ZeniMax Media
Senior Narrative Animator
ZeniMax Media, Maryland Line, Maryland, us, 21105
Overview
ZeniMax Online is looking for a highly motivated Senior Animator with experience in Narrative Systems to collaborate with our talented team of creative professionals bringing the stories of our creatures and characters to life in an exciting new AAA Experience. Our teams are empowered to create, challenged to learn, and encouraged to lead. Harness your passion and creativity to develop genre-defining gameplay and interactive storytelling.
The preferred location for this role is Hunt Valley, MD, Austin, TX, or Madison, WI. Will consider remote.
Responsibilities
Bring fantastical and realistic creatures and characters to life with high-quality keyframe and motion capture animationCollaborate with design and engineering and define new Narrative Gameplay systemsContribute to the creative process with original ideas and inspiration that will shape the players' experienceApply artistic vision to gameplay and in-game storytelling with designers and animatorsBuilding and using libraries of gestures and poses to create believable personas as well as custom actions and momentsParticipate in collaborating in motion capture shoots and crafting keyframe and motion capture performancesWork directly with the character team to develop character and creature models with believableproportions and help define rigging, and other animation considerationsAutonomous problem-solving in a dynamic environmentQualifications
5+ years of professional experience as an animator for games or narrative systemsExperience developing new gameplay mechanics from the ground upUnderstanding of cinematic systems developmentAbility to combine acting and action to bring personality and appeal to characters and monsters alikeUnderstanding of animation pipelines and standard industry processesPossess technical knowledge/abilities with respect to the implementation of animation into a game engineStrong understanding of fundamental animation principles and the ability to clearly communicate those ideas to othersExperience collaborating across all disciplinesMust show an aptitude for learning new systems quicklyHave extensive knowledge of 3D Studio Max, Maya, or Motion Builder*Portfolio:
Please include links to your work and clearly indicate your contributions. Resumes without work samples will not be considered. *
Preferred Skills
A minimum of BFA with a major in Animation or equivalent experience, additional related education a plusExperience with motion capture and realistic human performanceTraining or experience with acting or combatExperience with Xsens mocap systemsExcellent drawing or related traditional art skills demonstrated in a portfolioHave a deep understanding of anatomy and human kinetics, demonstrated through a working knowledge of martial arts, dance, or related experience
Salary Range
Senior Animator - The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $75,000 - $165,000 per year.
ZeniMax has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States, which allows us to pay employees competitively and consistently in different geographic markets. The range above reflects the potential base pay across the U.S. for this role; the applicable base pay range will depend on what ultimately is determined to be the candidate's primary work location. Individual base pay depends on various factors, in addition to primary work location, such as complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. Base pay ranges are reviewed and typically updated each year. Offers are made within the base pay range applicable at the time.
At ZeniMax certain roles are eligible for additional rewards, such as merit increases and discretionary bonuses. These awards are allocated based on individual performance and are not guaranteed. Benefits/perks listed here may vary depending on the nature of employment with ZeniMax and the country work location. U.S.-based employees have access to healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan and company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, wellbeing benefits, paid vacation time, paid sick and mental health time, and several paid holidays, among others.
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ZeniMax Online is looking for a highly motivated Senior Animator with experience in Narrative Systems to collaborate with our talented team of creative professionals bringing the stories of our creatures and characters to life in an exciting new AAA Experience. Our teams are empowered to create, challenged to learn, and encouraged to lead. Harness your passion and creativity to develop genre-defining gameplay and interactive storytelling.
The preferred location for this role is Hunt Valley, MD, Austin, TX, or Madison, WI. Will consider remote.
Responsibilities
Bring fantastical and realistic creatures and characters to life with high-quality keyframe and motion capture animationCollaborate with design and engineering and define new Narrative Gameplay systemsContribute to the creative process with original ideas and inspiration that will shape the players' experienceApply artistic vision to gameplay and in-game storytelling with designers and animatorsBuilding and using libraries of gestures and poses to create believable personas as well as custom actions and momentsParticipate in collaborating in motion capture shoots and crafting keyframe and motion capture performancesWork directly with the character team to develop character and creature models with believableproportions and help define rigging, and other animation considerationsAutonomous problem-solving in a dynamic environmentQualifications
5+ years of professional experience as an animator for games or narrative systemsExperience developing new gameplay mechanics from the ground upUnderstanding of cinematic systems developmentAbility to combine acting and action to bring personality and appeal to characters and monsters alikeUnderstanding of animation pipelines and standard industry processesPossess technical knowledge/abilities with respect to the implementation of animation into a game engineStrong understanding of fundamental animation principles and the ability to clearly communicate those ideas to othersExperience collaborating across all disciplinesMust show an aptitude for learning new systems quicklyHave extensive knowledge of 3D Studio Max, Maya, or Motion Builder*Portfolio:
Please include links to your work and clearly indicate your contributions. Resumes without work samples will not be considered. *
Preferred Skills
A minimum of BFA with a major in Animation or equivalent experience, additional related education a plusExperience with motion capture and realistic human performanceTraining or experience with acting or combatExperience with Xsens mocap systemsExcellent drawing or related traditional art skills demonstrated in a portfolioHave a deep understanding of anatomy and human kinetics, demonstrated through a working knowledge of martial arts, dance, or related experience
Salary Range
Senior Animator - The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $75,000 - $165,000 per year.
ZeniMax has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States, which allows us to pay employees competitively and consistently in different geographic markets. The range above reflects the potential base pay across the U.S. for this role; the applicable base pay range will depend on what ultimately is determined to be the candidate's primary work location. Individual base pay depends on various factors, in addition to primary work location, such as complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. Base pay ranges are reviewed and typically updated each year. Offers are made within the base pay range applicable at the time.
At ZeniMax certain roles are eligible for additional rewards, such as merit increases and discretionary bonuses. These awards are allocated based on individual performance and are not guaranteed. Benefits/perks listed here may vary depending on the nature of employment with ZeniMax and the country work location. U.S.-based employees have access to healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan and company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, wellbeing benefits, paid vacation time, paid sick and mental health time, and several paid holidays, among others.
Applicant Privacy Notice
ZeniMax Media California Applicant Privacy Notice
E-Verification Notice
E-Verify_Participation_Poster
IER_Right_to_Work_Poster