Advanced Technical Animator (GameDev)

TL;DR

Lead Technical Animator (GameDev): Designing and implementing complex runtime animation systems in Unreal Engine 5 with an accent on rigging, skinning, and pipeline automation. Focus on driving R&D efforts for new technologies and ensuring high-fidelity deformation while adhering to performance constraints.

Physical locations in Austin, Texas, and Toronto, Canada. Remote work possible, but candidates must be located in or able to work from a state in the US or a Canadian province where hirify.global is registered.

Salary: $100,000–$150,000 CAD

Company

hirify.global is a game development company known for co-developing AAA FPS games and creating new original IPs.

What you will do

• Collaborate with internal disciplines and external partners on technical requirements.
• Design and implement complex runtime animation systems in Unreal Engine 5.
• Oversee the rigging and skinning pipeline for characters, creatures, and props.
• Develop Python tools and scripts to automate workflows between Maya and Unreal.
• Analyze character designs at the concept stage for technical risks and rigging plans.
• Drive R&D efforts for new technologies to push aesthetic quality within performance constraints.

Requirements

• 5+ years experience in rigging and skinning characters, creatures, vehicles, and props.
• Expert-level proficiency setting up animation systems in Unreal Engine 5.
• Proficient with Autodesk Maya.
• Strong foundation of Python scripting for content creation tools and automating tasks.
• Strong mentorship abilities and communication skills.
• Experience with motion capture systems.

Nice to have

• Animation key-framing.
• Knowledge of C++ or C#.
• Experience writing Maya plug-ins.
• Strong knowledge of facial rigging and deformation.

Culture & Benefits

• Work on major gaming franchises and new original IPs.
• Culture committed to evolution, diversity, excellence, and work-life balance.
• Contribute to proprietary technology and custom 3D tools.
• Opportunity to work on AAA FPS games.