Associate Principal Technical Artist: Rigging

Heart of the Dawn is on the lookout for an experienced Technical Artist who is passionate about rigging. This role will focus on researching and developing new technology for future titles, while also improving existing technology and tools.

WHAT WE DO

The Heart of the Dawn Games Rigging team designs, builds, and maintains highly complex runtime deformation systems for the characters, animals, vehicles, and props that bring our games to life.

We drive innovation in dynamic art pipelines through rigging systems, secondary motion setups, and continually evolve our tools and workflows from asset creation to in-engine visualization.

We collaborate closely with the larger Technical Art team and related departments to ensure seamless integration where tools and pipelines intersect.

We provide support to the Animation and Art department.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop, test, and maintain high-quality body and face rigs, skinning, and secondary motion setups for a diverse range of 3D assets.

Collaborate with runtime programmers, animators, and artists to create and improve engine features.

Create authoring tools for the Rigging team in digital content creation environments and standalone applications.

Partner with animators, artists, and technical artists to create tools and refine pipelines to maximize the best results throughout production.

Support the entire rigging pipeline – from motion capture to final in-game output.

Stay informed on the latest technology and research in motion and deformation to help keep our dynamic art visuals at the forefront of innovation.

Write clear and detailed documentation for tools and workflows.

REQUIREMENTS

A degree in Computer Science or related discipline.

7+ years of industry experience working as a character rigger, technical animator, animation engine programmer, or in a closely related role.

A demo reel and/or online portfolio that demonstrates exceptional rigging skills, motion control systems, and complex body and face deformation and skinning for characters and creatures.

Advanced Python programming and 3D math skills.

Strong background in runtime rigging and tool development for rigging pipelines.

Experience using source control software (i.e. Perforce, Git).

Strong communication, self-management, and organizational skills.

PLUSES

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

C/C++ programming skills.

Professional experience developing pipelines and creating tools.

Experience with game engines (e.g. Unreal/Unity or proprietary technology).

Professional experience as an artist or animator in game development.