Graduate Outsource Animator

Frontier Developments plc; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading video game developer in Cambridge is seeking a Graduate Outsource Animator to support high-quality character animations. The role involves collaborating with both internal teams and external vendors to meet animation standards. Ideal candidates should have a solid understanding of body mechanics and proficiency in Maya. This position offers a competitive salary, benefits package, and a focus on wellbeing and work-life balance.

Benefits

Success-based annual bonus

Share option schemes

Private family healthcare

Cycle to Work scheme

Flexitime working hours

Qualifications

• Enthusiasm for clear communication and collaboration.
• An appetite for learning unfamiliar processes.
• A constructive attitude towards feedback.

Responsibilities

• Assist the outsource vendor teams in creating animation.
• Prepare clear animation briefs for vendors.
• Support testing of animation rigs and provide feedback.
• Learn time management for timely delivery of tasks.

Skills

Strong body mechanics understanding

Proficiency with Maya

Good communication skills

Collaborative attitude

Education

Relevant degree in animation/game development

Tools

Maya

Game engine experience

Versioning software (SVN/Perforce)

Job description

Frontier is an independent video game developer and publisher, crafting immersive gaming experiences with fun gameplay and unparalleled artistic quality. Renowned for its iconic creative management simulation games, Frontier captivates players worldwide with immersive and authentic game worlds. The modern studio is located in the vibrant technology hub of Cambridge (UK). The talented team at Frontier are dedicated to nurturing our existing portfolio and delivering our exciting future roadmap.

We can provide a comprehensive relocation support package as part of any offer, should you need to relocate.

We welcome applications from all, however please note that this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

WHAT'S THE ROLE?

The Graduate Outsource Animator will support both our internal teams and external partners in creating high-quality, visually appealing character animations. This support includes developing briefs, implementing animations directly into the game, and providing feedback to ensure the work meets the standard of quality established by our internal animators. The objective is to contribute to the animation process with a level of confidence and proficiency consistent with our studio's expectations.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Assist the outsource vendor teams in creating high-quality creature and character animation assets, ensuring all outputs consistently meet the studio’s animation standards.
• Prepare clear and detailed animation briefs based on internal team guidance to effectively communicate requirements to vendors.
• Develop a working knowledge of Frontier’s Retargeting pipeline and utilise it efficiently to support the creation of animation assets.
• Take creative direction from the Lead Animator and Game Director, in collaboration with the outsource animator, to help realise the project's vision through your contributions.
• Gain familiarity with the process of implementing assets into the game using Frontier’s proprietary Cobra engine.
• Contribute to the testing of animation rigs, proactively providing feedback and suggestions for improvement to the rigging team.
• Approach routine production tasks as opportunities for learning and skill development, while making meaningful contributions to the project’s overall success.
• Participate actively in team feedback sessions, developing the ability to interpret and apply feedback effectively to your own work as well as to vendor submissions.
• Learn and demonstrate strong time management and task tracking skills to support the consistent and timely delivery of assigned responsibilities.
• Provide support in resolving animation bugs independently and in cooperation with vendors, contributing to the overall stability and quality of the project.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• Enthusiasm for participating in calls and actively assisting others, fostering clear communication and strong collaboration with both internal and external teams.
• An established understanding of strong body mechanics in both humanoid and creature-based animation.
• Proficiency with Maya’s character animation tools.
• An appetite for learning unfamiliar processes and developing problem solving skills.
• A constructive attitude towards receiving feedback and direction.
• A desire to pursue more efficient ways of working by collaborating with team members.
• Good communication skills and a collaborative attitude.

BONUS IF YOU HAVE

• Experience using a game engine.
• Experience using versioning software (SVN/Perforce).
• Basic knowledge of a rigging pipeline.
• Relevant degree in animation/game development.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

You will work with talented and passionate people to support, develop or publish our sophisticated and enduring games, in a creative, collaborative and inclusive environment. We love what we do, and we work hard to provide outstanding experiences for our players.

Wellbeing is a big focus at Frontier, and we are continually evolving how we can support our people. We encourage a healthy work/life balance and provide a range of wellbeing activities, initiatives and sessions to support both mental and physical health.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes a success-based annual bonus, share option schemes, life assurance, private family healthcare, flexitime working hours, enhanced maternity/paternity leave, in-house subsidised catering, support with relocation, a Cycle to Work scheme, free bike servicing, and social activities and events.

We strive to create an environment where everyone can fully demonstrate their capability and potential. If you therefore need any reasonable adjustments to support you during the recruitment process, please speak to your Talent Acquisition representative.

For queries, please email: [e-mail]