Lead Gameplay Animation Programmer

Cloud Imperium Games; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cloud Imperium Games is seeking a Lead Gameplay Animation Programmer to drive the team in delivering high fidelity animated characters, vehicles and environments within Star Citizen's expansive universe.

You will oversee design and implementation of robust, scalable code, mentor other animation programmers and collaborate closely with animators on asset pipelines and complex transitions to ensure top-tier fidelity.

Qualifications

• Must have a programming background in animation and managerial duties.
• Strong 3D math and animation skills, including run-time rigging and layer blending.
• Experience delivering robust, scalable game animation systems.
• Ability to explain technical solutions to multiple disciplines.
• Collaborative mindset in a co-located team.
• Passion for making games and pushing animation fidelity.

Responsibilities

• Oversee design and implementation of reliable, scalable animation code.
• Document and peer review technical designs across multiple teams.
• Mentor and support career progression for other animation programmers.
• Collaborate with animators on asset pipelines and transitions.
• Drive engineering practices and push innovative approaches.

Skills

Animation programming

Team leadership

3D math

Procedural solutions

Run-time rigging

Job description

In our bespoke, ground-breaking, multi-threaded engine the Lead Gameplay Animation Programmer is instrumental in driving the team to deliver high fidelity animated characters, vehicles, and environments in a large-scale interactive universe.

Whether it is working on customisable run-time rigged faces using our DNA system, researching seamless transitions via motion matching of large amounts of motion captured data or leveraging physicalized reactions together with animation driven ragdolls; the goal is always to be as ambitious as possible with focus on up-to-date technology, scalability for our massive scope and attention to every detail.

Founded in 2012, Cloud Imperium Games creates cutting-edge videogames that defy expectations. We're currently developing Star Citizen, a record-breaking multiplayer online space sim, and Squadron 42, a cinematic single-player adventure set in the same universe. Join us as we break boundaries and make videogame history.

What do our Lead Gameplay Animation Programmers do?

• Overseeing the design and implementation well-engineered, reliable, scalable and robust code.
• Document and peer review technical designs across several multi-disciplinary teams.
• Provide mentorship, day-to-day management and career progression support for other animation programmers.
• Working closely with animators to assist with asset pipeline, provide access to procedural solutions, handle complex transition flows and ensure end result achieves expected fidelity.
• Driving engineering principles and practices for your team, pushing boundaries and promoting new innovative ways of working.

What do we look for?

• A true passion for making games is a must with a keen interest in animation, and we would also like it if you:
• A programming background in animation, with a history of managerial duties.
• Proficiency in 3D math and 3D animation, including procedural solutions, run-time rigging, layer blending and optimization.
• Work well in a co-located yet collaborative team environment.
• Be friendly and approachable for all team members, all roles and levels.
• Can explain and present technical solutions to all disciplines.

At Cloud Imperium Games we are looking for several Animation Programmers with various levels of experience - from junior all the way to senior, and beyond! Therefore, if our Animation team sounds like your perfect fit.

Diversity Statement

CIG is a global company, staunchly committed to cultivating a culture and workplace that celebrates all backgrounds, lifestyles, and perspectives. Together, we are creating a space where authentic recognition, appreciation, and understanding of the importance of diversity is fostered by everyone. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strive to build a team that represents all walks of life, and we want every employee to bring all the things that make them unique to the work environment. The universe is as vast and varied as the people in it, and it's our differences that make it special.