Crystal Dynamics

Crystal Dynamics is constantly seeking the best gaming talent worldwide to add to our 30-plus year legacy of game development creating new and iconic franchises. We are committed to making great games with great people and living the dream while doing it.

Benefits for our regular full-time positions include, but are not limited to, a competitive regional salary, 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance options, professional development reimbursement, flexible hybrid on-site/off-site work opportunities, 12 company paid holidays, plus additional paid days in December when the studio is closed for holiday break, and the ability to accrue additional paid time-off.

Join us and shape the future of an amazing studio culture committed to creating award-winning franchises like Tomb Raider, the next Perfect Dark, and more! 

Crystal Dynamics is seeking a Lead Animator who will play a pivotal role in defining the animation vision for our upcoming high-fidelity action-adventure titles. As the Lead Animator, you will blend leadership with hands-on contribution, directly influencing the gameplay experience through the execution of top-tier animations. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the visual and interactive elements of our games, making a substantial impact on our projects. 

As a Lead Animator, you will: 

• Lead the animation vision in collaboration with the Creative Director and Art Director, ensuring the game's visual and interactive identity is maintained.
• Work in close partnership with Department Leads, Animators, and Designers to assess and meet the game's animation requirements.
• Develop a team of skilled animators, directing the creation of high-fidelity game animations and systems.
• Deliver engaging combat and traversal animations in collaboration with combat designers and engineers.
• Set and manage goals, aligning deliverables with project milestones and deadlines.
• Conduct and direct motion capture shoots for both gameplay and cinematic performances as needed.
• Manage, direct, and review co-developers and external vendors in different countries and time zones.
• Run full pipelines (both internal and external), from narrative / storyboard to fully implemented in-game shippable content.
• Promote team growth through regular individual meetings, performance reviews, and targeted training.
• Foster a positive, collaborative team environment that values open communication and constructive feedback.
• Streamline animation processes to enhance team productivity throughout the game development cycle.
• Document and manage animation tasks and processes.
• Guide animators across various styles, ensuring a consistent animation approach throughout the project.

To be considered for this role, we require the following: 

• Experience in a leadership role within animation (Lead or Principal Animator) in the game development industry, particularly for high-fidelity action-adventure games. 
• In-depth understanding of gameplay systems, especially in 3rd person perspectives, including weapon, traversal, melee, and ranged combat animations. 
• Expertise in animation trees, animation blending, and node-based animation editors. 
• Proficiency in Motion Capture, Motion Matching, Maya, and real-time game engines/editors. 
• A collaborative mindset, particularly in working with design and engineering teams. 
• Examples of relevant work (i.e., demo reel, portfolio, or contributions to shipped title). An ideal reel will include: 
• Up to date examples of realistic animations that clearly demonstrate your skills/expertise 
• Inclusion of a breakdown sheet detailing your specific contributions to each piece is highly recommended.
• Note: If you directed others, then we would be looking for a director’s cut. 

Preference will be given to candidates who have: 

• Experience with cinematic tools in Unreal Engine.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities with a track record of nurturing and developing animation talent. 

It'll be a bonus if you also have: 

• Shipped 2+ AAA titles as a Senior or Lead Animator. 

#LI-Remote

The pay range for this role includes the annual base salary, not including bonus and the generous benefits package that Crystal Dynamics provides all full-time employees. Individual compensation is determined by work location within our approved states or regions, as well as additional factors, including job related skills, experience, and relevant education.

Your recruiter will be able to share more information about total compensation.

Pay Range (United States)

$115,000—$180,000 USD

Pay Range (Canada)

$110,000—$160,000 CAD

Not sure if you are qualified? We hope that you will still choose to apply so we may review your application!

Crystal Dynamics is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to identifying and implementing positive and persistent measures to ensure equal opportunity in the recruitment, hiring, development, training, promotion and compensation of a diverse team employee group. This includes persons of different race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity or gender expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding or medical conditions related to breastfeeding, genetic characteristic, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, medical condition, political affiliation, age, veteran status, uniform service member status, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship, as well as any other classifications protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

By submitting an application, you acknowledge that you have read and understand Crystal Dynamics’s Privacy Notice available at https://www.crystald.com/legal/privacy/.