Principal Animator (Gameplay, Conversations & Scripted Events)

TL;DR

Principal Animator (Gameplay, Conversations & Scripted Events): Bringing characters to life through either gameplay animation systems or narrative-driven conversations and scripted events, with an accent on setting animation quality bars, mentoring animators, and solving complex artistic and technical animation challenges. Focus on owning animation systems/features end-to-end and delivering AAA-standard gameplay, body, and facial performance with strong cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Location: Montreal office (minimum 4 days/week)

Company

hirify.global is a global media and entertainment company creating and distributing film, television, streaming, and theme park experiences.

What you will do

• Own and drive animation systems or features from concept through final implementation.
• Create high-quality gameplay, body, and/or facial animations at AAA standards.
• Collaborate with animators, designers, and gameplay programmers to advance animation quality.
• Recommend improvements to workflows and pipelines; contribute to planning and structuring animation work across systems.
• Mentor team members and participate in animation reviews to ensure consistency and quality.
• Solve complex artistic and technical animation challenges.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in 3D character animation for games with multiple shipped AAA titles.
• Strong demo reel showcasing either gameplay animation systems or conversations & scripted events / facial and performance animation.
• Expert understanding of animation fundamentals (body mechanics, acting, timing, weight, posing, arcs, anticipation, follow-through).
• Experience with motion capture and keyframe animation.
• Strong proficiency in Maya, MotionBuilder, or equivalent tools.
• Must be legally authorized to work in Canada and be willing to work from the Montreal office at least 4 days per week.

Culture & Benefits

• In-person interview may be required as part of the selection process.
• Equal employment opportunity policy and accessibility support available during application and recruitment.
• Work arrangement requires regular presence in the Montreal office (minimum 4 days/week).
• Travel for business may be required if necessary.

Hiring process

• Application submission and evaluation of demo reel/portfolio fit.
• In-person interview with an hirify.global employee at one of the company locations may be required before a hiring decision.