Why Naughty Dog?

For nearly 40 years, Naughty Dog has been crafting best-selling, critically acclaimed games that constantly push the boundaries of narrative, gameplay, and technology. We’ve been busy at the Kennel, most recently releasing The Last of Us Part I, a complete and faithful remake of the original game, rebuilt from the ground up and fully optimized for the PlayStation 5 and PC. As a part of the Naughty Dog legacy, you’ll be continuing the development of extraordinary and enduring experiences for a broad, global range of audiences.

Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character-driven stories and attention to detail. We are committed to innovation within our games and as such have curated some of the top creative and technically innovative minds in the industry. We welcome a diverse group of candidates and believe that a broad range of cultural and life experiences contribute to the overall well-being and success of the studio and the titles we craft together.

Come help us to push the technical limits of video games by implementing new ideas of how to make our heroes and their world feel more real and more alive. As a physics programmer you would work in systems like ragdolls or power ragdolls, drive-able physics-based vehicles, cloth or rope simulation, interactive props or vegetation, improving performance of our collision detection algorithms etc. There is lot of opportunities for growth by collaborating with lot of talented individuals.

What You Will Do:

• Design, create, test, and maintain character rigs/setups
• Design FACS based face rigs and animation tools
• Design and maintain complex muscle and cloth simulation tools
• Work with modelers to create a model that meets technical needs
• Collaborate with animators to design motion controls
• Develop and maintain character motion and deformation systems
• Develop new techniques and processes to solve character production challenges
• Capable of writing pipeline tools to streamline the setup process
• Work with production management to prioritize tasks.

Who We Are Looking For:

• Four (4) years of experience in job offered, or as a Lead Character Software Developer, Digital Artist, Rigging, Rigger Technical Director, or in a related occupation
• Experience/knowledge must include the following –
  • Feature Film
  • In-depth knowledge of Maya
  • Programming experience with scripting languages such as Python and MEL/C++
  • Experience setting up production pipeline, while being able to follow guidelines
  • Complex character/vehicle rigging experience in Maya
  • Animation pipeline and workflows

Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression, and gender reassignment), race (including color, nationality, ethnic, national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or parental status, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.

We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees, and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond.

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At SIE, we consider several factors when setting each role’s base pay range, including the competitive benchmarking data for the market and geographic location. Please note that the base pay range may vary in line with our hybrid working policy and individual base pay will be determined based on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location.

In addition, this role may be eligible for bonus and SIE’s top-tier benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k), paid time off, wellness program and coveted employee discounts for Sony products. Please note depending on employment type these benefits may vary.

The estimated base pay range for this role is listed below. $136,950—$145,000 USD