Microsoft Azure Edge + Platform (E+P) is a globally distributed team that builds and manages Azure’s adaptive cloud, Microsoft’s operating systems and engineering systems. The work that Azure E+P delivers impacts billions of customers and powers the success of nearly every Microsoft business.  

We are building a new visual design team in Azure E+P and are looking for a Principal Motion Designer to pioneer this initiative. This role offers the unique opportunity to shape this new team’s direction and ethos from inception. In this high-impact role, you will be responsible for creating compelling animations that narrate the story of our software products and platforms. Your work will bring to life the vision of leaders in Azure E+P, transforming their ideas into engaging videos and product demos. These visual narratives will be showcased in customer meetings, conferences, presentations to senior leadership, and on various Microsoft channels for broad public consumption. 

We’re looking for a Principal Motion Designer who is self-motivated, thrives in uncharted territory, and is eager to chart the course ahead. Join us in this exciting journey as we shape the future of visual design at Azure E+P.  

Responsibilities

As a Principal Motion Designer, you will be resposible for the following: 

• Collaborate with product teams to understand the latest features, customer scenarios and target events for the videos. 
• Visualize, iterate and review stories with stakeholders. Draft briefs and scripts to sketch out plan for the videos before production commences. 
• Animate individual shots, compile entire edit for a video, work with music and/or voiceover and merge the edit with audio. 
• Create animated infographics that can communicate logistics or data in an easy to digest manner. 
• Collaborate with other designers in the team who will help with prepping assets for use. 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Graphic Design, Digital Arts, Technical Art, or related field AND 6+ years technical art or industry-related design experience
  • OR Master's Degree in Computer Science, Graphic Design, Digital Arts, Technical Art, or related field AND 4+ years technical art or industry-related design experience
  • OR equivalent experience.
• 5+ years experience using related software and packages (e.g., Autodesk Maya, MotionBuilder, 3D Studio Max, Adobe Creative Suite, SideFX Houdini, Zbrush, Substance Suite).
• 6+ years of experience with motion design and UX/UI design. 

Other Requirements: 
Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role.  
Microsoft Cloud Background Check: 
This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.  

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated skills in Illustrator, After Effects, Figma and Photoshop.  
• Experience using FD software or working with 3D teams is a plus. 
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with design, development, and executive teams.   
• Ability to quickly respond to and implement feedback is crucial.