Principal Technical Animator

About the role

Lead the architecture design of animation state machines, animation trees, and animation pipelines. Establish technical specifications and best practices; provide clear technical roadmaps for the team. Dive deep into complex technical challenges within animation systems. Drive the adoption and production deployment of cutting-edge animation technologies (Motion Matching, procedural animation, physics-based animation) in AAA projects. Build animation quality review mechanisms and evaluation systems. Systematically ensure and elevate the ceiling of in-game animation quality. As a core expert in technical animation, mentor and develop team members. Drive technical alignment and effective collaboration across disciplines (Animation, Design, Engineering, Engine). Lead the engine integration of complex animation systems. Solve end-to-end technical challenges from DCC toolchains to runtime. Ensure the delivery of highest-quality animations. Stay current with cutting-edge technology trends, evaluate the feasibility of new technologies, and provide forward-looking technical roadmap recommendations for the team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture design of animation state machines, animation trees, and animation pipelines.
• Establish technical specifications and best practices; provide clear technical roadmaps for the team.
• Dive deep into complex technical challenges within animation systems.
• Drive the adoption and production deployment of cutting-edge animation technologies (Motion Matching, procedural animation, physics-based animation) in AAA projects.
• Build animation quality review mechanisms and evaluation systems.
• Systematically ensure and elevate the ceiling of in-game animation quality.
• Mentor and develop team members.
• Drive technical alignment and effective collaboration across disciplines (Animation, Design, Engineering, Engine).
• Lead the engine integration of complex animation systems.
• Solve end-to-end technical challenges from DCC toolchains to runtime.
• Ensure the delivery of highest-quality animations.
• Stay current with cutting-edge technology trends, evaluate the feasibility of new technologies, and provide forward-looking technical roadmap recommendations for the team.

Requirements

• 8+ years of game industry experience.
• 5+ years of technical animation experience on AAA projects.
• Proven track record of leading complete animation system architecture design.
• Proficient with animation DCC software such as Maya.
• Capable of producing top-tier quality animations independently.
• Deep understanding of animation principles.
• Expert in animation state machine and animation tree architecture design and performance optimization.
• Hands-on experience with large-scale state machine optimization.
• Deep understanding of game engine (Unreal Engine) animation system internals, performance bottlenecks, and resolution strategies.
• Excellent technical communication and influence; able to drive technical decisions and effectively persuade cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Nice to have: Experience with DCC tool development or engine-side development (C++ / Blueprints).
• Hands-on experience with cutting-edge directions such as Motion Matching, Control Rig, procedural animation, physics-based animation.

Skills

• Technical Animation Expertise
• Animation Architecture Design
• Animation Quality Assurance
• Collaboration Across Disciplines
• Engine Integration
• Complex Technical Problem Solving

Benefits

Location: State(s) - US-California-Los Angeles
The expected base pay range for this position in the location(s) listed above is $138,800.00 to $261,400.00 per year. Actual pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Employees hired for this position may be eligible for a sign on payment, relocation package, and restricted stock units, which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Subject to the terms and conditions of the plans in effect, hired applicants are also eligible for medical, dental, vision, life and disability benefits, and participation in the Company’s 401(k) plan.
The Employee is also eligible for up to 15 to 25 days of vacation per year (depending on the employee’s tenure), up to 13 days of holidays throughout the calendar year, and up to 10 days of paid sick leave per year.
Your benefits may be adjusted to reflect your location, employment status, duration of employment with the company, and position level.
Benefits may also be pro-rated for those who start working during the calendar year.

Pay

The expected base pay range for this position in the location(s) listed above is $138,800.00 to $261,400.00 per year.

Schedule

Not specified.