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Title:  3D Animator

About I-CAR:

The Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR) is a growing, not-for-profit organization, headquartered in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, serving the automotive collision repair industry globally. The organization was established by representatives of the collision repair, automotive, and insurance industries in 1979 and has doubled its revenue over the last six years.

 

Today, the I-CAR brand is stronger than it has been in 40 years of operation and has gained a worldwide reputation. There is momentum and excitement among its committed workforce, instructors and volunteers to continue to help the organization grow and expand its breadth of reach and scale. I-CAR leadership believes that the future of the organization will be importantly influenced by its continuing innovation and relevance of its products, technical programs and services.

 

Job Summary: 

The Senior Associate, 3D Animation, is responsible for creating and manipulating 3D models for utilization in various platforms to enhance I-CAR curriculum offerings. The 3D Animator will utilize created 3D assets to provide innovative experiences in augmented reality, virtual reality, and game-based mastery simulations based on Collision Repair and complex safety and process procedures. This critical role will help ensure that I-CAR’s educational programming is equipped with next-generation interactivity.  

 

Primary Responsibilities include the following: (Other duties may be assigned.)

  • Researching and proposing ideas for new animations. 

  • Creating 3D animations and graphics using illustration software programs like Blender, Maya, and 3DS Max based on design briefs. 

  • Work with in-house and external Unity Developers and 3rd party developers to test development builds. 

  • Build and design storyboards by creating and animating a working model of scenes. 

  • Develop time and pace of motion graphics based on scenario requirements. 

  • Work with internal and external animation editors to merge layers of 3D animation. 

  • Communicate with clients and team members to ensure that all parties are on the same page regarding project goals, objectives, and scope of work. 

  • Work with designers to create character models and scenes for animation. 

  • Suggest and implement best practices and optimizations throughout animation projects. 

  • Transform real-life or 2D characters and graphics into 3D motion graphics by integrating VFX, CGI, character rigging, and sound design. 

  • Animate real-time popups/motion graphics in 3D space for Unity3D, Altoura, or traditional video and graphics production. 

  • Create fine-art deliverables, select colors, fonts, images, and layouts based on brand guidelines. 

  • Adaptable to changing requirements and feedback. 

  • Work with 3D Scanned Assets and perform 3D asset cleanup and optimization. 

  • Work with CAD elements for AR and VR training simulations.   

  • Work closely with supporting teams to promote the adoption of new technologies and solutions. 

  • Collaborate with key departments within I-CAR on opportunities for new learning innovation and technology concepts, such as VR/AR/XR, to the learning experience within the I-CAR educational programming portfolio.  

  • Work with the lead XR Trainer on noted improvements to any 3D animations or environments on XR hardware and software usage through written guides and visual aids such as videos. 

  • Assist in research, planning, implementation, and support of learning innovations and technologies such as AR/MR/VR devices and solutions for the I-CAR curriculum, student, instructor, and staff training. 

  • Contribute to developing long-term roadmaps (capabilities and features) and the near-term tactical execution of our XR efforts. 

 

Skills and Aptitudes: 

Technical Skills Required 

  • Interacting with third-party technology and consulting vendors 

  • Proficiency in creating and manipulating 3D objects and animating them using Maya, Blender, or 3DS Max software. 

  • Understanding of using the Unity development platform for VR and AR applications. 

  • Basic understanding and implementation of C# 

  • Experience in creating content or applications for different VR and AR devices such as Oculus, Vive, HoloLens, and Pico Neo. 

  • Familiar with SDKs and APIs in various capacities, such as Android, iOS, Unity, and Unreal. 

  • Creating, editing, and completing post-production on video and images with tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, including Adobe Premiere, After Effects, and Audition.  

 

Education Requirements: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in 3D animation or related field or four years equivalent knowledge and experience required. 

A minimum of one to three years of experience in the following areas is required: 

  • Blender, Maya, 3DS Max or other 3D programs. 

  • Technical knowledge in Extended Reality, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and other XR-related technologies.  

  • XR application development and a general understanding of optimizing 3D models for XR hardware.  

  • Strong written, verbal communication, and presentation skills are also necessary. An understanding of automotive technology and repair procedures, while not required, would be helpful for understanding the end goal of 3D development and projects. 

 

EEO Statement: 

I-CAR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state or local law, where applicable. Those with criminal histories will be considered in a manner consistent with applicable state and local laws.

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