3D Animator

Apex Tool Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.

3D Animator - Charlotte, NC

Apex Tool Group — one of the world’s leading manufacturers of hand tools and power tools — is seeking a “3D Designer/Animator” to join our in-house digital agency. This role will work closely with other 3D designers on the creative team to conceptualize, produce, and deliver exciting 2D/3D motion graphics and animations centered around brand marketing projects. The ideal candidate will have advanced 2D/3D design skills and experience working for a product-driven brand company.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support projects requiring 2D/3D motion graphics and animations
• Work within Maxon Cinema 4D and Adobe Creative Suite (specifically After Effects) on a daily basis to create digital content that will be used to promote ATG internal brands
• Conceptualize ideas to project stakeholders through the use of storyboards/moodboards, and be able to pitch concepts directly to brand ambassadors
• Incorporate feedback from senior creatives and marketing teams to refine designs through final approvals
• Participate in brainstorming sessions to share new design perspectives and ideas
• Work closely with creative team and internal brands to establish animation style and ensure unified look and consistent quality
• Maintain brand guidelines and understand objectives while pushing creative and visual boundaries
• Ability to support other designers with ad hoc projects
• Ability to problem solve challenges within the 3D realm
• Most importantly - Have fun. Take chances. Try new things.

Qualifications:

• 2-5 years of animation experience required; Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, art, animation or related studies is preferred
• Strong portfolio/demo reel that demonstrates breadth and depth of motion graphics, animation, and design skills
• Advanced knowledge of Maxon Cinema 4D, Adobe Suite (specifically AI, PS, AE) and or/other editing software. Understanding of X-Particles and Redshift or a strong willingness to learn. Experience with Houdini and/or Unreal Engine a plus
• Experience with character rigging and the world of organic modeling a plus but not required
• Well versed in principles behind modeling, node based texturing, animation, lighting and rendering within Cinema 4D
• Thrives in a fast-paced creative work environment with the ability to multi-task and operate on deadlines
• Digital-first storyteller who understands how to create engaging video content across different channels and audiences
• Communicates clearly and concisely in pre-production through scripting, storyboarding, and sketching
• Strong grasp of fundamental design principles (composition, layout, color, typography, etc.)
• Self-starter who wants to make a big impact on an entrepreneurial team within a large corporation

A portfolio of previous work is required with application.

See some of what we create at the link below:

https://apextoolgroup.box.com/s/hmw9455jroapjjysj5vy4hxausi0gm6p

At Apex Tool Group (www.apextoolgroup.com), we’re passionate about innovation. We use our experience and global insights to create innovative products that excite our customers, and solve their problems. We harness that same innovative spirit to inspire our associates and help them grow in their careers.

We’re a $1.4B manufacturer of hand and power tools, tool storage and accessories, chain, and electronic soldering solutions. Our 7,500 associates around the globe have built powerhouse brands like GEARWRENCH®, SATA®, Crescent®, Cleco®, Weller® and APEX®, trusted to get the job done right. With an entrepreneurial heritage that began in the 1800’s, today our tools drive efficiency, speed and safety in cutting-edge automotive, aerospace, electronics, energy, industrial and consumer markets.

As part of the ATG team, you will innovate, move fast, think globally, learn from your colleagues and grow your career. You’ll have opportunities to give back in our communities, and enjoy competitive benefits as well as a healthy work/life balance.

Our five core values - Customers Come First, Integrity in All We Do, Continuous Improvement, Innovation for Growth and Best Talent, One Team - drive how we operate, every day.

Learn more about our brands, our associates, and how we support our communities – follow us on Facebook/apextoolgroup, Twitter/apextoolgroup and Instagram/ATGCares

If your goal is to work where finding a better way never ends and your ideas become reality, ATG is the team for you!