Outsource Support Animator (Apex Legends)

Respawn Entertainment, part of Electronic Arts, is seeking an Outsource Support Animator to work on Apex Legends. This hybrid role involves hands-on gameplay animation work and managing outsourced animation production.

The ideal candidate will serve as both a creative contributor and external development coordinator. They will ensure partner-produced animation meets Apex's gameplay clarity, responsiveness, and performance standards within a live-service production cadence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Gameplay Animation Execution:
• Create block and prototype gameplay animations to establish timing, weight, and design intent.
• Collaborate with Animation Directors and Gameplay teams to co-direct motion capture sessions.
• Review, refine, and integrate vendor-delivered keyframe and mocap cleanup work.
• Ensure assets meet gameplay readability, responsiveness, and technical requirements.

• External Development Coordination:
• Manage day-to-day communication with external animation vendors.
• Provide clear, structured feedback aligned with internal animation direction.
• Partner with Animation Directors to define briefs and reference packages.
• Track sprint and milestone deliverables, revisions, and approval cycles.
• Identify risks in quality or schedule and escalate proactively.
• Support vendor onboarding and documentation updates.
• Provide performance notes and help shape capture goals.

• Pipeline & Integration:
• Export, ingest, and validate animation assets in-engine.
• Maintain animation briefs, scope breakdowns, and feedback documentation.
• Support Statement of Work (SOW) creation with detailed asset estimates.
• Ensure naming conventions, rig compatibility, and version control standards.
• Coordinate with Tech Animation and Engineering to resolve integration issues.

Requirements:

• 2+ years of professional game animation experience.
• Strong blocking, gameplay timing, and polish skills.
• Experience working directly with outsourced animation teams.
• Combat Animation Experience.
• First Person Viewmodel Animation Experience.
• Strong knowledge of Maya and motion capture workflows.
• Familiarity with engine integration pipelines.
• Experience tracking work in Jira or similar tools.
• Live service development experience.
• Experience writing animation briefs, asset estimates, and production documentation.

Salary Range:

• British Columbia: $92,900 - $129,200 CAD
• California: $104,400 - $157,400 USD

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits packages including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, and retirement plans.
• Paid time off, sick time, and company holidays.
• Opportunities for bonuses and other incentive programs.