Senior Rigging & Simulation Artist II – Temp (SFD / Cinematics)

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Job Overview

Blizzard Entertainment is seeking a Senior Rigging & Simulation Artist II for a temporary position within its Cinematics team. This is an opportunity for experienced character technical artists to work in a leading animation department known for its high-quality cinematic projects. The position is expected to be a hybrid role, allowing for both on-site and remote work, with a primary location in Irvine, CA.

Responsibilities

The individual will be responsible for many key areas within the production pipeline:

• Creating complex rigs and maintaining a high level of visual and technical quality for characters.
• Focusing on character CFX (character effects) and ensuring that rigs meet production needs.
• Collaborating closely with animations and other departments such as modeling, FX, and lighting is essential, as the work environment is highly creative and driven by artistic collaboration.

Required Skills

To be successful in this role, candidates need to possess a variety of relevant skills and experience:

• At least 12 years of experience rigging characters using Maya or similar software.
• Expertise in a feature film or TV animation pipeline is critical.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, MEL, or C/C++.
• Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate within the team.
• Deep knowledge of character kinematics, deformations, and topology.
• Familiarity with cutting-edge character pipelines and workflows.

Preferred Skills

While not mandatory, the following experiences can set candidates apart during the selection process:

• History of generating cloth/hair rigs and conducting art-directed shot simulations.
• Knowledge of industry-standard tools and workflows, including experience working with Houdini.
• Ability to create tools to enhance the rigging and simulation pipeline.
• Passion for Blizzard games and their cinematics.

Application requirements

Candidates will need to present materials that demonstrate their qualifications:

• A resume (preferably in PDF format).
• A demo reel and shot breakdown showcasing rigging, simulation, and technical skills.

Company Overview

Blizzard Entertainment is a major player in the gaming industry, renowned for creating iconic games like Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo, and StarCraft. Established as a premier developer and publisher, Blizzard has a robust legacy marked by numerous awards, including multiple Game of the Year accolades. Operated under Activision Blizzard, the company successfully reaches millions of players worldwide, encompassing various platforms like PC, consoles, and mobile.

Diversity and Inclusion

Blizzard Entertainment emphasizes the importance of a diverse and inclusive work environment. The company encourages applicants from all backgrounds and assures a supportive stance towards candidates with disabilities, offering assistance as needed. They aim for culture where every employee can thrive, reinforcing their belief that diversity fosters creativity and innovation in entertainment.

Compensation

The standard hourly wage for this position in the U.S. ranges from $46.73 to $86.49, depending on various factors like relevant work experience, performance, and geographical location. In addition to base pay, there may be opportunities for incentive compensation, although this is not guaranteed. The company offers a suite of benefits to promote the well-being of its employees, including medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401(k) plan, paid leave, mental health programs, and more, all subject to eligibility requirements.

Conclusion

This position at Blizzard Entertainment represents a unique opportunity for seasoned rigging artists to contribute to innovative and canonical animation projects in a vibrant and collaborative work environment. Candidates who meet the requirements and are passionate about game development are encouraged to apply and join a company that is central to the evolution of the gaming industry.

This job offer was originally published on himalayas.app