Principal Animator (Gamedev)

TL;DR

Principal Animator (Gamedev): Defining high-fidelity character systems for players and NPCs with an accent on reducing iteration friction through prototyping cutting-edge tools. Focus on motion synthesis, procedural physics, and facial performance, ensuring a seamless blend of believable motion and fluid player control.

Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

Salary: $154,400 - $220,000 per Year

Company

hirify.global is a global video game company, publishing titles developed by some of the most influential game development studios in the world.

What you will do

• Pioneer R &D Workflows by researching and automating motion synthesis, cleanup, and secondary motion.
• Architect Character Systems, designing fluid animation states for traversal, combat, and stealth.
• Drive Motion Matching, using generative models to synthesize transitions and label massive mocap libraries.
• Deliver lifelike facial nuance and seamless cinematic-to-gameplay transitions to reach film standards.
• Optimize Pipelines in partnership with tools programmers to automate rigging, FACS, and cleanup in Maya/Engine.
• Maintain Control & Quality, ensuring R&D tools prioritize artistic intent and meet hirify.global’s high-quality bar.

Requirements

• AAA Experience: Shipped at least one AAA title as a Lead/Principal Animator (UE5 preferred).
• Technical Mastery: Deep knowledge of Motion Matching, Control Rig, and Anim Blueprints.
• Strong foundation in skinning, blendshapes, and FACS.
• A passion for replacing legacy workflows with scalable, R&D-driven solutions.

Culture & Benefits

• Eligible to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program.
• Range of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage.
• 14 paid holidays per calendar year.
• Paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company’s discretionary time off program.
• Wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses.