Senior Gameplay Animation Programmer

Cloud Imperium Games; Manchester; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cloud Imperium Games seeks a Senior Gameplay Animation Programmer to design and implement robust animation systems for high fidelity characters, vehicles, and environments in Star Citizen's expansive universe.

You will collaborate with animators and cross-functional teams to deliver seamless transitions, rigging, and procedural solutions while mentoring others in engineering practices and scalable approaches.

Qualifications

• Proficiency with C++ in a large shared codebase.
• Strong understanding of 3D math and 3D animation.
• Experience with run-time rigging and layer blending.
• Knowledge of motion systems and animation pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain reliable, scalable animation code.
• Document and peer review technical designs across multidisciplinary teams.
• Collaborate with animators to support asset pipelines and transitions.
• Lead with engineering principles, promote innovative ways of working.

Skills

C++

3D math

3D animation

run-time rigging

animation systems

team collaboration

Job description

In our bespoke, ground-breaking, multi-threaded engine the Senior 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 Senior Gameplay Animation Programmers do?

• Designing and implementing well-engineered, reliable, scalable and robust code.
• Document and peer review technical designs across several multi-disciplinary teams.
• Collaborating with team members, including mentoring, and other cross-functional disciplines to develop various animation systems.
• 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:

• Comfort working with C++ in a large, shared codebase, including testing, code-reviews and source-control.
• 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.

Fraud Statement

We are aware of people receiving job offers that fraudulently allege to be from CIG. These types of fraud can be carried out through false websites, fake email addresses claiming to be from our company, or social media. We do not ask for your personal info like bank account numbers, identification numbers, etc through social media or chat-based apps, nor do we request or send money for the purchase of business equipment.

If you suspect fraud, please report it to your local authorities, as well as reaching out to us at info[@]cloudimperiumgames.com with any information you may have.