Animation Engineer

2K; Middlesbrough; Remote; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading game development company is seeking a software developer specializing in animation systems to work on exciting projects. The role involves collaborating closely with animators and technical artists and integrating new animation technologies. Ideal candidates will have over 4 years of experience, strong skills in C++ and familiarity with animation tools like Maya and Houdini. This remote role offers an initial 12-month contract with potential for extension.

Qualifications

• 4+ years game industry software development experience.
• Knowledge of real-time animation systems.
• Self-motivated with strong collaborative and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Work with the animation systems team to help architect animation technology.
• Integrate new technologies into the engine and pipeline.
• Develop core animation components.

Skills

C++

Real-time animation systems

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science

Tools

Maya

Houdini

Job description

Our Mission

Radical Forge is a Middlesbrough, UK-based developer that has provided co-development services on a range of AAA and indie titles. In 2021, the company created its first original IP, 'Brightpaw', which Rogue Games published on PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One/Series S/X, Google, and iOS. The studio is currently working on the much-anticipated silly, physics-based, sandbox farming game, 'Southfield'.

Since its beginnings in 2017, the company has grown to over 60 incredibly talented, collaborative, and creative individuals. We are the sum of our skills, passion, and, most of all, our people. We firmly believe that treating individuals with genuine respect, understanding, and kindness creates a welcoming culture that allows creativity to thrive and for individuals to join together to create games they are genuinely proud of.

Your Mission

• Work with the animation systems team to help architect animation technology
• Integration of new technologies into the engine and pipeline
• Work with gameplay and provide an interface for them to interact with animation
• Work with the Tools team to create animation tools and pipelines
• Develop core animation components

Ideal Applicant

• 4+ years game industry software development experience
• Knowledge of real-time animation systems
• Experience with one or more real-time animation middleware (e.g.: Havok Animation, Granny, Morpheme) or equivalent custom/in-house solutions
• Experience developing or working with animation blend graphs, real-time IK, animation compression, and/or advanced animation memory
• management (streaming)
• Experience with Digital Content Creation tools such as Maya and Houdini.
• Enjoys working daily with animators and technical artists to help craft solutions to complex problems
• Self-motivated with strong collaborative and communication skills.
• Ability to write clear, maintainable, portable code

Desired Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience
• Robust programming skills/experience in C++
• Generalist experience or prior experience in other core areas of game development, such as UI or gameplay programming
• Experience with animation systems in network games

This role is fully remote.

The role will initially be a 12 month contract with the potential to extend after this.

Interested in the job but don't feel you match the criteria? If you feel passionate about this role or joining the Radical Forge team we would still like to hear from you! We value our company culture, and we’re always looking for creative individuals from a variety of backgrounds to join our team!