Job description
At NovaFrame Studios, we craft award-winning animation for feature films, television, and immersive experiences.
We are seeking a Senior 3D Animator to join our Los Angeles team. You will lead the character animation workflow, mentor junior artists, and partner with directors to shape performance and timing across productions.
In this role, you will have access to industry-leading tools, a collaborative environment, and opportunities to push creative boundaries with real-time pipelines and robust rigging systems. We value storytelling, technical excellence, and a strong work ethic.
We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, flexible scheduling, and a vibrant studio culture.
Responsibility
- Lead the character animation pipeline from concept to final delivery, ensuring consistency with style and tone.
- Collaborate with directors, storyboard artists, and rigging to craft expressive performances and precise timing.
- Create high-quality character animation in Maya and Blender, with support for real-time engines as needed.
- Develop and refine rigging, skinning, and pose libraries to optimize workflows and asset reuse.
- Iterate based on feedback from directors and clients, maintaining production schedules and milestones.
- Mentor junior animators, conduct critiques, and contribute to policy and process improvements.
- Apply motion capture clean-up and editing to deliver believable performances while preserving artistic intent.
Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in Animation, Fine Arts, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- 5+ years of professional character animation experience in film, television, or game projects.
- Proficient in Maya; strong knowledge of Blender is a plus; experience with Alembic pipelines.
- Solid understanding of anatomy, timing, weight, and acting to create compelling performances.
- Experience with motion capture cleanup and integration into animation workflows.
- Strong portfolio or reel demonstrating dynamic, emotive character work across styles.
- Familiarity with rigging concepts and collaboration with lighting, FX, and shading teams.