Character Tools Developer – Apple Vision Pro

Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or Apple Store experience we deliver is the result of us making each other’s ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It’s the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you’ll do more than join something — you’ll add something. Apple Vision Pro is a revolutionary spatial computer that seamlessly blends digital content with your physical space. It will allow us to do the things we love in ways never before possible — all while staying connected to the people around us. The Character Tools Developer role is a critical contributor and stakeholder in the design, creation and maintenance of our pipeline and tools for character rigging, deformation, and animation. Part of that responsibility involves the direction and creation of tools that extend existing DCC packages and realtime engines in addition to Apple internal technology. The candidate will collaborate between disciplines, working closely with concept design, technical artists and animators and have experience doing it at the highest level of real-time production, at AAA studios. There is a substantial R+D component to our development and production. If you are excited about defining new workflows, and passionate about embracing new forms of content creation and delivery, this is your call.
Key Qualifications
Having worked through an entire AAA production cycle.
Thorough knowledge of pipelines and processes used in real-time art development.
Extensive experience building performant character and asset rigs across a wide range of styles.
Deep understanding of runtime performance and how to scale content for different platforms.
Extensive tools and pipeline development experience for rigging and animation workflow extended into scene description formats such as USD.
Strong understanding and experience with retargeting/remapping of character specific motion as well as character weighting and deformation.
Able to communicate precisely with multiple departments.
Self-starter and driver, excellent communicator and team-player.
Ability to anticipate, prioritize, and organize work to meet objectives.
Description
Develop character and animation tools in Python, C# and Swift In designing the characters the artist must incorporate technical expertise, artistic ability, and a deep knowledge of anatomy and an understanding of character motion. Develop machine learning training and performance capture workflows with partner teams. Assess, design, build, and maintain art creation pipelines/workflows that meet artist needs and effectively drive productivity for content creators.
Education & Experience
Bachelors degree in Computer Graphics, Computer Science or related discipline, or industry experience
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $144,500 and $250,000, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments and relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits.

Note: Apple benefit, compensation, and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.