Ember Lab is hiring: Lead Cinematics Animator in Orange

At Ember Lab, our goal is to create powerful, transformative experiences that impact people for a lifetime. Having released our debut game, Kena: Bridge of Spirits, in 2021 this journey is just beginning. We’re looking for collaborative team members who share our passion for storytelling and are eager to help us shape the future of Ember Lab.

As the Lead Cinematics Animator, you will lead the animation team responsible for creating high-quality cinematics that elevate the storytelling and emotional impact of the game. You will mentor a team of animators, guiding them through the creative and technical processes while also contributing with hands-on cinematic animation. The ideal candidate will combine creative vision with technical prowess to deliver compelling, fluid animations that resonate with players.

Responsibilities:

• Drive the creation of game cinematics that align with the project’s narrative and visual style, from planning and layout through character and camera animation.

• Take ownership over cutscene related bugs and quality control issues by routinely maintaining files and delegating to other team members.

• Assist in character and camera animation, and help in delegating and collaborating with other team members.

• Provide feedback to collaborating team members to ensure the animation style, quality, and pace serves the vision and needs of the project, and the narrative beats are communicated successfully.

• Work closely with production and the animation director to develop milestone plans to ensure successful cutscene progress, and report to production throughout to ensure a clear understanding of cutscene progress and needs.
• Conduct performance reviews, facilitate open communication, actively recruit and onboard new hires, provide ongoing training and development opportunities

Requirements:

• 7-10 years of experience in cinematic animation, with proven leadership experience in a similar role.
• Expertise in Unreal and Maya.
• Expertise in character and camera animation.
• Strong understanding of storytelling, character acting, and camera work for cinematics.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other departments in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in managing teams, setting goals, and giving constructive feedback.

Location

• Onsite Preferred, remote consider. 

To Apply

• Please include a portfolio

The standard annual base salary range for this role in the U.S. is $120,000 - $160,000 USD. Actual pay will vary depending on experience, qualifications, performance and location. The base salary range for locations outside of the U.S. will be adjusted according to location.