Senior Animation Programmer (Unreal Engine)

TL;DR

Senior Animation Programmer (Unreal Engine): Developing bespoke animation systems and extensions for Unreal Engine 5 to support character locomotion, lifelike behaviors, and large crowds with an accent on seamless environment integration and narrative sequences. Focus on implementing complex interaction mechanics, optimizing GPU-accelerated systems, and solving high-performance animation challenges for a AAA title.

Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada. This position can be hybrid, in-office, or fully remote.

Salary: $127,200 - $209,900 CAD annually

Company

hirify.global creates revolutionary, story-driven RPGs designed to resonate deeply with gamers.

What you will do

• Develop bespoke animation systems and UE5 extensions for character locomotion, lifelike behaviors, and world interaction.
• Implement gameplay mechanics specifically related to animation and locomotion.
• Create systems for large animated crowds and realistic character reactions for narrative sequences.
• Write high-quality, efficient C++ code and maintain it through debugging, profiling, and bug fixing.
• Collaborate closely with animators, designers, and character artists to enhance the player experience.
• Develop debug tools and tests to ensure system stability and performance.

Requirements

• 5+ years of practical experience in designing and implementing modern game animation systems.
• Deep knowledge of C++ and advanced math/algorithmic skills.
• Strong understanding of animation blend trees, state graphs, and IK/FK systems.
• Expertise in multithreading practices and character geometry deformation stacks.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Nice to have

• Solid foundation in Unreal Engine 5 animation features and systems.
• Knowledge of motion-matching technology.
• Experience shipping AAA titles on game consoles, including console-specific debugging and profiling.
• Proven track record of optimizing performance for large numbers of animated NPCs.
• Experience developing GPU-accelerated systems.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive company-paid medical, dental, vision, and mental healthcare.
• Generous paid leave: 26 days of vacation, 10 sick days, and 12 calendar holidays per year.
• Financial perks including RRSP with employer matching and a $100 monthly Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA).
• Flexible working hours and inclusive policies, such as menstrual leave and the RED Parents Network.
• International, dog-friendly office environment with a casual dress code.
• Professional growth opportunities via internal workshops, e-learning, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.