Technical Animator Job at ICON Creative Studio (Vancouver)

Job Description

ICON Creative Studio is Canada’s largest independently owned animation entertainment company, located in the historic Gastown district of Vancouver, BC. Our talented team includes specialists across the entire animation pipeline, working alongside creative and management professionals to deliver outstanding animated content. Known for our commitment to quality, efficiency, and timely deliveries, ICON has partnered with distributors, broadcasters, and leading streaming platforms worldwide to create and produce noteworthy, impactful projects. We operate from a holistic philosophy, leveraging the unique skill sets of our team members to maximize production efficiency while maintaining an optimal balance of creativity and quality on-screen.

Job Responsibility

Work collaboratively with the animation team to meet project deadlines and shot quotas
Efficiently perform fixes and simulations within the given timeframe
Ability to follow technical and artistic direction provided by supervisors and leads
Implement feedback and make adjustments to animations as required
Identify and rectify geometry crashing and animation errors in existing shots
Enhance the visual appeal and overall quality of animations through meticulous polishing
Communicate effectively with supervisors, leads, and the Production team
Collaborate with other departments to ensure seamless integration of animations into the overall project
Collaborate with the animation team to implement and refine character rigs, ensuring optimal functionality for animators
Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to animation, assets, and rigging, collaborating with other departments as needed
Contribute to the development and improvement of animation tools and pipelines to enhance efficiency and quality
Engage in various aspects of the animation pipeline, including topology, weight painting, and caching, showcasing versatility and adaptability across different departments
Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of Maya constraints and deformers, whether native or part of the studio pipeline, showcasing versatility in animation techniques
Apply critical thinking skills to solve complex animation tasks independently, taking responsibility for the successful execution of assigned projects
Stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies to continuously improve technical skills
Take ownership of the most shots on the team, demonstrating expertise in fixing animation errors
Contribute to the development and improvement of rigging systems, ensuring compatibility with advanced cloth simulations
Comfortably hand-animate hair and cloth when necessary, bringing characters to life with nuanced and realistic motion
Apply a comprehensive understanding of modeling techniques for topology fixing and UV mapping to ensure optimal cloth simulations
Collaborate with modelers to refine character meshes for improved animation outcomes
Possess basic knowledge of Arnold rendering, contributing to the overall rendering process and ensuring visual quality
Demonstrate intermediate to advanced proficiency in Python, capable of understanding errors and editing parameters for error fixing within the animation pipeline
Lead and mentor a team of Technical Animators, providing guidance and support to ensure the successful execution of the TV Series
Oversee the implementation and refinement of character rigs, ensuring optimal functionality for animators
Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues related to animation, assets, and rigging, demonstrating a deep understanding of industry best practices
Innovate and implement solutions to enhance efficiency and quality in the animation production process
Contribute to the development and improvement of animation tools and pipelines, driving innovation and efficiency in technical workflows
Collaborate with production teams to uphold project timelines, allocate resources, and ensure the successful delivery of high-quality animation within specified deadlines
Provide training and mentorship to junior and intermediate technical animators, fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill development within the team
Be aware of industry trends and emerging technologies, implementing relevant advancements to maintain the highest standards of technical animation

Requirements

Foundational knowledge of Maya and general understanding of 3D environments
Basic animation and modeling skills, demonstrated through coursework, personal projects, or a demo reel
Introductory knowledge of Maya nCloth or other cloth-related simulation software
Eagerness to learn and develop technical skills in rigging, dynamics, and pipeline tools
Strong problem-solving mindset with a willingness to take initiative and ask questions
Collaborative attitude and openness to feedback in a production environment
1–2 years of professional industry experience
Strong demo reel showcasing intermediate animation and modeling skills
Intermediate knowledge of Maya nDynamics, including nCloth setups for varied scenarios (e.g. light/heavy cloth, wind, underwater)
Comfortable working with Icon’s rig systems
Cross-departmental experience in topology, weight painting, and caching
Skilled in importing/exporting animation with tools such as Studio Library or PAIE
Proficient with Maya constraints and deformers (native and pipeline-based)
Solid understanding of nucleus-based dynamics attributes
Strong critical thinking skills and ability to take ownership of tasks
3+ years of professional experience in the animation industry, with a proven ability to handle complex technical tasks
Strong demo reel showcasing advanced animation and modeling skills
Advanced knowledge of Maya nDynamics, including nCloth setups for varied scenarios (light/heavy cloth, wind, underwater)
Comfortable and experienced with rig systems
Cross-departmental expertise in topology, weight painting, and caching workflows
Skilled in importing/exporting animation with Studio Library, PAIE, or similar tools
Proficient with Maya constraints and deformers (native and pipeline-based)
Solid understanding of nucleus-based dynamics attributes
Basic knowledge of Arnold rendering to support the integration of animated elements into final visual output
Strong critical thinking, with proven ability to take ownership of tasks and provide technical solutions
5+ years of experience in the animation industry, with a strong track record of solving complex technical challenges and driving pipeline improvements
Expert-level knowledge of Maya nDynamics, including advanced nCloth simulations in varied scenarios (heavy/light cloth, environmental forces, underwater, etc.)
Deep understanding of Maya constraints, deformers, and nucleus-based dynamics attributes
Proficiency with rigging systems, topology, weight painting, caching, and cross-department workflows
Strong experience with animation import/export tools such as Studio Library and PAIE
Familiarity with rendering workflows and integration (e.g., Arnold) to support the full production pipeline
Proven ability to mentor and guide junior/intermediate animators, fostering both technical growth and artistic quality
Demonstrated leadership in collaborating across departments to troubleshoot, optimize, and deliver efficient solutions
Strong problem-solving mindset with a balance of creativity, technical depth, and project ownership
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to align animation goals with technical and production needs

What we offer

Collaborate on top-tier feature and episodic CG franchises for major streaming platforms, including Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Amazon, Peacock, and Paramount+
Be part of a diverse team of artists from around the globe who have joined us here in British Columbia
Work with the latest tools and software, ensuring you're always equipped to do your best work
Be part of a studio that upholds a premium standard of quality across all productions, putting every resource into what’s on-screen
Enjoy flexibility, autonomy, and a supportive workplace culture
Access direct deposit and a generous benefits package
Grow with us through continuous learning opportunities, mentorship, and empowering you to achieve your professional goals

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