Senior Technical Animator

Company Description

The Molasses Flood is a CD PROJEKT game development studio located in the greater Boston area. We were founded by industry veterans in 2014, and since then have created The Flame in the Flood and Drake Hollow. We’re currently working on an ambitious and exciting new project set in The Witcher universe. We value every voice on the team, open communication and transparency, and run a studio based on mutual respect and kindness between all members and levels of the team. If this sounds like the type of team you’d like to be a part of, we encourage you to apply.

Job Description

The Senior Technical Animator will work with the animation team to bring to life the characters who inhabit the world of our upcoming multiplayer game set within the world of The Witcher. The Senior Technical Animator will have a solid understanding of current AAA-quality animation techniques and software. They will possess excellent communication skills in order to collaborate with their team both in-house and overseas, as well as devs across disciplines. They are expected to maintain quality and artistic consistency as defined by the Lead Animator and Art Director.

This role is open to hybrid or remote work. Work may be performed per our hybrid work model in the greater Boston area (Tues/Thurs in our office and Mon/Wed/Fri work from home), with relocation assistance available. This role could also be performed remotely within the continental US, and according to a US East coast time schedule.

Responsibilities:

•  Animation locomotion systems: Help develop advanced character locomotion systems in Unreal 5 to achieve seamless character movements. 
• Unreal Blueprint Expertise: A strong understanding of using Unreal Engine animation Blueprints to create engaging character behaviours and interactions.
• Character Rigging: Create and maintain detailed human and monster rigs that align with technical and aesthetic project requirements. 
• Animation Tool Development: Work closely with the animation team to refine animation pipeline, tools, scripts and workflows to enhance overall efficiency and quality. 
• Collaboration: Engage in tight-knit collaboration with animators, artists, and programmers to collectively troubleshoot and overcome technical animation challenges.

Qualifications

• Scripting and coding Proficiency: Knowledge of Coding and/or Scripting. (C++, C#, Python, MEL), to be able to read and update game script and animation tools.
• Animation Pipelines: Proven experience in developing and optimizing animation pipelines. Including skinning, rigging, state machines and scripting.
• Communication and Problem-Solving Skills: Exceptional communication skills with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to team members. Proven problem-solving abilities to address challenges efficiently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Shipped Titles with Player Locomotion: Experience working on and contributing to shipped titles, specifically showcasing player locomotion systems
• Next-Gen Game Animation Systems: Stays up-to-date with knowledge on industry standards and latest technologies.
• Curiosity, kindness, and a positive and professional can-do attitude.
• Candidates must have a US work permit or citizenship.

The expected annual salary range for this position is $130,000 to $160,000 USD, negotiable. Salary offered will be based upon a number of factors, including but not limited to: skill set, years and quality of experience, and suitability for the role. 

Additional Information

What we offer:

• 100% company paid medical, dental, and vision plans available - for employees and dependents
• 401K with matching
• Company paid long & short term disability plans, and life insurance
• Profit sharing plan
• Unlimited PTO and flexible schedule
• Environmental company paid offset of employees’ carbon footprint via Wren.co
• Positions worked in office are hybrid: M/W/F work from home & T/Th work in office, with lunch provided on the in office days
• Dog friendly office
• Many opportunities for advancement as our team grows and takes on new challenges 

The Molasses Flood is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing and celebrating diverse thoughts and backgrounds throughout our organization. Employment at The Molasses Flood is based on ability  – not an individual’s race, creed, color, religion, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, alienage or citizens