Join CI Games and be part of shaping the future of gaming. As we embark on an ambitious strategic roadmap with major releases planned for 2025-2028, we're seeking a talented and dedicated Principal Technical Animator to help us create ground-breaking experiences that captivate players worldwide.

A career at CI Games is about being part of a team working on some of the most creatively rewarding and ambitious projects to be found in any entertainment medium. You would be welcomed to a dedicated and inclusive environment where you can learn and collaborate with some of the most talented people in the industry.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Leadership & Pipeline Architecture:

• Act as the studio's primary expert on Unreal animation technology, defining the technical vision for character pipelines, tools, and runtime systems.
• Design, implement, and maintain complex animation systems within Unreal Engine, with a heavy focus on Animation Blueprints and Control Rig.
• Research, prototype, and champion new techniques and technologies to enhance animation quality and workflow efficiency.

Tooling, Rigging & Implementation:

• Develop and support essential tools for the animation team using Python, Unreal Blueprints, and C++.
• Oversee and contribute to the creation of high-quality character, weapon, and vehicle rigs that meet the demands of our artistic and gameplay vision.
• Collaborate with engineers to solve complex technical challenges and ensure the performance and stability of all animation systems.

Mentorship & Cross-Team Collaboration:

• Lead and mentor the Unreal technical animation team, fostering their skills and providing clear technical guidance and feedback.
• Serve as the key bridge between the animation, character art, and engineering teams, translating artistic needs into robust technical solutions.
• Establish and document best practices for the technical animation pipeline to ensure consistency and quality across all projects.

Let's be honest!:

On occasions, this role may be challenging.

• This is a highly technical role where you'll be expected to solve the most complex animation problems.
• You will need to balance the creative ambitions of the animation team with the technical constraints of the engine, which requires excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• As a principal, you are not just a doer but a mentor. A significant part of your success will be measured by your ability to elevate the skills of the entire technical animation team.
• Your role will be fully remote which may be sometimes challenging.

Key Requirements:

• 7+ years of experience in technical animation, with a proven track record in a senior or lead role.
• Shipped multiple AA+ titles in a technical animation capacity.
• Master-level expertise with Unreal Engine, specifically with Animation Blueprints, State Machines, and Control Rig.
• Strong proficiency with Unreal Blueprints and a solid understanding of how they integrate with animation systems.
• Solid knowledge of dynamic asset types, in particular Physics and Cloth Assets.
• Extensive experience in developing and maintaining animation pipelines and tools.
• Exceptional skills in character rigging and skinning for realistic characters.
• A proven ability to mentor and lead other technical animators, providing clear and constructive guidance.
• Outstanding communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with artists and engineers.

Desirable:

• Proficiency in Python and/or C++.
• Experience with procedural animation techniques.
• A deep passion for and expertise in the Action-RPG or Soulslike genre.

What we offer:

• Attractive remuneration and annual discretionary bonus.
• Generous benefits supporting your wellbeing.
• Opportunities for professional development within a supportive and collaborative team.
• Remote work with flexible schedules (core working hours 10am-4pm CET), allowing you to work alongside talented individuals from around the world.
• An opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and stay at the forefront of the gaming industry.
• A diverse and inclusive workplace that celebrates all backgrounds.
• Company events and wrap-up parties, access to all games released by CI Games and company merchandise.
• A chance to be part of something ground-breaking as we shape the future of gaming.

Recruitment Process:

• Application review: Talent Acquisition and the hiring team review CV, portfolio and application answers.
• Initial call with Talent Acquisition Specialist to discuss experience, expectations for remote work, expertise and admin questions.
• Usually 1 or 2 technical interviews with the hiring team; NDA will be in place and you will learn more about the project.
• A test may be requested on an individual basis.
• Final step: offer presentation call with Talent Acquisition Specialist and line manager to discuss the offer and next steps.

We are an equal opportunities employer. Accessibility is at the heart of our games, and we will accommodate adjustments or flexible arrangements for interview or role as requested in the application.

About CI Games:

Established in 2002, CI Games is an independent video game developer and publisher known for titles like the Lords of the Fallen and Sniper Ghost Warrior franchises. Their third-party publishing arm, United Label, publishes games such as Röki, Eldest Souls, and the Tales of Iron franchise. CI Games has operated with fully remote teams since 2020, with most employees based throughout Europe. Founded in 2002. Co-workers: 180.

Location: Europe, CI Games SE. Remote status: Fully Remote.

Apply note: We usually respond within two weeks.