3D Animator

The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) is a growing, not-for-profit organization, headquartered in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, serving the automotive collision repair industry globally. The organization was established by representatives of the collision repair, automotive, and insurance industries in 1979 and has doubled its revenue over the last six years.

Today, the I-CAR brand is stronger than it has been in 40 years of operation and has gained a worldwide reputation. There is momentum and excitement among its committed workforce, instructors, and volunteers to continue to help the organization grow and expand its breadth of reach and scale.

Job Summary:

The Senior Associate, 3D Animation, is responsible for creating and manipulating 3D models for utilization in various platforms to enhance I-CAR curriculum offerings. The 3D Animator will utilize created 3D assets to provide innovative experiences in augmented reality, virtual reality, and game-based mastery simulations based on Collision Repair and complex safety and process procedures.

Primary Responsibilities include the following:

1. Researching and proposing ideas for new animations.
2. Creating 3D animations and graphics using illustration software programs like Blender, Maya, and 3DS Max based on design briefs.
3. Working with in-house and external Unity Developers and 3rd party developers to test development builds.
4. Building and designing storyboards by creating and animating a working model of scenes.
5. Developing time and pace of motion graphics based on scenario requirements.
6. Working with internal and external animation editors to merge layers of 3D animation.
7. Communicating with clients and team members to ensure that all parties are on the same page regarding project goals, objectives, and scope of work.
8. Working with designers to create character models and scenes for animation.
9. Suggesting and implementing best practices and optimizations throughout animation projects.
10. Transforming real-life or 2D characters and graphics into 3D motion graphics by integrating VFX, CGI, character rigging, and sound design.
11. Animating real-time popups/motion graphics in 3D space for Unity3D, Altoura, or traditional video and graphics production.
12. Creating fine-art deliverables, selecting colors, fonts, images, and layouts based on brand guidelines.
13. Being adaptable to changing requirements and feedback.
14. Working with 3D Scanned Assets and performing 3D asset cleanup and optimization.
15. Working with CAD elements for AR and VR training simulations.
16. Collaborating with key departments within I-CAR on opportunities for new learning innovation and technology concepts, such as VR/AR/XR, to the learning experience within the I-CAR educational programming portfolio.
17. Assisting in research, planning, implementation, and support of learning innovations and technologies such as AR/MR/VR devices and solutions for the I-CAR curriculum, student, instructor, and staff training.
18. Contributing to developing long-term roadmaps (capabilities and features) and the near-term tactical execution of our XR efforts.

Skills and Aptitudes:

Technical Skills Required

1. Interacting with third-party technology and consulting vendors.
2. Proficiency in creating and manipulating 3D objects and animating them using Maya, Blender, or 3DS Max software.
3. Understanding of using the Unity development platform for VR and AR applications.
4. Basic understanding and implementation of C#.
5. Experience in creating content or applications for different VR and AR devices such as Oculus, Vive, HoloLens, and Pico Neo.
6. Familiarity with SDKs and APIs in various capacities, such as Android, iOS, Unity, and Unreal.
7. Creating, editing, and completing post-production on video and images with tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, including Adobe Premiere, After Effects, and Audition.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in 3D animation or related field or four years equivalent knowledge and experience required.

A minimum of one to three years of experience in the following areas is required:

1. Blender, Maya, 3DS Max or other 3D programs.
2. Technical knowledge in Extended Reality, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and other XR-related technologies.
3. XR application development and a general understanding of optimizing 3D models for XR hardware.

Strong written, verbal communication, and presentation skills are also necessary. An understanding of automotive technology and repair procedures, while not required, would be helpful for understanding the end goal of 3D development and projects.

EEO Statement:

I-CAR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state or local law, where applicable. Those with criminal histories will be considered in a manner consistent with applicable state and local laws.

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