Senior Animation Programmer (Unreal Engine)

TL;DR

Senior Animation Programmer (Unreal Engine): Developing character physics systems and animation pipelines for high-fidelity boxing gameplay with an accent on Chaos Physics integration and performance optimization. Focus on building realistic character responses, managing complex collision systems, and ensuring seamless animation performance across consoles and PC.

Location: Hybrid (Sheffield or Leamington Spa, UK)

Company

hirify.global is a rapidly growing, independent games studio based in Sheffield, dedicated to creating authentic and immersive boxing experiences with proprietary technology.

What you will do

• Design, implement, and maintain character physics systems using UE Chaos Physics, including rigid-body dynamics and impact collisions.
• Integrate physics with animation systems through montages, blend shapes, and IK solvers for realistic character responses.
• Optimize physics and animation performance using multi-threading, LODding, and concurrency debugging.
• Collaborate on animation pipelines utilizing Motion Matching, Control Rig, MetaHuman, and ML Deformers.
• Prototype new features for character interactions such as soft body impacts and multiplayer physics synchronization.
• Contribute to code reviews, documentation, and best practices for the physics and animation teams.

Requirements

• Proven experience in character physics programming for AAA titles.
• Deep expertise in C++ and Unreal Engine physics/animation pipelines (UE4 or UE5).
• Strong understanding of 3D mathematics, data structures, and character movement dynamics.
• Demonstrable experience with engine-level debugging and performance optimization.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills, with an eye for realistic motion.
• Must be based in or willing to work from Sheffield or Leamington Spa.

Culture & Benefits

• Flexible working hours and hybrid work patterns.
• 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service up to 30 days.
• Private healthcare including dental and optical.
• Enhanced maternity/paternity pay and employee assistance programme.
• Regular social events including wrap parties and individual entertainment budgets.
• Relocation benefits subject to eligibility.