Demo

Animation Technical Director

Naughty Dog
Santa Monica, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 1/22/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 4/22/2025

For nearly 40 years, Naughty Dog has been crafting best-selling, critically acclaimed games that constantly push the boundaries of narrative, gameplay, and technology. Naughty Dog recently released The Last of Us Part II Remastered as well as a current generation remake of The Last of Us Part I for the PS5. We're also proud to say that The Last of Us Part I is now available for the first time on PC. Currently, we're busy at the kennel working on Intergalactic : The Heretic Prophet, and The Last of Us Part II Remastered for PC and we'd love to find talented individuals to join us.

Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character-driven stories and attention to detail. We are committed to innovation within our games and as such have curated some of the top creative and technically innovative minds in the industry. We welcome diverse candidates and believe that a broad range of cultural and life experiences contribute to the overall well-being and success of the studio and the titles we craft together.

What you will do :

  • Create tools to streamline artist workflows (example : asset management tools, pipeline automation scripts, integration with project management software)
  • Build tools to give artists more power (example : motion capture data processing, animation retargeting tools, physics sim pipeline, Editorial to Cinematic pipeline, nonlinear Camera editing tools)
  • Work with the engineering team to develop low-level tools infrastructure and asset pipelines
  • Ensure tool interfaces are user-friendly and effective
  • Create well-architected systems that can be built upon for years to come
  • Develop workflows and standards for efficient content generation, including optimization standards
  • Help to maintain a wide array of existing workflows and tools
  • Test and validate tools and techniques in production
  • Work between all art departments (characters, VFX, sound, environment, etc.) on shared technology

What skills you will use :

  • Bachelor's degree in Entertainment Technology, Computer Science, or in a related field, or foreign equivalent
  • Two (2) years of experience as an Animator, Associate Technical Animator, Intern / Trainee, or in a related occupation
  • Experience / ability must include the following -
  • Experience with Python, PyQT / PySide, and with Maya scripting

  • Ability to write robust code, both from a functional and architectural standpoint
  • Familiarity with content creation and game development pipelines
  • Production experience in video games, film or VFX
  • Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression, and gender reassignment), race (including color, nationality, ethnic, national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or parental status, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.

    We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees, and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond.

    At SIE, we consider several factors when setting each role's base pay range, including the competitive benchmarking data for the market and geographic location.

    Base pay is one component of our total compensation package. Please note that 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, as well as additional compensation components, such as annual bonus, profit sharing, and other incentive plans.

    In addition, this role is eligible for SIE's top-tier benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k), paid time off, wellness program and coveted employee discounts for Sony products. This role also may be eligible for a bonus package. Click here to learn more.

    The estimated USA base pay range (all regions) for this role is listed below.

    90,000-$130,000 USD

    Salary : $90,000 - $130,000

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    Job openings at Naughty Dog

    Naughty Dog
    Hired Organization Address Santa Monica, CA Full Time
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    Naughty Dog
    Hired Organization Address Santa Monica, CA Full Time
    For nearly 40 years, Naughty Dog has been crafting best-selling, critically acclaimed games that constantly push the bou...
    Naughty Dog
    Hired Organization Address Santa Monica, CA Full Time
    This position is for a temporary engagement through our staffing partner DZConneX Services. Candidates must be authorize...
    Naughty Dog
    Hired Organization Address Santa Monica, CA Full Time
    This position is for a temporary engagement through our staffing partner, DZConneX Services. Candidates must be authoriz...

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