Technical Animation Director (F/M/NB) [AAA Project]

We are looking for a Technical Animation Director to lead the animation side of our AAA project.

As a Technical Animation Director at Ubisoft, you will report directly to the Technical Director, Pipeline, and be responsible for identifying, preparing, and adapting the tools used throughout production on the Animation side, including Animation Graphs (behavior trees).

Responsibilities

• Define workstreams and improvements to be made to the existing pipeline (In-Game Animation, Ragdoll, Facial Animation, Rigging, Motion Capture, Cinematics, etc.)
• Develop or identify the best possible tools and methods to improve and streamline the work of animators across all animation-related topics (characters as well as gear/equipment)
• Optimize animation graphs and their underlying architecture
• Provide daily support to the animation team by resolving technical issues and helping them make decisions to optimize in-game animation graphs
• Act as the technical owner for compliance with constraints established in partnership with other disciplines (memory usage, FPS/performance targets, across different console platforms)
• Serve as the technical owner for all multiplayer and customization/modularity-related topics
• Produce documentation covering tools, methodologies, training materials, processes, and engine constraints for future reference and consultation
• Coordinate with and act as the primary liaison between the animation team and the programming team
• Regularly communicate technical constraints and the rationale behind them to the animation team
• Act as the technical point of contact for animation-related technical issues
• Perform any other related duties as required

Qualifications

• A strong background as an Animation Technical Director, preferably in the video game industry
• Excellent knowledge of real-time animation systems in video games and/or pipeline development
• Extensive experience with MotionBuilder and/or Maya; knowledge of both body and facial motion capture is a strong asset
• Advanced proficiency in Python
• Knowledge of another DCC package (Maya, 3ds Max, Blender, etc.)
• Strong teamwork skills and the ability to take on complex challenges
• Strong ability to influence and carry a vision
• Experience in management appreciated
• Fluent English is essential to successfully carry out the responsibilities of the role
• Knowledge of Rigging and Ragdoll systems (Havok) is highly desirable