Procedural Motion Animation Programmer (Mid / Senior Level)

Rockstar; Oakville; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company that crafts world-class entertainment experiences. As an Animation Programmer, you'll work on innovative projects, developing advanced procedural motion systems within a collaborative team. This full-time role offers the chance to push the boundaries of character animation technology on next-generation hardware. If you have a passion for games and strong C++ skills, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge developments in the gaming industry while working in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Strong programming skills in C++ with a focus on character animation.
• Experience with procedural animation and motion matching systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain an extensive runtime animation system.
• Collaborate on procedural animation features and character motion synthesis.

Skills

C++ Programming

Character Animation Technology

3D Mathematics

Communication Skills

Education

Degree in Computer Science

Equivalent Industry Experience

Tools

C#

Game Engine Animation Systems

Job description

At Rockstar Games, we create world-class entertainment experiences.

Become part of a team working on some of the most rewarding, large-scale creative projects to be found in any entertainment medium - all within an inclusive, highly-motivated environment where you can learn and collaborate with some of the most talented people in the industry.

Rockstar Toronto is on the lookout for talented Animation Programmers to be part of the procedural motion team. Successful applicants will have strong programming skills using C++, an interest in character animation and physics, and a passion for our games. They will be responsible for developing and maintaining advanced procedural motion pipelines, systems, and features. We are open to consider applicants with either mid or senior level experience.

This is a full-time, in-office position based out of Rockstar’s unique game development studio in Oakville, ON.

WHAT WE DO

• We craft performances incorporating various procedural elements including synthesized motion, retargeting, IK, and motion matching, through a sophisticated runtime engine.
• We are a global team of programmers and researchers who collaborate on pushing the boundaries of character animation on next generation hardware.
• We support and work closely with gameplay, animation, physics, and design teams across multiple projects at different Rockstar studios.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Help invent, develop, expand, maintain, and support an extensive runtime animation system, pipeline, and tools.
• Develop technology to adjust animation to different characters and situations in a physically simulated environment.
• Collaborate and contribute to the research and development of features related to procedural animation including character motion synthesis, animation retargeting, motion matching, and IK for bipedal, quadrupedal, and other characters.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A degree in computer science or related discipline, or equivalent industry experience.
• Interest in character animation technology, a passion for character-based games, and a good eye for character kinematics and animation aesthetics.
• Senior roles would require proven development of retargeting and procedural animation solutions. For example, this could be demonstrated via shipped games or published academic papers.

SKILLS

• Knowledge of character animation technology, particularly procedural animation, motion matching and IK/retargeting systems.
• Strong C/C++ programming skills.
• 3D mathematics background.
• Good communication skills with the ability to clearly share complex technical information with other programmers, animators, designers, and technical artists.

PLUSES

Please note that these are desirable skills and are not required to apply for the position.

• C# programming skills.
• Experience developing within a large existing codebase, collaborating, or working independently within a large team.
• Practical success optimizing or debugging large/complex multithreaded C++ code.
• Experience creating, extending, or working directly with an animation or physics system within a game engine.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply with a resume and cover letter demonstrating how you meet the skills above. If we would like to move forward with your application, a Rockstar recruiter will reach out to you to explain next steps and guide you through the process.

Rockstar is committed to creating a work environment that promotes equal opportunity, dignity and respect. In line with this commitment, Rockstar will provide accommodations to job applicants with disabilities (or on the basis of any other protected ground under human rights legislation) during the recruitment process, as well as to any Rockstar employees in order for them to perform the essential functions of their roles. Rockstar will comply with its obligations under the Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and will provide accommodations as long as such accommodations do not pose an undue hardship on Rockstar. If you need more information about Rockstar’s accommodation policies or process, or need to request an accommodation, please contact the Human Resources Department.

If you’ve got the right skills for the job, we want to hear from you. We encourage applications from all suitable candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief, race, or any other protected category.

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