Senior Technical Animator (UK)

Halon Entertainment is a leading visualization and technology company dedicated to storytelling in feature films, television, video games, and advertising. We utilize cutting-edge technology to create engaging and immersive experiences. Our collaborative environment nurtures creativity and innovation, positioning us as a preferred leader and employer in the entertainment industry.

We are seeking a highly experienced senior technical animator to join our team. As a senior technical animator, you will be responsible for developing control rigs for dynamic assets and characters, investigating and implementing cloth sim solutions, and providing expertise in character dynamics and rigging. You will work closely with the technical animation team and other departments to ensure high-quality delivery. This is a hybrid work opportunity. Please note that during the 90-day probationary period, this position will require working US East Coast hours. Ideal candidates would be based in Scotland and must be legally authorized to work in the UK.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop control rigs for dynamic assets and characters
• Investigate and implement cloth sim solutions
• Create PhysicsAssets and edit Animation Blueprints and Control Rigs to mitigate crashing and resolve other issues
• Provide expertise in character dynamics and rigging
• Mentor Technical Animators
• Collaborate with other teams (e.g., engineering, FX) to ensure alignment with project goals
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and emerging technologies
• Set standards and enforce their adoption
• Work on prototyping workflow for a team and document the workflow for artists
• Ensure end-user documentation is created and maintained
• Contribute best practices for the team
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• 7+ years of industry experience
• Strong expertise in character dynamics, rigging, and cloth sim
• Strong knowledge of rigging
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, MEL)
• Proficiency in Maya, UE5, and other relevant software
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Experience with mentoring and guiding junior team members
• Working experience with Control Rig, Animation Blueprints, and animation workflows within Unreal Engine
• Understanding of animation and rigging within Maya

Bonus Requirements:

• Experience with motion capture technology and physics-based animation techniques
• Knowledge of Unreal Engine Python API and C++

At Halon, we celebrate diversity and inclusion. We are committed to an environment that does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, religion, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, family status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Please let us know if you require any accommodation in your application.

Our success as a company is built on the diversity of our teammates.

Benefits:

We take pride in our culture and are committed to respecting individuals while helping them achieve their artistic and professional ambitions. As part of Halon Entertainment UK Ltd., you will collaborate with highly talented individuals on high-budget feature films and AAA games. After your 90-day probationary period, you will have access to our employer-sponsored benefits, which include a pension scheme with employer contributions and private medical insurance with employer support. Halon is committed to your professional growth and career advancement, offering opportunities for training and development.