As a Mid-Level Technical Animator at Sharkmob, you will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between art, animation, and tech, ensuring that character animations are not only visually stunning but also function seamlessly within Unreal Engine. You'll work closely with animators, artists, and engineers to create and implement animation systems, rigs, and pipelines to help deliver engaging and immersive characters.

Responsibilities
Character Rigging: Assist in the creation of character rigs that provide a solid foundation for animation. Ensure proper skinning, bone hierarchies, and control setups for characters and creatures. Collaborate with senior technical animators to optimize rigging workflows.
Animation Tools: Work with the technical animation team to develop and maintain animation tools and scripts. These tools should streamline animation processes, making it easier for animators to work efficiently while ensuring consistency in character animations.
Animation Pipeline: Collaborate with senior technical animators to establish and maintain an efficient animation pipeline. This includes managing animation data, retargeting animations to various characters, and handling animation blending and transitions.
Problem Solving: Assist in identifying and solving technical challenges related to character animation. Work with the technical animation team to resolve issues related to character deformations, animation artifacts, and performance optimization.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with animators, artists, designers, and engineers to understand animation requirements and implement solutions that meet both artistic and technical goals. Effective communication is key to ensuring a smooth workflow.
Quality Assurance: Conduct testing and debugging of animations within the game engine. Ensure that character animations function as intended and meet performance targets. Collaborate with the quality assurance team to address animation-related bugs and issues.
Documentation: Maintain documentation for animation pipelines, rigs, and tools. Ensure that information is accessible to the animation and development teams, facilitating knowledge transfer and onboarding of new team members.
Requirements
Professional Experience: At least 2-4 years of experience as a technical animator in the video game industry, with a demonstrated track record of contributing to published games.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in character rigging, animation tools, and animation pipelines. Familiarity with animation software such as Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender. Knowledge of scripting languages like Python is a plus.
Problem-Solving Abilities: Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot animation-related issues. Adept at finding solutions that balance artistic and technical considerations.
Collaborative Mindset: Effective communication skills and a collaborative mindset. The ability to work closely with cross-functional teams, including artists, animators, designers, and engineers.
Adaptability: Willingness to adapt to changing project requirements and learn new tools and technologies as needed.
Portfolio: A portfolio that showcases your technical animation work, including examples of character rigs, animation tools or scripts, and any technical challenges you've helped overcome.
Passion for Games: A genuine passion for video games and an understanding of game design principles. An eagerness to contribute to the creation of immersive gaming experiences.


Sharkmob London is a brand-new AAA studio in the heart of London, with aspirations to build one of the largest and most creatively ambitious development teams in the world. Just like the original Sharkmob studio in Malmö, Sharkmob London was founded by a team of industry veterans. As a part of Tencent Games we have the experience, backing, and ambition to build the games of the future!

At Sharkmob, we are committed to building an inclusive team that represents diverse backgrounds, perspectives and skillsets - because we believe that helps us create great games. We welcome all candidates that are aligned with our core values of shared ownership, smart decisions and last but not least - having fun!

Remuneration and benefits
Competitive salaries based on up-to-date data from external benchmarking providers & reviewed annually.
30 days annual leave, in addition to all UK Bank Holidays.
Hybrid work-from-home policy.
Discretionary annual performance-based bonus.
Private pension (10% total, up to 5% individual contribution matched by Sharkmob).
BUPA private Healthcare, Cigna dental cover, life insurance scheme and income protection policy.
£425 yearly preventative healthcare allowance.
Core studio hours 10:00-16:00 with 1 'wellness hour' to be used per week.
Daily breakfasts, snacks & refreshments at the studio.
VISA sponsorship (individual & dependents).
Relocation assistance for people outside the UK (1 month accommodation, flights/travel paid for, logistics/removal costs reimbursed).
Assistance for people relocating within the UK (reimbursement for expenses on travel into London for flat viewings and moving vans/couriers)