Zynga - Senior Animator - Echtra Studios

Animator is needed in Chicago, United States.

Client: Zynga

Location: Chicago, IL

Contract: Full-time, Full-time, Full-time

Job Description

Zynga is seeking a Senior Game Play Animator to join the Echtra Games team, a small game studio in San Francisco. This role is focused on creating a wide range of animations for characters and creatures in an upcoming AAA cross-platform ARPG project. The successful candidate will work independently and collaboratively with the Animation Director, artists, and game designers to enhance the artistic vision of the project. The position offers a creative environment where work-life balance is valued, and it comes with a robust set of benefits including flexible schedules.

Responsibilities

• Provide gameplay animation for human, creature, and mechanical-based characters in the game world.
• Collaborate closely with the Animation Director to meet game design needs.
• Iterate and refine animation sequences between Maya and the Unreal game engine to elevate the game’s design.

Requirements

• A demonstration reel showcasing a strong understanding of animation principles.
• 3+ years of industry experience as an Animator within a Maya-based pipeline.
• Excellent communication skills to support team dynamics and feedback iteration.
• Self-motivated artist with a positive team-player attitude and a passion for animation.
• Demonstrated use and understanding of the Unreal Game engine.

Pluses

• Experience with various animation styles from realistic to snappy pose-to-pose.
• Ability to process and incorporate Motion Capture into sequences.
• Experience in building animation suites to support motion matching.
• Experience animating with Meta Human or other complex facial systems.
• Ability to visually communicate through drawings or paintovers.
• Passion for games and visual storytelling.
• Strong commitment to high-quality work.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, bonus plans, and ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan).
• 401K Company Match Contribution (US) and RRSP/DPSP company match contribution (Canada).
• Comprehensive health, dental, disability, and life insurance benefits.
• Virtual mental health and neurodiversity support programs.
• Global Fitness reimbursement program and Global Wellbeing Program.
• Financial wellness programs with certified financial planners.
• Discretionary Time Off policy.
• Family planning support programs and generous paid leave options.
• Subsidized Back-up child care (US).
• Frequent employee events, happy hours, and flexible working hours on many teams.
• A diverse and inclusive work culture.