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Senior Gameplay Animator - IGC/ Gameplay (Contingent)

Naughty Dog· Naughty Dog
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Santa Monica, CA$69.52/hr - $86.93/hrcontractPosted 4w ago

About the role

Senior Gameplay Animator position at Naughty Dog, a contingent/temporary engagement through Yoh Enterprise Solutions, onsite/hybrid in Santa Monica, CA. Focused on creating and implementing high-quality systemic gameplay animations, collaborating across Animation, Design, and Engineering, mentoring teammates, and directing motion capture shoots.

Responsibilities

  • Create high-quality animation content in Maya and ensure proper implementation in our game engine
  • Serve as a positive role model through exemplary demeanor, ability, proactivity, communication, and productivity
  • Collaborate with the Animation, Design, and Engineering teams to create new exciting, mind-blowing systemic animations
  • Take ownership of challenging projects and provide innovative solutions, including mentoring team members and creating documentation
  • Direct and participate in motion capture shoots
  • Learn and master Naughty Dog’s unique gameplay systems
  • Work with game systems, adhering to efficient and effective practices
  • Utilize engine debug tools to identify and resolve gameplay issues in collaboration with designers and programmers
  • Partner with animation leadership to define and uphold the style and quality bar for in-game animations
  • Provide constructive feedback to improve internal technologies and artistic workflows
  • Take on additional responsibilities as needed

Qualifications

  • Minimum of 1 shipped AAA game as a Senior Gameplay Animator (or equivalent)
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in the video game industry
  • Expertise in systemic gameplay animation
  • Mastery of both motion capture and keyframe character animation as showcased by your strong animation reel
  • General technical knowledge of animation technologies, including state machines, blend trees, and motion matching
  • Passion for gaming and a deep understanding of game design principles and player experience
  • Ability to provide clear and constructive feedback to peers
  • Proven experience planning, setting up, and directing motion capture shoots independently and efficiently
  • Must be comfortable using a script editor
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt quickly to challenges
  • Highly motivated, proactive, and solution-oriented, with a "can-do" attitude
  • A natural team player who fosters collaboration and inspires others across departments
  • Strong communication skills, ensuring clear and proactive interaction with animation and other teams
  • Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, manage shifting priorities, and keep stakeholders informed
  • Proactive in taking ownership of assignments and identifying new opportunities to support the team and company goals
  • Proficient with Maya/MotionBuilder animation tools, including layers, time/trax editor, and mocap tools

Skills

Required:MayaMotionBuilderMocap toolingState machines / blend trees / motion matchingScript editor

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits
Last updated Sep 27, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Naughty Dog

Naughty Dog, LLC.

Naughty Dog, LLC.

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