[Hiring] Lead 3D Animator @A5 Labs

Role Description

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.

• Leadership & Direction
  • Lead 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 Production
  • Create 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 Skills
  • Build 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 Integration
  • Export 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 & Workflow
  • Maintain 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.

Qualifications

• 5+ 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.

Requirements

• Nice-to-Have
  • Experience 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.

Benefits

• Creative 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.