Job description
NovaFrame Animation Studios is seeking a creative, technically proficient Senior 3D Animator to join our Los Angeles team. You will lead character and environment animation for feature-quality projects, mentor junior artists, and help shape narrative through performance, timing, and staging.
In this role, you’ll collaborate with directors, riggers, lighting, and FX teams to deliver high-end animations that move audiences and elevate storytelling.
Location: Los Angeles, CA. On-site collaboration encouraged; some flexible scheduling available.
Responsibility
- Lead the creation of high-quality 3D character and environment animations from blocking to polish.
- Develop and iterate motion performance that supports storytelling, acting, and timing requirements.
- Collaborate with rigging and shading teams to ensure clean deformation and appealing lighting passes.
- Review, critique, and mentor junior animators; provide constructive feedback and guidance.
- Optimize animation pipelines and contribute to asset planning, shot scheduling, and backlog management.
- Maintain consistent style and technical standards across shots and sequences.
- Participate in client reviews, presenting progress and incorporating feedback.
- Prototype new techniques and push the boundaries of animation quality within schedule.
Qualification
- Bachelor’s degree in Animation, Computer Graphics, or related field or equivalent professional experience.
- 7+ years of professional 3D animation experience in film, games, or high-end visualization.
- Expert proficiency with Maya or equivalent DCC, plus strong knowledge of anatomy, timing, weight, and acting.
- Experience with rigging integration, skinning, and performance capture workflows.
- Strong understanding of acting, beats, and storytelling through movement.
- Experience with Unreal Engine or Unity for real-time pipelines is a plus.
- Excellent collaboration, communication, and mentorship skills; ability to work under tight deadlines.
- Portfolio demonstrating a range of character animation, environmental motion, and shot breakdowns.