Animator: Face

At Rockstar Games, we create world-class entertainment experiences. 

Become part of a team working on some of the most rewarding, large-scale creative projects to be found in any entertainment medium - all within an inclusive, highly-motivated environment where you can learn and collaborate with some of the most talented people in the industry.

Rockstar San Diego is on the lookout for talented Face Animator across all levels of experience who possess a passion for games. 

Please note that a reel or portfolio site is required to be considered for this position.

This is a full-time, in-office position based out of Rockstar’s new state-of-the-art game development studio in Carlsbad, CA.  

WHAT WE DO

• We create facial animations for characters and animals appearing in cinematic and gameplay in our games.
• We enhance face performances adding emphasis to key face shapes and movements to help create compelling and realistic characters.
• We review face animations and implement feedback from lead reviews.
• We work collaboratively with the global animation, code and design teams to problem solve and implement face performances across all characters in our games.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create visually stunning 3D facial animations.
• Work closely with the team to create balanced solutions to any related technical and aesthetic issues.
• Animate natural and expressive motion to create realistic, fluid facial animations.
• Implement, troubleshoot, and debug animation systems.
• Help improve animation pipelines.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Animation or similar training from a competitive program.
• Face Animation production experience on current generation console and/or PC.
• Hand key Facial Animation experience.
• Demo reel demonstrating a good understanding of animation principles with a focus on high quality facial animation.

SKILLS

• Advanced knowledge in one of: Maya, MotionBuilder, or equivalent 3D program.
• Exceptional skill in animating human and animal faces.
• Experience implementing animations in a game engine. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work closely with Artists, Designers and Programmers.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in a self-directed manner and make timely, well-thought out decisions.
• Strong understanding of development issues involved in getting animations into a game.
• Positive, solution-oriented individual with a passion for game development.

PLUSES

Please note that these are desirable skills and are not required to apply for the position.

• Proven industry experience as an animator on at least one AAA title.
• Proficiency in Faceware, Dynamixyz or similar package.
• Knowledge of Facial Action Coding System- FACS.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply with a resume and cover letter demonstrating how you meet the skills above. If we would like to move forward with your application, a Rockstar recruiter will reach out to you to explain next steps and guide you through the process.

Rockstar is committed to creating a work environment that promotes equal opportunity, dignity and respect. In line with this commitment, Rockstar will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process in order for such applicants to be considered for the position for which they are applying, as well as to qualified employees to enable them to perform the essential functions of their roles. If you need more information about Rockstar’s reasonable accommodation policies or process, or need to request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department.                                 

If you’ve got the right skills for the job, we want to hear from you. We encourage applications from all suitable candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief, race, or any other protected category.