Animator (R&D Service Project, On-Site)
About Steamroller Animation
It’s different here. We’re a fun-loving bunch, passionate about our craft. We grow together, learn together, play together, and work on some of the coolest projects on the planet. If you’re looking for a welcoming atmosphere, a culture that’s dedicated to helping you grow and thrive, and ample opportunity to advance, we’d LOVE to hear from you.
About the role
Steamroller Animation is looking for a talented Animator to join us for a high-priority Research and Development service project. This is a unique opportunity to solve creative puzzles and push the boundaries of character movement within a dedicated R&D environment.
Project Details
- This is a contract position (1099 status) for a project that is purely R&D in nature.
- Because this is a service project focused on internal development, there will be no finished product shared publicly.
- The project is under a very restrictive NDA, requiring this role to be strictly in-house at our studio.
- Candidates must be available to work on-site full-time in our studio —located in Mount Dora, FLorida—Monday through Friday.
- The project is estimated to last 5 to 7 months, starting in early April.
Core Focus
- We are seeking character keyframe animators with a profound understanding of animation principles.
- All candidates must have demonstrated experience with facial animation, specifically showcasing strong appeal and clear graphic shapes.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the animation team on intermediate to complex tasks across various styles.
- Consistently deliver high-quality animation for keyframe, motion capture, and/or cinematic sequences.
- Work closely with animation directors and leads to meet artistic goals and project requirements.
- Communicate effectively with production regarding performance ideas, deadlines, and technical concerns.
- Participate in dailies, rounds, and team reviews to implement feedback and enhance overall quality.
- Maintain professional and open communication regarding creative direction and changes.
- Utilize necessary production tools proficiently to meet all project requirements.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of two years of production experience in a professional studio environment.
- Proficiency in Autodesk Maya.
- Strong understanding of character keyframe animation and fundamental principles.
- Extensive experience with facial animation featuring strong appeal and graphic shapes.
- Ability to utilize research and reference effectively to inform animation tasks.
- Solid knowledge of human and animal anatomy.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to learn both independently and with the team.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English.
Nice to Haves
- Experience with 2D animation and 2D animation principles.
- Experience interfacing directly with clients.
- Experience with motion capture cleanup and working with mocap data.