We are Z-Software RUS a subsidiary of Z-Software GmbH. Z-Software GmbH, founded in 2008, is a passionate and long-standing multi-platform and multi-genre video game development studio based in Dortmund and Magdeburg, Germany. With over 18 released products and successful releases on different platforms (Windows-PC, MacOS, iOS, Android, Xbox360, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch and PS4/PS5), the company proved its expertise.

Z-Software is supporting local up-and-coming developers, game designers and young professionals through close relations with Gametreff NRW and membership in associations in “games.nrw” and the industry association “game”.

We are currently looking for ANIMATOR 3D for our office in Nizhny Novgorod to support our parent company in Dortmund and in Magdeburg.

If you are motivated, communicative and enjoy developing computer games, then apply and work with us on exciting projects!

Responsibilities

Create Character Movements: Develop real time animations for characters, including walking, running, jumping, attacking, and other actions based on game design requirements.
Rigging and skinning of different 3D assets, e.g., humans, animals, and creatures.
Develop, create, and maintain animations for real time game asset.
Facial Expressions and Emotions: Bring characters to life by animating facial expressions, gestures, and emotions to convey personality and mood.
Lip Syncing: Sync character dialogue with lip movements for in-game conversations and cutscenes.
Setting up animation files and controllers in game engines, e.g., Unity and Unreal.
Keyframe animation.
Motion capture data cleaning & recording.
Cutscene creation.
Cutscene Animation: Develop cinematic sequences and cutscenes that advance the game's narrative, using cinematic camera angles and storytelling techniques.
Camera Animation: Choreograph camera movements to enhance the drama and impact of cutscenes and key moments in the game.
Work with Art and Design Teams: Collaborate closely with art directors, game designers, and other team members to understand animation requirements and align with the game's visual style and narrative.
Receive Feedback: Iterate on animations based on feedback from art directors, leads, and playtesting to ensure quality and player satisfaction.
Problem-Solving: Troubleshoot technical issues related to animations and find creative solutions within the constraints of the game engine and platform. Implement animation in the engine (Unity/Unreal)
Retargeting in Maya/UE5

Qualifications

At least 2 years of working experience in the games industry.
Experience in UE5.
Experience in MetaHuman.
Good knowledge of anatomy and movement.
Spatial imagination and thinking.
Rigging & Skinning.
Experience in animation software Maya.
Experience with recording motion capture and motion capture data cleaning.
Great English skills, verbally and written.
Able to effectively collaborate with game designers and programmers.
Great communication skills and team-player attitude.

Nice to have

Facial rigging and blend shape creation.
Experience in FX and particle animation.
Knowledge of cinematography and cameras.
Animal (quadruped) animation.
Experience with version control systems like SVN or Git.
German skills.

What we offer

Work in an international team in the games industry .
Official registration in accordance with the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, with a completely “white” salary and vacation of 28 calendar days.
Work on games of different genres for all platforms (PC, console).
Insight into all areas of games development .
A motivated team where you can really succeed.
Positive working environment: a new furnished office in the center of Nizhny Novgorod, flexible working time, modern work equipment, chill-out.
Support for professional development: participation in specialized conferences, corporate English courses.
Opportunity to contribute to the implementation of interesting and ambitious projects.

What we need

Cover letter.
Resume.
Portfolio.
Demo Reel.

A portfolio is required. Please share a link to an online portfolio or animation reel as well as other specific documents of your resume. Your portfolio should contain a detailed breakdown of the work done by you.

Thank you for your interest in our vacancy, we will be glad to meet you and answer all your questions

Animator 3D