Lead Animation Developer

Jobtailor; Cergy; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in France is seeking a Lead Animation Developer to design, implement, and optimize AAA-quality animation systems using Unreal Engine. You will work closely with animators, artists, designers, and gameplay programmers to establish team strategy and ensure top-tier integration with gameplay and physics.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in a Lead role, 3+ years in runtime animation for gameplay, strong C++ skills, and fluent English and French.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in a Lead position (mandatory).
• 3+ years in runtime animation development for gameplay.
• Strong programming knowledge, especially in C++ and OOP.
• Good understanding of the code impact on performance and memory utilization.
• Familiar with modern game engine architectures and Unreal Engine animation features.
• Experience in Agile environments, supporting self-organization and cross-functional collaboration.
• Fluent in French and English, both written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Designing, developing, and maintaining AAA-quality animation systems in Unreal Engine or other engines.
• Collaborating with animators, technical artists, and gameplay programmers.
• Guiding the team with strategy and direction for animation developers.
• Coordinating with Technical Directors on project progress and objectives.
• Driving tools and engine features for animation blending, state machines, motion matching, IK, and retargeting.
• Ensuring smooth integration between gameplay, physics, and animation systems.
• Working with gameplay, art, design, and production teams for high-quality integration.

Skills

Lead experience

Animation runtime development

C++ programming

OOP

Strong communication

English & French fluency

Tools

Unreal Engine

Job description

Responsibilities

• Designing, developing, and maintaining AAA-quality animation systems in Unreal Engine or other proprietary engines
• Working closely with animators, technical artists, and gameplay programmers
• Establishing guidance and strategy for the team of talented animation developers
• Coordinating closely with Technical Directors to align on project progress and objectives
• Driving the implementation of tools and engine features for systems like animation blending, state machines, motion matching, IK, and runtime retargeting
• Ensuring smooth integration between gameplay and physics feedback and the animation systems
• Collaborating with other teams (gameplay, art, design, production) to ensure high-quality integration and responsiveness

Requirements

• 5+ years in a Lead position (mandatory)
• 3+ years in runtime animation development for gameplay or equivalent
• Strong programming knowledge, especially in C++ and OOP logic
• Good understanding of the code impact on performance and memory utilization
• Familiar with modern game engine architectures
• Experienced in managing and delivering features in an Agile environment, leveraging and supporting team self‑organization, promoting lean processes, and cross‑functional collaboration
• Familiar with Unreal Engine and its animation features
• Autonomous, efficient, and proactive attitude
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Fluent in French and English, both written and spoken.