Sr. VFX Rigging Artist II – EA Sports (12 MONTH CONTRACT) | Orlando, FL | EA SPORTS

Job Position(s): Sr. VFX Rigging Artist II - EA Sports (12 MONTH CONTRACT)

Please include a portfolio or reel showcasing your character rigging work with your application. Description We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior VFX Character Rigging Artist to join our dynamic team. As a Senior VFX Character Rigging Artist, you will play a critical role in constructing character rigs and establishing muscle, skin, hair, fur, and clothing simulations for AI or ML deformer training data. Your work will contribute to the creation of photo-realistic characters of AAA game quality. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to mentor junior rigging artists and collaborate with character modelers to establish industry-leading standards for character art and animation. Proficiency in Mel, Python, and Maya is essential, along with a passion for character art and animation. Responsibilities Expert at human anatomy and human locomotion. Generate simulation deformer training data for AI or ML applications, enhancing the accuracy and realism of character animations. Establish muscle, skin, hair, fur, and clothing simulations that integrate seamlessly into the character rigs, contributing to realistic and immersive visual experiences. Construct and refine character rigs, ensuring they meet the highest quality standards for photo-realism in AAA games. Collaborate closely with character modelers to define and implement best practices for character rigging and animation, optimizing the workflow for efficient production. Develop and maintain tools and scripts using Mel and Python to streamline the character rigging process and support the work of character modelers. Mentor and provide guidance to junior rigging artists, helping them expand their domain expertise and improve their skills. Write documentation for pipelines/tools created. Stay current with and research innovative technology solutions. Communicate effectively with cross-functional teams, including artists, animators, programmers, and designers, to ensure the successful integration of character rigs into the game engine. Collaborate with the Head of Characters to align project goals and deliverables, providing regular progress reports and contributing to overall team success. Qualifications Incorporating both artistic and technical skills, the ideal candidate will have a background demonstrating an ability to drive quality and innovation through individual and collaborative efforts. Minimum of 8-10 years of professional experience as a VFX Character Rigging Artist, preferably in the gaming industry or a related field. Experience generating deformer training data for AI or ML applications is highly desirable. Expert knowledge of character rigging techniques and tools, with a focus on creating photo-realistic characters. Comprehensive knowledge of several CG fundamentals such as modeling, texturing/shading/surfacing, rigging, animation, lighting, and rendering. Familiarity with many modern art software packages and expert understanding of at least one (Maya, Houdini, Substance, ZBrush, etc.) Experience in scripting and programming (Python, MEL and C# desired). Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with character modelers and other team members to achieve high-quality character rigs, art and animation. Experience with game engines such as Unreal, Unity, or modern proprietary engines. Familiarity with game engine workflows, asset requirements, performance budgets and profiling, build systems, asset conditioning/export pipelines, and revision control systems. Excellent problem-solving, troubleshooting, Candidates must be able to quickly identify and resolve art issues and demonstrate versatility Effective communication, self-management, and organizational skills. Effective time management skills to meet deadlines. Proven experience in mentoring and guiding junior artists, fostering their growth and development Passionate about character art and animation, with a keen eye for detail and a drive for pushing the boundaries of realism. This position reports directly to the Head of Characters, providing an opportunity to contribute to the overall vision and success of the team. If you are a talented and experienced Senior VFX Character Rigging Artist who thrives in a fast-paced, innovative environment, we would love to hear from you. Please include a portfolio or reel showcasing your character rigging work with your application. CONTRACT POSITION – 12 MONTHS Compensation And Benefits The hourly pay ranges listed below are for the defined geographic market pay zones in these states. If you reside outside of these locations, a recruiter will advise on the hourly pay range for your specific location. The hourly pay ranges represent in good faith what applicants can expect to be paid for this role in the locations listed, as of the time of this posting. Salary offered will be determined based on numerous relevant business and candidate factors including, for example, education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and business or organizational needs. HOURLY PAY RANGES California (depending on location e.g. Los Angeles vs. Sacramento): º $60 – $75 Colorado (depending on location e.g. Denver vs. Colorado Springs): º $60 – $75 New York (depending on location e.g. Manhattan vs. Buffalo): º $60 – $75 Jersey City, NJ: º $60 – $75 Washington (depending on location e.g. Seattle vs. Spokane): º $60 – $75 Candidates may also be eligible for applicable benefits.