3D Modeler

Job Overview:

We are seeking a skilled and highly creative 3D Modeler & Animator with expertise in creating realistic 3D characters, advanced animation techniques, and emotion detection systems. This role involves working on cutting-edge projects requiring a blend of 3D modeling, animation creation, and integration of real-time multimodal emotion recognition (both voice and visual) for enhanced interactive experiences. The ideal candidate will have experience with modern 3D rendering engines, high-quality character creation, and complex animation state machines. You’ll help us bring virtual characters to life with lifelike movements, facial expressions, and gestures in a way that feels truly immersive and emotionally resonant.

Responsibilities:

• 3D Modeling and Rendering
• Develop high-quality 3D character models, from basic meshes to fully rigged, animated avatars.
• Utilize modern 3D rendering engines (e.g., Three.js, PlayCanvas, Babylon.js) for optimal performance across web and mobile platforms.
• Implement Physically-Based Rendering (PBR) materials, lighting systems, and shadow mapping for realistic results.
• Integrate GLTF/GLB model loading for easy export and web deployment.
• Character Design and Animation
• Create realistic humanoid avatars using tools like Blender, Character Creator 4, or MetaHuman Creator.
• Design blend shape sculpting for facial expressions, including emotional transitions and lip-sync animations.
• Produce smooth and diverse 3D animations (e.g., idle variations, emotion transitions, gestures, talking/lip-sync poses).
• Ensure character models are optimized for interactive use in a real-time environment, maintaining performance across various devices.

• Advanced Emotion Detection

• Implement multimodal emotion recognition systems using voice analysis (e.g., Hume AI, Azure Speech Services) and visual analysis (e.g., Azure Face API, Amazon Rekognition).
• Enable real-time streaming and emotion analysis to create more interactive and emotionally responsive characters.
• Apply emotion-driven animation to adjust character responses in real-time based on detected emotions.
• Facial Animation Systems
• Utilize morph target/blend shape animation for realistic facial expressions and transitions.
• Implement audio-to-face (lip sync) technologies such as NVIDIA Audio2Face, Azure TTS with Visemes, or Oculus Lipsync to synchronize character speech with lip movements.
• Develop procedural facial animations using scientific systems like FACS or machine learning techniques to create fluid, dynamic facial expressions based on emotional context.

• Animation State Machine Development

• Build complex animation state machines (e.g., Behavior Trees, Finite State Machines) to manage real-time character behaviors, including facial expressions, gestures, and speech animations.
• Integrate animation blending and handle interrupts for seamless transitions between different states (e.g., idle, talking, gesturing).
• Develop layered animation systems (base layer, additive layers for emotions, override for gestures, etc.) to ensure realistic, nuanced character behavior.

• Body Language & Gestures

• Create natural, fluid body movements and gestures using Inverse Kinematics (IK) for full-body animations.
• Develop and integrate various gesture libraries (e.g., welcoming gestures, thoughtfulness, concern, excitement, etc.).
• Implement motion capture data (e.g., Mixamo, Rokoko) for authentic movement, including emotion-specific poses and action-driven transitions.

Requirements:

• Proven experience in 3D modeling, rigging, and animation, with a strong portfolio showcasing realistic human models and animations.
• Expertise in using 3D modeling tools like Blender, Character Creator 4, MetaHuman Creator, and animation tools.
• Proficiency in rendering engines such as Three.js, PlayCanvas, or Babylon.js, with a focus on performance and quality.
• Experience with advanced emotion detection and analysis systems (e.g., voice prosody analysis, facial emotion recognition).
• Deep knowledge of animation systems, including state machines, motion capture, procedural animation, and inverse kinematics.
• Familiarity with emotion-driven animation, facial blend shapes, and lip sync systems.
• Understanding of web and mobile optimization for 3D assets (GLB, GLTF, etc.) and interactive content.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams (designers, developers, animators).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Unity or Unreal Engine for integrating 3D assets and animations into interactive environments.
• Familiarity with machine learning techniques for emotion-driven animation and realistic facial animation.
• Prior work with multimodal systems that combine voice and visual emotion detection for responsive character behaviors.
• Experience with interactive storytelling and creating characters for virtual worlds, games, or simulations.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Flexible work hours and remote work options.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects with a talented and passionate team.
• Access to the latest tools and technologies in 3D animation and AI-driven interaction.

• If you're excited about creating lifelike characters that respond emotionally in real-time, this is the role for you! Apply now to join our innovative team and help us push the boundaries of 3D modeling, animation, and interactive storytelling.