Expert Animator

Sledgehammer Games is a leading developer in the video game industry, best known for its work on the Call of Duty franchise. Since our inception in 2009, the studio has delivered iconic titles like Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Call of Duty: WWII (2017), and most recently, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III. As industry leaders in first-person shooter development, our commitment to excellence is reflected in every detail of our games, from highly polished multiplayer experiences to emotionally engaging single-player campaigns. At Sledgehammer Games, we believe in pushing boundaries, redefining the possibilities of interactive storytelling, and setting new standards for visual and gameplay fidelity. Together, we aim to deliver world-class gaming content that continues to set the bar for quality, innovation, and player engagement.

We are excited to invite a talented and passionate developer to join our growing team as an Expert Animator based in our Guildford, UK studio. In this role, you will work collaboratively with our talented teams across the globe, including our locations in the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. If you're ready to be part of a dynamic and collaborative environment where your skills can make a real impact, we invite you to explore career opportunities with us.

As an Expert Animator at Sledgehammer Games, you will lead the way in setting the quality bar, taking on large, high-priority initiatives and driving them to completion. This role requires a seasoned professional with industry-leading animation skills, a strong understanding of general design principles, and the ability to mentor and guide team members to success. Please note: This is not a remote role. This is a hybrid position based in our Guildford Studio, offering flexibility with a combination of in-studio and remote workdays. Permanent remote work is not available for this position.

Responsibilities:

• Lead high-profile design processes within the Animation Department, ensuring top-tier quality and innovation.
• Spearhead and complete large, high-priority initiatives, demonstrating reliability and expertise.
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of Animation Department pipelines and processes.
• Mentor and support team members, fostering a collaborative and successful work environment.
• Exhibit industry-leading animation abilities in your field of expertise.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of design principles across all design departments.
• Utilize strong management skills with tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the wiki.
• Collaborate effectively with other departments, ensuring seamless interdepartmental communication and cooperation.
• Arbitrate effectively when conflicting issues arise, maintaining a balanced and fair approach.
• Take and give direction with confidence and clarity.
• Establish and maintain an informal leadership role among peers, providing guidance and support as needed.
• Lead groups and teams comfortably when required.

Qualifications:

• A great understanding of realistic body mechanics as well as animation principles.
• Mentorship skills.
• Facial animation experience.
• Expert knowledge of Maya.
• Expert knowledge of animation implementation and debugging techniques.
• Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills, and be a self-starter and problem solver.
• Recognized by peers and team members as a top studio expert performer in animation.

Bonus Points:

• Proficiency with Motion Capture animation.
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Proficiency in management tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the wiki.
• The ability to handle high-pressure situations and make informed decisions.

We love hearing from anyone who is enthusiastic about changing the games industry. Not sure you meet all qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! At Activision Blizzard, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

Our World At Activision, we strive to create the most iconic brands in gaming and entertainment. We’re driven by our mission to deliver unrivaled gaming experiences for the world to enjoy, together. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises including Call of Duty, Crash Bandicoot, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, and Guitar Hero. As a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and products, our “press start” is simple: delight hundreds of millions of players around the world with innovative, fun, thrilling, and engaging entertainment experiences. We’re not just looking back at our decades-long legacy; we’re forging ahead to keep advancing gameplay with some of the most popular titles and sophisticated technology in the world. We have bold ambitions to create the most inclusive company as we know our success comes from the passionate, creative, and diverse teams within our organization. We’re in the business of delivering fun and unforgettable entertainment for our player community to enjoy. And our future opportunities have never been greater — this could be your opportunity to level up.

Ready to Activate Your Future? The videogame industry and therefore our business is fast-paced and will continue to evolve. As such, the duties and responsibilities of this role may be changed as directed by the Company at any time to promote and support our business and relationships with industry partners. Sledgehammer Games is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.