Lead 3D Animator (Remote) Job at A5 Labs in San Jose

Lead 3D Animator (Characters & Props for Games)A5 LabsLocation: Remote / Hybrid / On-site (Osaka, Japan – optional relocation)Team: Art & Design — 3D AnimationReports To: Art DirectorPosition SummaryA5 Labs is looking for an experienced Lead 3D Animator to drive the creation of stylized character and prop animations for real-time games in the iGaming space. This role focuses on high-quality keyframe animation, technical integration, and leading the 3D animation team. All animation work is done in industry-standard DCC tools (Maya or Blender), with export and integration into Unity.Key Responsibilities:Leadership & DirectionLead and mentor the 3D animation team, providing clear artistic and technical feedback.Define quality standards, style guidelines, and animation benchmarks.Review and approve character and prop animations for timing, weight, clarity, and expression.3D Animation ProductionCreate high-quality keyframe animations for humanoids, creatures, props, gameplay actions, and short narrative moments.Ensure animations support gameplay readability and align with the project’s stylized look.Rigging & Technical SkillsBuild functional control rigs in the chosen DCC (Maya or Blender) for characters and props.Ensure rigs provide clean deformation, intuitive controls, and meet gameplay/production needs.Unity IntegrationExport and integrate animations into Unity.Work with Animator Controller, blend trees, Timeline, animation events, and runtime adjustments.Collaborate with tech artists and engineers to ensure correct implementation in the engine.Pipeline & WorkflowMaintain and optimize the animation workflow (blocking → polish → export → integration).Define naming conventions, asset structure, and documentation.Identify and introduce tools or scripts that improve productivity and consistency.Requirements:Must-Have5+ years of experience in 3D animation for games or real-time applications, including 2+ years in a senior or lead role.Strong mastery of keyframe animation: posing, timing, arcs, weight, and performance.Proficiency in Maya or Blender, including the ability to create your own rigs for animation purposes.Solid understanding of Unity’s animation systems and integration workflows.Experience working in collaborative, cross-disciplinary production environments.Nice-to-HaveExperience with motion capture cleanup.Familiarity with Unity’s Animation Rigging package (IK, constraints).Understanding of gameplay logic, camera behavior, or simple cinematic techniques.Background in stylized, mobile, or casual game animation.What You’ll GainCreative influence over the 3D animation vision and direction.Opportunity to shape and evolve the animation pipeline.Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team building stylized real-time experiences.Hardware allowance: $2,000 upfront + $1,000 annually.Unlimited PTO (typically 22–30 days per year).$2,000/year learning & development support.Flexible hours and remote work options.Optional relocation to Japan; business travel may be required.#J-18808-LjbffrIn Summary: A5 Labs is looking for an experienced Lead 3D Animator to drive the creation of stylized character and prop animations for real-time games in the iGaming space . This role focuses on high-quality keyframe animation, technical integration, and leading the 3D animation team . All animation work is done in industry-standard DCC tools (Maya or Blender), with export and integration into Unity .En Español: Animador 3D líder (Caracters & Props for Games) A5 Labs Ubicación: Remote / Hybrid / On-site (Osaka, Japón reubicación opcional) Equipo: Art & Design 3D Animation Reports To: Art Director Posición Resumen A5 Laboratorios está buscando un animador de liderazgo con experiencia para impulsar la creación de personajes estilizados y prop animaciones para juegos en tiempo real en el espacio iGaming. Todos los trabajos de animación se realizan en herramientas DCC estándar para la industria (Maya o Blender), con exportación e integración a Unity. Responsabilidades clave: Liderazgo y Dirección Lider y mentor del equipo de animaciones 3D, proporcionando una retroalimentación artística y técnica clara. Definir estándares de calidad, directrices de estilo y puntos de referencia de la animación. Revisar y aprobar las animaciones de personajes y props para el tiempo, peso, claridad y expresión. La producción de animation 3D crea animaciones claves de alta calidad para humanoides, criaturas, accesorios, acciones de juego y momentos narrativos cortos. Asimismo, asegúrese de que la lógica del juego respalda la legibilidad y alinearse con el aspecto estilizado del proyecto.