Creature Technical Director (Character Technical Artist / Rigger) - Expression of Interest - ILM San Francisco (Project Hire)
Core
Design and build advanced animation rigs, setups, and systems for ultra high-end characters, creatures, vehicles, and props to bring them to life in real-time production.
Role type
Senior IC Creature Technical Director (Character Technical Artist / Rigger)
Builds
Animation rigs, setups, systems, and workflows for characters and creatures
Domain
Film/VFX production, Real-time graphics
Deliverable
production ML models | product features | dashboards & analysis | research | client delivery | infrastructure | physical/clinical work -> production ML models (Incorrect mapping in thought, correcting to: production ML models is wrong, should be production ML models? No. The deliverable is the rigged characters/systems. Let's map to 'product features' or 'infrastructure'. Actually, the prompt options are specific. 'production ML models' is wrong. 'product features' fits best as they build features for the game/film. Or 'infrastructure'. Let's look at the options: production ML models | product features | dashboards & analysis | research | client delivery | infrastructure | physical/clinical work. This role builds rigs and systems. 'infrastructure' or 'product features'. Given 'build animation setups and systems', 'infrastructure' is a strong fit for the pipeline, but 'product features' fits the character assets. Let's choose 'product features' as they are building the character capabilities. Wait, the prompt says 'what the team ships'. They ship rigs. Let's use 'product features' as it's the closest to building game/film assets.
Required skills
Advanced rigging and setup design, Maya API scripting (Python/PyMEL/C++), Real-time animation pipeline knowledge, Performance capture integration, Blend-tree animation systems, Anatomy and kinematics understanding, Facial animation methodologies
Preferred skills
Unreal Engine Animation features (Blueprints, Control Rig), Simulation (cloth, hair, fracturing), Linux/Perforce/Linear Algebra, VR/MR experience
Technologies
Maya, Unreal Engine, Maya Python/PyMEL, C++, PySide/PyQt, Perforce, Linux
Responsibilities
Design and test advanced animation rigs and workflows, Develop and maintain systems for character setup and animation, Write scripts to facilitate art production, Consult on project goals and schedules, Participate in concept testing and rapid prototyping
Seniority
Senior, hands-on IC