3D Character Artist and Animator

Position Overview:

We are looking for a skilled 3D Character Artist and Animator to create and animate multiple human avatars for VR with a realistic art style. The successful candidate will customize these models for high-quality and performance-optimized use in Unity, with a focus on delivering immersive educational virtual reality experiences in Igloo Vision and Oculus Quest 3.
A key responsibility involves adding custom animations, including rigging intricate details such as facial muscles for seamless integration. The ideal candidate will prioritize optimizing all models for Unity, ensuring a balance between visual quality and performance. Please note that this role is exclusively open to Canadian citizens or permanent residents residing in BC, Ottawa, or Toronto.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create and customize high realistic character models using Maya, Blender, or any other 3D modeling tool capable of exporting FBX files.
• Develop and integrate custom animations tailored to each model, with an emphasis on detailed facial rigging.
• Collaborate with the art team and programmers to identify asset movesets and overcome optimization challenges.
• Optimize models and animations for performance in Unity.
• Ensure all characters and animations meet project specifications and quality standards.
• Utilize Agile methodologies (Scrum or Kanban) with 2-3 week iterations/sprints.
• Work with cross-functional teams to define and prioritize requirements, maintain backlogs, and guarantee timely, high-quality product releases.
• Conduct research for reference materials and tools, actively participating in technical and artistic problem-solving.

Skills & Qualifications:

Must-Have:

• Strong understanding of the fundamentals of animation.
• Working knowledge of anatomy and composition.
• Proficient in one or more 3D software packages, including modeling, texturing, lighting, rigging, scripting, and tool creation.
• Proven ability to create game-ready organic and hard surface geometry using high-poly to low-poly modeling and PBR surfacing techniques.
• Intermediate knowledge of Maya, Blender, or any other 3D modeling tool capable of exporting FBX files.
• Proficiency in creating node-based materials in Substance Designer and Unity 3D, as well as modifying textures in Photoshop.
• Experience working on VR, AR, or XR technology projects, ideally with Igloo Vision and/or Oculus Quest 3.
• Must reside in Canada, preferably in BC, ON, or QC.

Nice-to-Have:

• Experience designing character models and animations specifically for educational VR applications.
• Ability to speak French is an asset.

Location:

• This position is 100% remote; however, only candidates based in Canada and with Canadian Citizenship or PR will be considered. Some regional travel will be required to meet with the client and fulfill business needs. While Aequilibrium is a remote-first company, we host in-person social events and team-building activities. 

Compensation:

• Salary range: CAD $80K - $120K annually, commensurate with skills and experience.

About Us:

Aequilibrium is a technology professional services organization voted multiple times among the Top 5 Best Companies in BC to work for, consistently ranked among the Top 5 Digital Agencies in Vancouver and winner of multiple VancouverUX Awards for digital product design. We bring together product managers, designers, and developers dedicated to creating winning web, mobile, XR, and AI solutions. Our team uses Agile methodologies and Lean Startup principles to deliver our clients’ projects faster and with less risk. 

Some of Our Benefits:
We offer our full-time employees the following:

• Remote work
• Competitive compensation rates
• 4 weeks of paid vacation
• 4 weeks sabbatical leave after three consecutive years of service
• Medical, dental, and extended healthcare benefits (paid in full by the company!)
• Employee referral bonus
• Training and career development opportunities
• Regular in-person social events
• Learn more about our team: aequilibrium.com/careers

Please note: 

At Aequilibrium, we seek candidates who add to our culture of valuing, respecting, supporting, and caring for each other. Diversity of thought and perspectives is critical to our success, and all applicants are considered regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, color, age, disability, marital status, heritage, or religious or political beliefs.

Aequilibrium is trusted with highly sensitive information. Upon joining our team, you may be asked to undergo security screenings, including a criminal record check.

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