Job Summary
We are on the lookout for a Senior Animation Programmer
This role is key to delivering smooth, responsive, and immersive character motion, working at the intersection of gameplay, animation, and AI. You will design and implement advanced runtime animation systems that reinforce player control and meet the highest quality standards across the whole game.
Responsibilities
* Design and program advanced gameplay animation systems that ensure smooth, responsive character movement and seamless state transitions.
* Translate gameplay and animation goals into scalable runtime solutions, ensuring coherence between player input, locomotion, combat, and AI-driven behaviors.
* Collaborate closely with Animators, Gameplay Designers, and AI Designers to implement animation features that reinforce control, readability, and immersion.
* Apply modern runtime animation techniques such as motion matching, inverse kinematics, pose/motion warping, distance matching, and state-driven systems.
* Write optimized C++ and Blueprint code, with a strong focus on runtime efficiency, maintainability, and scalability.
* Develop robust, data-driven animation algorithms using strong linear algebra and mathematical foundations.
* Implement multi-threaded animation systems to distribute complexity across threads and ensure stable performance.
* Build and maintain internal tools and utilities that streamline animation workflows and integrate smoothly into the production pipeline.
* Leverage Unreal Engine's Level Sequencer to support in-engine cinematics and gameplay-related events.
* Leverage Unreal Engine's Control Rig to enable procedural animation solutions and runtime flexibility.
* Profile and optimize animation performance to ensure consistent frame rates and visual fluidity across all target platforms.
* Provide technical support, guidance, and mentorship to both creative and engineering teams.
* Contribute to the continuous improvement of animation pipelines, tools, and cross-discipline collaboration.
Requirements
* Experience developing games professionally for 5+ years on released projects made with Unreal Engine.
* Proven experience working on third-person, input-responsive, high-fidelity console games.
* Solid knowledge of Unreal Engine animation systems and runtime workflows.
* Strong C++ programming skills, with practical experience in gameplay and animation code.
* Hands-on proficiency with Blueprints for rapid iteration and feature integration.
* Experience with Visual Studio and/or Rider in professional development environments.
* Working knowledge of version control tools such as Git and/or Perforce.
* Strong foundations in linear algebra and real-time animation mathematics.
* Experience profiling and optimizing runtime systems for performance-critical console games.
* Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
* Deep understanding of the relationship between gameplay feel, player input, and animation responsiveness.
Preferred Qualifications
* Experience implementing or shipping projects using motion matching or other advanced locomotion frameworks.
* Experience building multi-threaded or task-based real-time animation systems.
* Familiarity with developing internal tools to support animator workflows.
* Experience collaborating in cross-discipline teams on AA/AAA productions.
Competencies
* Ability to design modular, scalable runtime animation systems that enhance player control.
* Strong problem-solving skills applied to complex real-time movement and animation challenges.
* Performance-aware mindset, balancing visual quality with technical constraints.
* Effective collaboration across gameplay, animation, AI, and production.
* Ownership and accountability for feature quality from prototype to final polish.
Soft Skills
* Clear, confident communication with both technical and creative stakeholders.
* Proactive, solution-oriented attitude and comfort working in fast-moving environments.
* Adaptability and resilience during iteration-heavy production phases.
* Genuine passion for character movement, game feel, and the craft of animation in games.
* Mentorship mindset, able to elevate team quality through support and knowledge sharing.
Submit your resume and a short cover letter in English to join Stormind Games.