Principal Technical Animator

The role

The Principal Technical Animator (Gameplay) will define the technical vision and architectural framework for character animation integration. You will drive R&D initiatives and collaborate with design, animation, and engineering to establish future-proof pipelines.

What you will do

• Architect and oversee the high-level design of gameplay animation systems.
• Drive R&D initiatives to evaluate and implement cutting-edge animation technologies.
• Partner with Engineering and Tech Animation leadership to implement animation roadmaps and toolsets.
• Solve complex runtime bugs and drive animation optimisation efforts.
• Define and document technical standards, best practices, and pipeline workflows.
• Collaborate with Design and Animation leads to iterate on 3C mechanics.
• Mentor and upskill senior and mid-level technical animators.

Required qualifications

• Extensive proven experience architecting and integrating gameplay animation systems for AAA titles using Unreal Engine.
• Master-level expertise in Unreal Engine’s animation suite (Anim Blueprints, Motion Matching, Control Rig, State Machines, and Sequencer).
• Deep technical understanding of low-level animation concepts, including runtime optimisation, memory management, and threading for animation.
• Exceptional cross-discipline communication skills.
• Expertise in feature breakdown and scoping.
• Profound understanding of gameplay mechanics, game feel, and mathematical principles behind smooth character movement and physics.
• A portfolio or reel demonstrating a history of solving highly complex, innovative technical animation challenges in shipped titles.

Nice to have

• Strong proficiency in C++ for extending Unreal Engine’s animation system, alongside Python for pipeline tool automation.
• Experience contributing to proprietary engine tools or custom modifications to Unreal's core animation code.
• Production experience with advanced DCC tools, including Maya API, MotionBuilder, or Houdini for runtime or pipeline integration.
• Background in traditional animation or motion capture data manipulation.

About the company

Hangar 13 is committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all aspects of the employment relationship. The company prides itself on the diversity of its team members, partners, and communities.