Lead Technical Animator

2K Czech; Brighton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent gaming studio in Brighton is seeking a Lead Technical Animator to oversee character animation integration into gameplay systems. This hands-on role requires a leader to ensure that animations are responsive and of high quality. The ideal candidate will guide a team, develop animation workflows, and collaborate with co-development partners to enhance gameplay experience. Extensive experience in Unreal Engine is essential. Competitive benefits and a creative work environment await you.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience with character animation integration in Unreal Engine.
• Expert knowledge of Blueprints and Animation Systems.
• Strong understanding of character movement and player responsiveness.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of technical animators.
• Implement and optimize gameplay animation systems.
• Collaborate with designers and engineers.

Skills

Integrating character animation into gameplay

Unreal Animation systems knowledge

Understanding of gameplay mechanics

Collaboration with design

Gameplay prototyping

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent communication skills

Tools

Unreal Engine

MotionBuilder

Maya

Job description

Job Title

Lead Technical Animator

Department

Technical Art

Location(s)

Brighton (preferred) Brno Prague

Reports To

Associate Director Technical Animation

Job Type (Permanent fixed term internship)

Permanent

Who We Are

Hangar 13 is an internal 2K development studio that crafts unforgettable AAA gaming experiences across all major platforms. With studios in Brighton (UK) Brno and Prague (CZ) we work as one team to bring to life narrative‑rich games that keep players immersed. Each of our locations provides the opportunity to work with some of the most talented developers in the industry on creatively challenging and exciting projects in a diverse and welcoming environment.

Job Summary

We’re looking for a Lead Technical Animator to oversee the integration of character animations into gameplay systems ensuring animations are responsive, high‑quality and aligned with the project’s creative and technical goals. As a bridge between animation design and engineering this role ensures animation systems enhance gameplay feel and performance across the entire player experience. The hands‑on leader guides a team of technical animators, develops efficient animation workflows and tackles complex runtime challenges in Unreal. In addition to leading internal team members you will oversee and collaborate with external co‑development partners, ensuring their work aligns with our creative vision, technical standards and production goals.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and support a team of technical animators fostering both individual development and strong project delivery.
• Design, implement and optimize gameplay animation systems using Unreal Engine tools such as Animation Blueprints, Motion Matching, State Machines and Control Rig.
• Integrate and refine character animations to ensure responsiveness, fluid transitions and strong gameplay feel in real‑time environments.
• Collaborate closely with designers, animators and engineers to align animation systems with gameplay mechanics and design intent.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex animation‑related issues to maintain performance stability and visual quality.
• Translate creative and technical goals into clear, achievable animation system designs and scoped deliverables.
• Champion best practices across departments, ensuring alignment and knowledge sharing on technical animation standards.
• Collaborate with and provide feedback to animation co‑dev / outsourcing partners.

Essential Skills, Attributes and Experience

• Extensive experience integrating character animation into gameplay within Unreal Engine.
• Expert knowledge of Unreal Animation systems including Blueprints, State Machines, Control Rig and Sequencer.
• Strong understanding of gameplay mechanics, character movement and player responsiveness.
• Proven ability to collaborate with design to enhance gameplay feel and support feature development.
• Experience in gameplay prototyping, iteration and system design.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills for diagnosing and resolving runtime animation issues.
• Excellent communication and cross‑disciplinary collaboration skills.

Highly Desirable

• Familiarity with C and Python for animation workflow tools or automation.
• Ability to animate using motion capture (MotionBuilder) or keyframe animation in Maya.
• Experience leading technical animation efforts on a large‑scale or open‑world project.
• Understanding of performance optimisation for complex animation systems in Unreal Engine.
• Interest in emerging animation technologies, workflows and procedural systems.

Hangar 13 prides itself on the diversity of its team members, partners and communities. For this reason we remain committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all aspects of the employment relationship from recruitment and hiring through compensation, benefits, discipline and termination.

As an equal opportunity employer we are also committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations(s) to participate in the job application and / or interview process to perform their essential job functions and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need to request reasonable accommodation.

SECURITY NOTICE - We have recently been made aware of increasing occurrences of bad actors posing as company HR personnel to gain information from potential candidates in the form of job interviews and offers. These scams can be quite sophisticated and appear legitimate.

Please know that Hangar 13 and 2K never use instant messaging apps to contact prospective employees or to conduct interviews.

If you believe you have been a victim of such a scam you may fill out a complaint form at and detailing as much as possible. We are taking these matters very seriously and apologize for any inconvenience.