Principal Animator (Game Development)

TL;DR

Principal Animator (Game Development): Creating realistic and stylized motion for in-game characters including humanoids, creatures, and machines with an accent on high-quality animation using hand key and motion capture data. Focus on developing animations that support gameplay and visuals, troubleshooting animation issues, and improving animation pipelines.

Location: Must be based in Canada, Montreal (Remote/Hybrid)

Company

hirify.global is a leading independent AAA game development studio with over 20 years of experience, known for titles like Painkiller, Bulletstorm, and Outriders, working globally with offices in Poland, UK, US, Canada, and remote teams worldwide.

What you will do

• Follow and influence the game’s story and gameplay vision through animation creation.
• Create high-quality animations using hand key and motion capture data.
• Develop animations that enhance gameplay and visual experience.
• Implement and iterate animation assets in the game.
• Collaborate with level design, game design, VFX, and animation programming teams.
• Troubleshoot animation issues and contribute to R&D and pipeline improvements.

Requirements

• Must be located in Canada.
• 8+ years professional experience in video game industry.
• Strong mentoring skills and excellent understanding of animation principles, character anatomy, and industry standards.
• Proficiency with Unreal Engine or similar game engines and Maya software.
• Strong artistic skills including storyboarding, gesture drawing, 2D animation, illustration, and painting.
• Accountable, self-motivated, and able to think outside the box for efficient techniques.

Nice to have

• Experience shipped or credited on AAA game titles.
• Technical rigging skills and proficiency in MotionBuilder.
• Facial animation and lip-syncing skills.
• Ability to represent the studio at conferences.

Culture & Benefits

• 100% paid benefits package including insurance with up to $1000 reimbursement per service annually.
• Full dental coverage including major dental.
• 4% RRSP matching vested from day one.
• Paid winter holiday week, 20 vacation days, and 5 sick days.
• Free virtual health and mental well-being sessions for employees and dependents.
• Opportunities for personal development and working in a global creative team.