Lead Gameplay Animation Programmer

Cloud Imperium Games; Manchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Cloud Imperium Games in Manchester seeks a Lead Gameplay Animation Programmer to drive a team delivering high fidelity animated characters, vehicles, and environments in a large-scale interactive universe.

You will oversee design/implementation, mentor other programmers, and collaborate on asset pipelines to push innovative techniques such as procedural solutions, runtime rigging, and advanced 3D math to achieve top fidelity and performance.

Qualifications

• A passion for making games with a keen interest in animation.
• Programming background in animation with managerial duties.
• Proficiency in 3D math and 3D animation, including procedural solutions and runtime rigging.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing the design and implementation of well-engineered, scalable code.
• Document and peer review technical designs across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Provide mentorship and career progression support for other animation programmers.
• Work with animators to assist asset pipeline, provide procedural solutions, and handle complex transitions.
• Drive engineering principles and push innovative ways of working.

Skills

Animation programming

3D math

Procedural solutions

Runtime rigging

Layer blending

Optimization

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 physicalised 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.