Naughty Dog is hiring: Senior Gameplay Animator in Santa Monica

Overview

Ability to work hybrid from our Santa Monica, CA studio is required.

Naughty Dog has been crafting best-selling, critically acclaimed games for nearly 40 years, pushing the boundaries of narrative, gameplay, and technology. We celebrate innovation and welcome diverse candidates whose cultural and life experiences contribute to the studio. We are excited to find an experienced gameplay animator to join us.

What you’ll do

• Create high-quality animation content in Maya and ensure proper implementation in our game engine
• Serve as a positive role model through exemplary demeanor, ability, proactivity, communication, and productivity
• Collaborate with the Animation, Design, and Engineering teams to create new exciting, mind blowing systemic animations
• Take ownership of challenging projects and provide innovative solutions, including mentoring team members and creating documentation
• Direct and participate in motion capture shoots
• Learn and master Naughty Dog’s unique gameplay systems
• Work with game systems, adhering to efficient and effective practices
• Utilize engine debug tools to identify and resolve gameplay issues in collaboration with designers and programmers
• Partner with animation leadership to define and uphold the style and quality bar for in-game animations
• Provide constructive feedback to improve internal technologies and artistic workflows
• Take on additional responsibilities as needed

What skills you will use

• Minimum of 1 shipped AAA game as a Senior Gameplay Animator (or equivalent)
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the video game industry
• Expertise in systemic gameplay animation
• Mastery of both motion capture and keyframe character animation as showcased by your strong animation reel
• General technical knowledge of animation technologies, including state machines, blend trees, and motion matching
• Passion for gaming and a deep understanding of game design principles and player experience
• Ability to provide clear and constructive feedback to peers
• Proven experience planning, setting up, and directing motion capture shoots independently and efficiently
• Must be comfortable using a script editor
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt quickly to challenges
• Highly motivated, proactive, and solution-oriented, with a "can-do" attitude
• A natural team player who fosters collaboration and inspires others across departments
• Strong communication skills, ensuring clear and proactive interaction with animation and other teams
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, manage shifting priorities, and keep stakeholders informed
• Proactive in taking ownership of assignments and identifying new opportunities to support the team and company goals
• Proficient with Maya/MotionBuilder animation tools, including layers, time/trax editor, and mocap tools

Bonus Skills

• Experience developing animation tools is a plus
• Character rigging experience is a plus
• Experience setting up in-game physics assets is a plus

Application process

As part of the Naughty Dog application process, candidates will be expected to provide a portfolio or demo reel of their work and may be asked to complete an animation test.

Compensation and benefits

The estimated USA base pay range for this zone (Los Angeles area) is listed below. This role may be eligible for additional compensation packages that includes annual bonus and other incentive plans. The base pay range is $139,000 — $173,800 USD. The base pay range may vary in line with our hybrid working policy and individual base pay will be determined based on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. This role is eligible for Sony Interactive Entertainment’s benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k) matching, paid time off, wellness program, and employee discounts for Sony products. This role may also be eligible for a bonus package. Please refer to our Candidate Privacy Notice for more information about how we process your personal information, and your data protection rights.

#LI-AB1