As a Senior Generalist Technical Animator, you will play a key role in bridging animation, rigging, and technical implementation for our Unreal Engine projects. You'll develop animation systems, refine character and creature animations, create procedural and physics-driven animation solutions, and optimize performance for real-time gameplay. Your expertise in Blueprints, animation retargeting, motion capture integration, and pipeline automation will be crucial in delivering fluid and immersive animations. If you're passionate about pushing the limits of real-time animation, we'd love to hear from you!
Responsibilities
- Work across all aspects of technical animation, including tool development (Python), rigging, and in-game animation blend tree implementation.
- Support, communicate, and collaborate with multiple development teams, such as Animation, Art, Cinematics, and Gameplay.
- Develop and prototype new animation systems for both gameplay and cinematics, as well as update and refine existing systems as the survival game evolves.
- Integrate a variety of animation assets into the game and validate their functionality.
- Assist animators with animation integration while ensuring compliance with gameplay conventions and technical metrics.
- Work closely with programmers to develop custom tools and pipeline workflows for Animation, Art, or Cinematics.
- Rig and skin characters, creatures, armor, and other assets, ensuring they function correctly in the game engine.
- Debug and resolve animation-related bugs in a timely manner while meeting production deadlines.
- Support the Lead Technical Animator with any additional tasks or responsibilities as needed.
- Perform all other related technical animation duties as required.
Requirements
- 7+ years of relevant experience in technical animation.
- Highly skilled in Python scripting and similar languages.
- Strong 3D math background.
- Deep understanding of rigging and deformation in Maya (or any other DCC package); experience with facial rigging is highly desirable.
- Proficiency in developing new gameplay animation systems using node-based systems such as Unreal Engine or Unity.
- A willingness to take on new challenges, with a strong desire for learning, researching, and innovating.
- Team-oriented mindset, with the ability to collaborate across teams in different geographic locations.
- Ability to accept feedback positively, adapt to changes, and work efficiently under tight deadlines.
- Organized and methodical approach to work, with a commitment to high-quality standards.
- Strong problem-solving skills, demonstrating initiative, originality, and resourcefulness.
Nice to haves
- Knowledge of C# or C++ is a strong plus.
- Experience with Motion Builder, particularly the Story tool (or equivalent).
- Strong understanding of animation principles and how to apply them to create appealing, high-quality animations.
What We Offer
- An open and collaborative environment where ideas are welcomed and encouraged.
- A managerial team made up of highly experienced game developers at the top of their fields.
- Opportunities to share hobbies and passions with like-minded colleagues.
- An inclusive work culture with many activities organized by the studios or employees.
- A strong commitment to making the best survival game possible, including listening to community feedback.