Principal Technical Animator

OverviewJoin CI Games and be part of shaping the future of gaming. We are embarking on an ambitious strategic roadmap with major releases planned for 2025-2028. We’re seeking a talented and dedicated Principal 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 in entertainment. You will 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 ResponsibilitiesTechnical Leadership & Pipeline Architecture: Act as the studio's primary expert on Unreal animation technology, defining the technical vision for character pipelines, tools, and runtime systems. Design, implement, and maintain complex animation systems within Unreal Engine, focusing on Animation Blueprints and Control Rig. Research, prototype, and champion new techniques and technologies to enhance animation quality and workflow efficiency.Tooling, Rigging & Implementation: Develop and support essential tools for the animation team using Python, Unreal Blueprints, and C++. Oversee and contribute to the creation of high-quality character, weapon, and vehicle rigs that meet artistic and gameplay needs. Collaborate with engineers to solve technical challenges and ensure performance and stability of animation systems.Mentorship & Cross-Team Collaboration: Lead and mentor the Unreal technical animation team, providing clear technical guidance. Serve as the bridge between animation, character art, and engineering teams, translating artistic needs into robust technical solutions. Establish and document best practices for the technical animation pipeline to ensure consistency and quality across projects.On role challengesThis is a highly technical role where you’ll be expected to solve complex animation problems. You will balance the creative ambitions of the animation team with engine constraints, requiring excellent problem-solving and communication skills. As a principal, you are a mentor and your success includes elevating the skills of the entire team. The role is fully remote and can present occasional challenges.Key Requirements7+ years of experience in technical animation, with a proven track record in a senior or lead role.Shipped multiple AA+ titles in a technical animation capacity.Master-level Unreal Engine expertise, specifically with Animation Blueprints, State Machines, and Control Rig.Strong proficiency with Unreal Blueprints and understanding of how they integrate with animation systems.Solid knowledge of dynamic asset types, including Physics and Cloth Assets.Extensive experience in developing and maintaining animation pipelines and tools.Exceptional skills in character rigging and skinning for realistic characters.Proven ability to mentor and lead other technical animators, providing clear guidance.Outstanding communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with artists and engineers.DesirableProficiency in Python and/or C++.Experience with procedural animation techniques.Deep interest and expertise in the Action-RPG or Soulslike genre.What we offerAttractive remuneration and annual discretionary bonus.Generous benefits supporting wellbeing.Opportunities for professional development within a supportive and collaborative team.Remote work with flexible schedules (core hours 10am-4pm CET).Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and stay at the forefront of the gaming industry.Diverse and inclusive workplace welcoming all backgrounds.Company events, access to all CI Games titles, and company merchandise.Chance to be part of groundbreaking work as we shape the future of gaming.Recruitment ProcessWe review your CV, portfolio, and application, and proceed to the next stage if criteria are met.Initial call with Talent Acquisition Specialist to discuss experience, expectations, and remote work considerations.One or two technical interviews with the hiring team to assess experience, skills, knowledge, and cultural fit.Possible assessment task, depending on the case, with instructions provided if required.Offer presentation call with Talent Acquisition Specialist and your future line manager to discuss the offer and next steps.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 not to discriminate based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or social status. If you require adjustments or flexible interview or role arrangements, please let us know in your application and we will accommodate to the best of our ability.Seniority levelMid-Senior levelEmployment typeFull-timeJob functionDesign, Art/Creative, ITIndustriesComputer Games #J-18808-Ljbffr