Principal Technical Animator

Who we’re looking for

• Extensive proven experience architecting and integrating gameplay animation systems for AAA titles using Unreal Engine.
• Master-level expertise in Unreal Engine’s animation suite (Anim Blueprints, Motion Matching, Control Rig, State Machines, and Sequencer).
• Deep technical understanding of low-level animation concepts, including runtime optimisation, memory management, and threading for animation.
• Exceptional cross-discipline communication skills , with a proven track record of aligning Art, Design, and Engineering directors on complex technical visions.
• Expertise in feature breakdown and scoping, with the ability to translate abstract creative pillars into robust, production-ready plans..
• A profound understanding of gameplay mechanics , game feel, and the mathematical principles behind smooth character movement and physics.
• A portfolio or reel demonstrating a history of solving highly complex, innovative technical animation challenges in shipped titles.

What you’ll do

• Architect and oversee the high-level design of gameplay animation systems, ensuring scalability, performance, and seamless integration across complex real-time systems.
• Drive R&D initiatives to evaluate and implement cutting-edge animation technologies (e.g., advanced Motion Matching, machine learning/AI animation, next-gen physics).
• Partner with Engineering and Tech Animation leadership to implement project-wide animation roadmaps and toolsets.
• Solve deep, complex runtime bugs and drive animation optimisation efforts to meet strict performance and memory budgets.
• Define and document technical standards, best practices, and pipeline workflows for the wider technical animation team.
• Collaborate closely with Design and Animation leads to heavily iterate on and perfect 3C mechanics (character, camera, controls), maximizing game feel.
• Actively mentor and upskill senior and mid-level technical animators through code/blueprint reviews and hands-on guidance.

About the position

The Principal Technical Animator (Gameplay) will help define the technical vision, architectural framework, and long-term strategy for character animation integration across the studio. In this highly influential role, you will champion innovation, driving the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to ensure our games achieve world-class animation quality and responsiveness. You will serve as a technical authority on gameplay animation, solving the studio’s complex R&D challenges while collaborating with design, animation and engineering to establish future-proof pipelines. While not a people manager, you will inspire, mentor, and elevate the technical capabilities of the entire animation department.