Job Description:

We Impact Lives Through Purpose-Driven Work in A People First Culture

Ascend Learning is the connection between a powerful portfolio of brands serving students, educators, and employers with outcomes-based, data driven solutions across the lifecycle of learning.

Our values-driven culture unifies our teams and inspires a mindset of action, innovation, and collaboration, with a relentless focus on customers.

We're always looking for talented, passionate professionals to join us in our mission to help change lives. If this sounds like an environment where you'd thrive, read on to learn more.

The Ascend Learning Healthcare Segment leads the way in innovation and solution creation to improve outcomes and deliver results for students, educators, and healthcare workers in the ever-changing field of healthcare. We offer advanced resources that drive nursing success, empower front-line certified allied health workers, help physicians pass boards and stay current, and provide education management tools for medical education programs.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

The Animator creates 3D animation libraries for characters, props, and environments, exports them to the game engine, and creates sequences for Simulation content. The Animator also works with motion capture data for use in both interactive and linear content. This role requires a high level of output in a fast-paced environment, and previous technical experience in game development and motion capture is critical.

WHERE YOU’LL WORK

This position has the flexibility to work remote within the United States.

HOW YOU’LL SPEND YOUR TIME

• Use Blender to create and revise animation libraries, both motion capture based and hand-keyed, addressing Client, Writer, and Animation Team requests and critiques.


• Create and update content tracking documentation in Excel, and communicate issues to Manager, Animation and Technical Art.


• Sequence animation library clips to audio to create emotive performances with accurate lipsync.


• Assist with marketing material character poses and renders. Take screenshots and video recordings of products for internal and external use.


• Assist with additional Project Management, Design, and QA tasks when needed.


• Review and revise Junior Animator work in Blender and Unity, and assist with onboarding.


• Export animation libraries to the Unity game engine and set up characters and content for sequencing.


• Generate Unity sequences using characters, environments, and Instructional Designer logic and audio.


• Set up cameras and camera animations in sequences while maintaining continuity to hand off to sequencing Animators.


• Create idle animation logic in Unity.


• Work cross-team with Unity Developers, Designers, Instructional Designers, and other Animators to resolve QA tickets.


• Create storyboards and layouts on more complex projects.


• Assist Manager, Animation and Technical Art and Unity Developers with R&D tasks and innovation.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• Bachelor’s Degree or certificate in 3D Character Animation and/or 3+ years relevant production experience preferred.


• Past production experience working as an Animator in game development using the Unity engine.


• Experience critiquing and mentoring Junior Animators is beneficial.


• 3D character animation skills with Blender and/or Maya. A demo reel demonstrating an understanding of body mechanics and character acting, with a focus on high quality lipsync, as well as prop and environment animation. Experience with motion capture cleanup. Creature animation experience not required, but a big plus.


• Basic knowledge of modeling, texturing, rigging, rendering, and exporting to facilitate the communication of asset issues.


• Skilled in previsualization, layout, lighting, cinematography, and storyboarding.  


• Basic working knowledge of the Unity game engine. Experience with character and animation setup beneficial.


• 2D design, animation, and editing abilities with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects a plus.


• High attention to detail, both artistically and technically.


• Ability to work quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced team environment.


• Be proactive and have a constant desire to grow and improve skill sets.


• Basic Project Management skills using Excel, Jira, and Confluence.


• Version control experience a plus.


• Able to embrace change and accept feedback while working in a highly collaborative environment. Receive, give, and apply feedback effectively while maintaining a positive attitude.

BENEFITS

• Flexible and generous paid time off


• Competitive medical, dental, vision and life insurance


• 401(k) employer matching program


• Parental leave


• Wellness resources


• Charitable matching program


• Hybrid work


• On-site workout facilities (Leawood, Gilbert, Burlington)


• Community outreach groups


• Tuition reimbursement

Fostering A Sense of Belonging

We seek out and celebrate all people and perspectives and cultivate an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued and be their authentic selves. Our culture is firmly rooted in the belief that by embracing our differences and drawing on diverse perspectives, we are a stronger, more innovative, and more successful organization where employees experience a sense of belonging.

About Ascend Learning

As a tech-enabled services company, Ascend Learning is a national leader in developing and delivering data-driven online educational content, software, assessments, analytics, and simulations serving institutions, students and employers across healthcare, fitness and wellness, public and workplace safety, skilled trades, insurance, financial services, cybersecurity, and higher education. We're committed to accelerating the learning pathways that can move people into careers where they have the knowledge and skills to have an impact and help change lives in the communities they serve. Headquartered in Burlington, MA with additional office locations and hybrid and remote workers in cities across the U.S., Ascend Learning was recognized by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group as one of America's 2023 Greatest Workplaces for Diversity.

Ascend Learning, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer (M/F/Vets/Disabled). No agency or search firm submissions will be accepted. Applications for U.S. based positions with Ascend Learning, LLC must be legally authorized to work in the United States and verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

 #LI-NT1

 

Technology

Apply Now