Lead Technical Animator at Gearbox Entertainment
Company: Gearbox Entertainment
Location: Frisco, Texas, United States
Job Type: Full-Time / Remote
Salary: Not Disclosed
About the Company
Gearbox Entertainment is a globally recognized creator and publisher of interactive entertainment, known for iconic franchises like Borderlands, Brothers in Arms, Duke Nukem, and Homeworld. The company focuses on delivering high-quality gaming experiences while fostering creativity, collaboration, and innovation across its teams.
Job Overview
Gearbox Software is seeking a Lead Technical Animator to drive innovation in character animation systems and pipelines. This role involves leading a team of technical animators, developing animation features, and improving workflows to enhance overall production efficiency and animation fidelity.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage a team of Technical Animators, including goal setting and career development support.
- Collaborate with engineering and design teams to define technical requirements for animation systems.
- Mentor junior and mid-level animators through workshops and training sessions.
- Create and maintain animation blueprints, state machines, and character systems.
- Optimize animation blending and gameplay responsiveness.
- Break down design features into animation-ready components.
- Ensure best practices and efficient workflows across animation pipelines.
- Support implementation of animation content across gameplay, systems, and missions teams.
- Research and prototype new animation technologies and systems.
- Document animation systems and workflows for cross-team use.
- Identify and implement pipeline improvements.
Required Qualifications
- Previous experience managing or leading teams.
- Strong knowledge of animation systems including blending, layering, and state machines.
- Understanding of technical architecture and scripting languages.
- Experience with full animation pipelines from asset creation to implementation.
- Ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience owning features from concept through final implementation.
- Familiarity with tools like Jira and Confluence.
- Strong communication skills and openness to feedback.
- 5+ years of experience in game design, animation, or programming, with 3+ years in character animation.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Unreal Engine 5 animation systems.
- Programming skills in Python, MEL, or C++.
- Experience with Maya and MotionBuilder.
- Knowledge of motion capture systems such as Vicon Blade.
- Experience with advanced systems like Motion Matching or Distance Matching.
- Strong balance of technical expertise and artistic vision.
- Passion for fast-paced action games and modern animation techniques.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Animation, Computer Science, Game Development, or a related field is preferred, or equivalent professional experience.
Benefits
- Opportunity to work on world-class AAA game titles.
- Collaborative and creative work environment.
- Career growth and leadership development opportunities.
- Inclusive and diverse workplace culture.
- Access to cutting-edge tools and technologies.