Company Overview:
Age of Learning® is the leading developer of engaging and effective Pre-K through 5th grade learning resources that help children build a strong foundation for academic success and a lifelong love of learning. The company’s research-based curriculum, developed by education experts, includes the award-winning programs ABCmouse.com® Early Learning Academy and Adventure Academy™, as well as the adaptive, personalized school solutions, My Math Academy®, My Reading Academy®, and My Reading Academy Español. Having served over 50 million children worldwide, Age of Learning is a global leader in efforts to advance equity, access, and opportunity for all children. To learn more about Age of Learning, visit www.AgeofLearning.com.
Summary:
Age of Learning is seeking an Animator for its Digital Consumer Products Team, creators of the company’s flagship product, ABCmouse. The ideal candidate is an even-keel, hands-on Animator with a mastery of interactive and games animation fundamentals. The ideal candidate expertly animates VFX, UI animation, transitions, and environmental animation, infusing a high level of polish and the sense of surprise and delight into our products. We’re looking for someone who can immediately bring a sense of “wow” and a lively, modern game feel to the product interface and interactions.
The Animator will report to the VP, Creative, and will work closely with Experience Designers, Artists, Animators, Tech Artists, and Developers on optimized animation for in-product use.
Responsibilities:
- Lead by example in crafting engaging VFX, UI, and environmental animations–from UI button and transition effects to particle systems, feedback animations, and immersive in-game environments. Bring the world to life with dynamic VFX and create delightful, tappable surprise moments that enhance player interaction and immersion.
- Work within Rive, Maya, and potentially Unity to create interactive-ready animation, primarily for the Flutter development environment.
- Mentor and develop other great animators.
- Work with the tech art team to create and maintain an efficient animation pipeline.
- Seek out input/requirements from multiple stakeholders across different departments.
- Communicate effectively in cross-functional product development teams and present ideas effectively both verbally and visually.
- Continually push to refine the polish of our existing products.
- Capable of addressing feedback from stakeholders on the product’s vision.
- Work well under pressure and able to produce work in short timeframes, manage time and schedules efficiently while maintaining a high level of quality.
Minimum Qualifications:
- A strong reel showcasing innovative web/mobile animation for a wide variety of products, games and brands. Reel must include examples demonstrating mastery of VFX, motion design, and UI animation in shipped games and/or interactive products.
- 5+ years of experience as an Animator with a thorough understanding of animation and motion design fundamentals and creative/technical solutions.
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Animation, related degree, or relevant real-world experience.
- Experience leading/mentoring other animators.
- Expert-level animating 2D effects in Rive, After Effects, Unity, or similar software.
- Working knowledge of 3D animation in Maya.
- Understanding of technical underpinnings of an interactive animation pipeline, including artwork optimization and in-game integration.
- Work within design needs and enhance game and interactive design via animation
- The ability to animate & iterate using best practices in a collaborative agile environment.
- Excellent “game feel” – understanding how to make interactive experiences feel rewarding with every interaction, every tap or press.
- In the absence of robust particle emitters, the ability to manually create fun and robust 2D VFX within the Rive to Flutter pipeline.
- Eye for detail and excellent written communication skills.
- Self-motivated, highly responsive, and flexible.
- Team player. Positive, enthusiastic attitude.
- Application Requirement: You must submit a link to your portfolio or demo reel to be considered for this role.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strength in both 2D and 3D animation tools
- Experience animating and rigging 2D and/or 3D characters is a plus
- 3D/Maya animation proficiency, experience with particle emitters, and Unity experience is a plus
Total Compensation:
The estimated salary range for a new hire in this position is $80,000 USD to $95,000 USD. Salary may vary depending on job-related factors, including knowledge, skills, experience, and location.
Age of Learning currently provides:
- 90% of employee health and welfare benefits premiums & 65% of dependent benefits premiums
- A 401(k) program with employer match
- 15 paid vacation days (increases to 20 days on your 3rd anniversary), 12 observed national paid holidays, 9 sick days, and 16 paid volunteer hours per year
- Our flexible work culture means 2 or more days in the office (hybrid) or 100% fully remote options available for most positions
