of artists and state-of-the-art facilities. How to Apply Red Star is looking for artists at all levels (Junior, Mid, and Senior). Salary is negotiable and will be discussed during the interview process based on your level of expertise and the specific value you bring to the team. Please submit your CV, a link to your reel (with a detailed breakdown of your contributions), and your current location.

Lead Animator at Ubisoft, United Kingdom

Ubisoft logo

Are you a veteran animator with a tactical mind and a passion for realism? Ubisoft, a global titan in the gaming industry, is seeking a Lead Animator to join our Newcastle-based studio. This is your chance to leave an indelible mark on the Rainbow Six franchise, a cornerstone of tactical shooters and a world-class AAA brand. At Ubisoft, we don’t just build games; we create “the unknown.” As a Lead Animator, you will be the guardian of movement, the architect of immersion, and the mentor to an international team of world-class artists. If you thrive on the challenge of realistic character interaction and high-stakes gameplay, your journey starts here. Lead Animator Job Overview Company Name: Ubisoft Project: Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Franchise Job Title: Lead Animator Employment Type: Permanent Contract / Full-Time Work Model: Office-Based Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom Experience Level: Lead / Senior (Proven mentorship & leadership required) Salary Range: £55,000 – £78,000 (Estimated based on 2026 UK senior/lead roles) Key Tools: Autodesk MotionBuilder, Keyframing, Proprietary Game Engines Important Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants must possess the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. About Ubisoft Newcastle Ubisoft Newcastle is a vital part of the Ubisoft global network. Our studio culture is built on the pillars of collaboration, creativity, and wellbeing. We believe that being on-site together fosters a vibrant environment where innovation happens in the hallway as much as at the desk. By joining us, you are joining a studio recognized as a “Gold Employer” in the Mind Workplace Wellbeing Index, dedicated to the mental health and professional growth of our people. Detailed Job Responsibilities As the Lead Animator for Rainbow Six, your role is a dual-track mission: driving the technical quality of the animation and steering the growth of your team. 1. Strategic Leadership & Team Management You will lead an international team of highly skilled animators. This isn’t just about managing schedules; it’s about: Delegation: Identifying the strengths of your team members and assigning tasks that benefit both the project and their personal growth. Communication: Acting as the vital link between the Creative Director, Production, and your animation team. Mentorship: Actively listening to colleagues, encouraging new ideas, and fostering a “solution-first” culture where every animator feels empowered to innovate. 2. Artistic Direction & Fidelity Rainbow Six is synonymous with tactical realism. You will be accountable for: Immersive Movement: Ensuring character movement is grounded in the project’s narrative and realistic design. 1st & 3rd Person Synergy: Overseeing the complex relationship between first-person weapon handling and third-person character representation to ensure seamless gameplay. Quality Assurance: Guiding the team through project tasks that refine the player experience, ensuring every reload, rappel, and transition is of AAA calibre. 3. Hands-On Production Despite your leadership status, you remain an artist at heart. You will: Asset Creation: Stay involved in the creation of high-quality animation assets. Pipeline Optimization: Work with proprietary/in-house engines to push the boundaries of what our animation systems can achieve. Motion Capture (mocap): Oversee and refine mocap data, blending it with hand-keyed animations to achieve peak authenticity. Candidate Requirements We are looking for a leader who leads by example. Your portfolio should speak as loudly as your management skills. Proven Leadership: Experience mentoring or leading a team in a game development environment. Realistic Animation Style: A showreel that demonstrates a mastery of realistic human movement. We are specifically looking for high-quality Keyframing and Motion Capture refinement. Technical Expertise: * Mastery of MotionBuilder. Deep understanding of 1st Person and 3rd Person animation systems. Experience with the full development life-cycle of a AAA title. Adaptability: The ability to handle challenging production situations with grace and organizational excellence. Narrative Focus: An understanding of how animation tells a story and communicates a character’s intent through movement. What Ubisoft Provides We put our people first. Our benefits package is designed to support your life, your health, and your passion for gaming: Health & Balance Core Hours & Shutdowns: Flexible core hours to manage your day, 25 days of annual leave, and a dedicated Christmas shutdown. Work From Anywhere: A unique perk allowing you to work from anywhere in the EU for up to four weeks per year. Comprehensive Insurance: Life insurance, income protection, and private healthcare. Professional & Personal Growth Perpetual Learning: Generous resources committed to your professional development. Mental Health: Access to our inclusive Wellbeing Champions programme and resources as part of our partnership with Safe in Our World. Community: Paid volunteering days and relocation support to help you settle into the vibrant Newcastle scene. Fun & Culture Gaming Perks: Free Ubisoft games, regular studio celebrations, and an annual well-being allowance. The Newcastle Lifestyle: Newcastle is a hub of culture, history, and affordable living, making it one of the UK’s most attractive cities for developers. Why the Rainbow Six Brand? Rainbow Six is more than just a game; it is a legacy. Joining this project means contributing to one of the industry’s most respected tactical series. You will be helping to shape a visual identity that millions of players interact with every single day.

Senior Artist – Dambuster Studios, Nottingham 2026

Dambuster Studios logo

Dambuster Studios, the powerhouse creators behind the BAFTA-nominated global hit Dead Island 2, is an established pillar of the UK games industry. Originally founded in 1999 as Free Radical Design, the studio has maintained its legacy of craftsmanship and innovation for over two decades. Based in the heart of Nottingham, Dambuster is defined by a culture of quality, teamwork, and a relentless passion for creating immersive AAA experiences. We are currently looking for a Senior Artist with a focus on External Development to join our Environment Art team. This is a critical leadership-support role designed for a professional who excels not only in artistic creation but also in communication, mentorship, and global collaboration. You will serve as the bridge between our internal creative vision and our external partners, ensuring that every asset—from gritty environments to complex vehicles—meets the world-class standards of a Dambuster production. Role Snapshot & Benefits The following table provides a high-level overview of the position’s logistics. Dambuster Studios is committed to transparency and providing a modern, supportive work environment for all its team members. Job Overview Company Name: Dambuster Studios (Part of Deep Silver / PLAION) Position Title: Senior Artist (External Development) Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract (Until end of 2027) Location: Nottingham, United Kingdom – 122 Canal Street Job Type: Full-Time Work Model: Studio-based, Hybrid (within 50 miles), or Remote (UK-only) Core Hours: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM (Flexible surrounding hours) Salary Details: Competitive (Annual pay reviews included) The Mission: Guiding Global Excellence As a Senior Artist (External Development), your primary objective is to act as the technical and aesthetic guardian for assets produced outside the studio walls. In the modern AAA landscape, scaling production through external partners is vital, and your expertise ensures that “External” never means “Lower Quality.” You will work closely with the Art Director, Lead Environment Artist, and internal senior staff to align every externally produced piece with the overarching project vision. This role requires a unique blend of high-level production skills and the diplomatic finesse needed to provide actionable, constructive feedback to teams across the globe. Key Responsibilities 1. Quality Control & Aesthetic Guidance Feedback Loops: Provide clear, precise technical and aesthetic critiques to external partners, ensuring all assets align with the project’s visual bar. Benchmarking: Help establish visual benchmarks that serve as the gold standard for external teams to follow. Reference Management: Partner with Concept Artists to ensure all reference materials, briefs, and asset packs provided to partners are production-ready and unambiguous. 2. Pipeline & Workflow Management Briefing & Documentation: Prepare and maintain detailed art briefs and documentation to guide external development smoothly. Process Refinement: Contribute to the evolution of art style guides and development pipelines, identifying risks early and working with engineering teams to resolve technical hurdles. Asset Integration: Oversee the smooth transition of external assets into the internal studio pipeline, ensuring they meet strict performance requirements (Memory, GPU, and CPU). 3. Mentorship & Artistic Contribution In-House Creation: When not managing external flows, you will create high-quality models, materials, and environments to serve as examples for partners or to support internal production needs. Mentorship: Inspire and guide junior artists within the studio, sharing best practices regarding PBR material authoring and high-to-low poly workflows. Candidate Requirements We are looking for a highly organized artist who understands the “big picture” of game development. The ideal candidate is someone who can look at a complex environment and break it down into manageable, teachable components for others. Communication Mastery: Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills are mandatory. You must be able to explain complex technical tasks to partners who may be in different time zones. Technical Proficiency: An in-depth understanding of modern game art workflows, including PBR materials, lighting, and performance optimization for AAA engines. Organizational Skill: The ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while adhering to strict naming conventions and asset organization standards. Willingness to Travel: Occasional travel may be required to visit external partners and strengthen collaborative ties. UK Residency: Due to studio requirements, all applicants must currently reside in and have the right to work within the United Kingdom. Why Join Dambuster? Dambuster Studios offers more than just a job; we offer a career-defining environment. Our Nottingham studio is a vibrant, modern space equipped with the latest technology. We prioritize the wellbeing of our staff through: Flexibility: Our core hours (9:30 AM – 4:00 PM) allow for a better work-life balance. Growth: Studio-funded learning opportunities and annual pay reviews ensure you are constantly moving forward. Community: From weekly office treats (Monday breakfast and Friday pastries) to quarterly cross-team events and a fully subsidized gym membership, we invest in our people. Support: We offer domestic relocation assistance and enhanced maternity pay (26 weeks at full pay) for qualifying employees. Dambuster Studios is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know—we are here to support your success.