Motion Designer

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms. JOB OVERVIEW We are looking for an exceptional Motion Graphics Designer to make that technology understood and unforgettable. You will turn complex autonomy, hardware, and mission concepts into motion that is precise, cinematic, and unmistakably Saronic. Your work will appear on tradeshow screens, in partner demos, product and capability films, executive briefings, recruiting, and social. You will join our Design function, which spans Brand, Industrial, 3D/Visualization, Product, and Video, and work alongside some of the best designers, visualization artists, and engineers in the industry. This is a role for someone who wants real creative ownership: you will help define what motion looks like at Saronic from the ground up, and your work will be seen by the people who matter most to our mission. RESPONSIBILITIES - Motion Design and Animation - Concept and create high-end 2D and 3D motion graphics, title sequences, kinetic typography, and animated explainers for product, brand, and mission storytelling. - Translate dense technical subject matter (autonomy, sensors, vessel systems, operational concepts) into clear, compelling, visually striking animation. - Design and animate UI and data-driven sequences, including HUDs, maps, telemetry, and interface walkthroughs, that look real and communicate quickly. - Integrate renders and CG assets from the 3D/Visualization team into finished motion pieces, collaborating on look development, lighting, and camera language. - Creative Direction and Visual Language - Develop style frames, storyboards, and animatics to pitch and align on direction before production. - Define and maintain Saronic's motion system: timing, easing, transitions, typography in motion, templates, and reusable assets, so every team can move faster without losing quality. - As part of Brand Design, make sure motion feels native to Saronic's identity across every channel, and extend the brand system (type, color, grid, tone) into time-based work. - Raise the bar for the team through critique, mentorship, and sharing new techniques and tools. - Production and Delivery - Own projects end to end, from brief to final delivery, balancing craft with tight timelines and multiple concurrent requests. - Edit, sound-design (or direct sound design), and finish pieces for each destination: large-format event displays, broadcast, web, and social, in the right specs and formats. - Manage project files, versioning, and asset libraries so work is organized, handoff-ready, and reusable. - Explore and adopt new tools, including real-time and AI-assisted workflows, where they improve quality or speed without compromising standards. - Cross-Functional Collaboration - Work closely with Marketing, Communications, Sales, Software, Engineering, and Product to understand objectives and ensure messaging is accurate and aligned. - Partner closely with the Video team and external partners (directors, producers, studios, freelancers) when projects need extra scale. - Support events and demos with on-brand motion assets, often on short turnarounds. - Take feedback from stakeholders at every level, including senior leadership, and turn it into better work. - Operating with Care - Handle sensitive and export-controlled information appropriately, following company guidelines on what can be shown, shared, and published. - Work with security and legal partners to make sure published content is cleared. QUALIFICATIONS - 5+ years of professional motion design experience in-house, at a studio, or equivalent, with a portfolio that shows exceptional craft, taste, and range (a reel is required). - Mastery of Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro, plus strong fundamentals in design, typography, composition, color, and timing. - Working proficiency in 3D and real-time tools (Cinema 4D, Blender, or Unreal Engine) with a production renderer such as Redshift, Octane, or Cycles. - Strong compositing skills in After Effects, including multipass CG renders, EXR workflows, and color-managed pipelines (ACES/OCIO). - Experience designing UI/HUD/data-visualization motion and sci-fi-grade interfaces. - Experience building motion systems, templates, and guidelines for a team. - Proven ability to take a concept from idea through style frames to polished final delivery with minimal oversight. - Experience making complex technical or product ideas simple and compelling. - Strong storytelling instincts and the ability to explain and defend creative decisions. - Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a track record of working with cross-functional partners. - Comfort with fast-moving, ambiguous environments and shifting priorities. - Ability to work on-site and travel occasionally for events, shoots, and demos. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Experience in defense, aerospace, robotics, autonomy, or other deep-tech companies. - Experience with Lottie and Rive, especially Rive for interactive UI and product motion. - Experience with TouchDesigner for interactive and experimental work, such as conference experiences and physical installations. - Experience with Houdini, Nuke, DaVinci Resolve, or Figma (including Figma-to-motion workflows). - Sound design and music editing skills, or experience directing audio. - Familiarity with maritime, naval, or DoD/military industry environments.   PHYSICAL DEMANDS - Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer - Occasional standing and walking within the office - Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment - Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports - Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies - Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages) BENEFITS Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care Saronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependents Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage Pet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office Saronic CCPA Notice for Candidates and California Employees https://saronic-assets-public.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/Saronic%20CCPA%20Notice%20for%20Candidates%20and%20California%20Employees.pdf If this role is based in the United States, it requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/8/1324b. Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.