Overview:
Join CI Games and be part of shaping the future of gaming. As we embark on an ambitious strategic roadmap with major releases planned for 2025-2028, we're seeking a talented and dedicated Senior Technical Animator to help us create ground-breaking experiences that captivate players worldwide.
A career at CI Games is about being part of a team working on some of the most creatively rewarding and ambitious projects to be found in any entertainment medium. You would be welcomed to a dedicated and inclusive environment where you can learn and collaborate with some of the most talented people in the industry.
Key Responsibilities:
Technical Implementation & Animation Systems (Unreal):
- Act as a key contributor to Unreal animation technology, helping to implement and maintain the technical vision for character pipelines and runtime systems.
- Design and maintain complex animation systems within Unreal Engine, with a heavy focus on Animation Blueprints and Control Rig.
- Contribute to the integration of new characters by implementing their Physics and Cloth assets, and fine-tuning their LODs.
- Research and prototype new techniques to enhance animation quality and workflow efficiency for the wider team.
Characters & Pipeline Support (Maya):
- Participate in the creation of high-quality character and weapon rigs that meet the demands of our artistic and gameplay vision, using internal Maya rigging tools.
- Help improve the character pipeline by contributing to the development and maintenance of essential Python-based tools for the animation team.
- Collaborate with engineers to solve complex technical challenges and ensure the performance and stability of all animation systems.
Collaboration & Mentorship:
- Provide technical guidance and feedback to junior and mid-level technical animators, fostering their skills and growth.
- Collaborate closely with the Technical Animation Lead and Director to translate artistic needs into robust technical solutions.
- Document best practices for the technical animation pipeline to ensure consistency and quality across all projects.
- Track daily progress and help evaluate and schedule upcoming tasks.
Let's be honest!:
On occasions, this role may be challenging.
- This is a highly technical role where you’ll be expected to solve complex animation problems independently and alongside your team.
- You will need to balance the creative ambitions of the animation team with the technical constraints of the engine, which requires excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
- Your role will be fully remote which may be sometimes challenging.
Key Requirements:
- 5+ years of experience in technical animation, with a proven track record in a senior capacity.
- Shipped at least one AA+ title in a technical animation capacity.
- Expert-level expertise with Unreal Engine, specifically with Animation Blueprints, State Machines, and Control Rigs.
- Solid knowledge of dynamic asset types, in particular Physics and Cloth Assets.
- Proven skills in Maya character rigging and skinning for realistic characters.
- Strong proficiency with python tools programming.
- Outstanding communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with artists and engineers.
Desirable:
- Proficiency in C++.
- Experience with procedural animation techniques.
- A deep passion for and expertise in the Action-RPG or Soulslike genre.
What we offer:
- Attractive remuneration and annual discretionary bonus.
- Generous benefits supporting your wellbeing.
- Opportunities for professional development within a supportive and collaborative team.
- Remote work with flexible schedules (core working hours 10am-4pm CET), allowing you to work alongside talented individuals from around the world.
- An opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and stay at the forefront of the gaming industry.
- A diverse and inclusive workplace that celebrates all backgrounds.
- Company events and wrap-up parties, access to all games released by CI Games and company merchandise.
- A chance to be part of something ground-breaking as we shape the future of gaming.
Recruitment Process:
- Application review: Talent Acquisition and the hiring team review your CV, portfolio and application answers.
- Initial call with Talent Acquisition Specialist to discuss experience, expectations for working fully remote, and administrative questions.
- Usually 1 or 2 technical interviews with the hiring team to go deeper into experience, skills and knowledge. An NDA will have been signed by this stage.
- Possibly a test task (decided on an individual basis) with instructions provided if required.
- Final offer presentation call with the Talent Acquisition Specialist and the future line manager to discuss the offer and next steps.
Equal Opportunities:
We are an equal opportunities employer, hiring and developing our best talent based on merit. Accessibility is at the heart of our games, and we are committed to not discriminating against people based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or social status. Should you require adjustments or flexible arrangements to interview, or take up a role with us, please let us know in your application and we will accommodate to the best of our ability.
About CI Games:
Established in 2002, CI Games is an independent video game developer and publisher known for titles like the Lords of the Fallen and Sniper Ghost Warrior franchises. Its third-party publishing arm, United Label, publishes titles such as Röki, Eldest Souls, and the Tales of Iron franchise. CI Games has operated with fully remote teams since 2020, with most employees based throughout Europe. Founded in 2002. Co-workers: 180.
Additional details:
- Department: Animation
- Locations: Europe
- Remote status: Fully Remote