Animation Systems Programmer

Epic Games; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 167,399 - 245,519; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Premium health coverage for you and/or

Unlimited PTO and sick time

Paid sabbatical after 7 years

401(k) with competitive match

Job summary

Epic Games seeks an experienced Animation Systems Programmer for the Special Projects team. You will develop, optimize, and maintain core animation systems within Unreal Engine, ensuring high-quality, efficient animation across projects.

Work with Animation, Design, and Engineering to push the boundaries of real-time graphics and explore new techniques, while mentoring peers and driving performance improvements.

Qualifications

• Experience in core animation systems within real-time graphics.
• Strong C++ coding ability with performance focus.
• Collaborative work across Animation, Design, and Engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Architect, implement, and maintain core animation systems used across the Special Projects team.
• Collaborate with engineers, animators, designers, and partners across time zones.
• Write technical documentation and designs for animation systems.
• Research and develop innovative animation techniques for real-time production.

Skills

C++ programming

Linear algebra

Rigging systems

Animation state machines

Multi-threaded programming

Application-level scripting

Communication skills

ML/AI awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related

Tools

Unreal Engine

Job description

What Makes Us Epic?

At the core of Epic’s success are talented, passionate people. Epic prides itself on creating a collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment. Whether it’s building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences, we’re always innovating.

Being Epic means being a part of a team that continually strives to do right by our community and users. We’re constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development.

Engineering – Special Projects

What We Do

The Special Projects team at Epic is responsible for executing high‑impact projects that push the envelope to define the future of real‑time graphics and gaming technology (The Matrix Awakens, Lumen in the Land of Nanite). In collaboration with the Unreal Engine team, we strive to put our technology and knowledge into the hands of users, empowering developers and content creators with the most powerful suite of real‑time tools in the world.

What You’ll Do

Epic Games is looking for an experienced Animation Systems Programmer for our Special Projects team. As a member of our team, you will play a critical role in driving future projects that push boundaries, explore new technology, and help define the future of Unreal Engine. You will be responsible for developing, enhancing, optimizing, and maintaining the core animation systems and will work closely with Animation, Design, and Engineering colleagues to ensure characterful and entertaining animation that is efficient and performant. You will also help identify potential issues and deploy correct solutions, using your technical knowledge to help bridge and facilitate communication between the animation team and other departments.

In This Role, You Will

• Architect, implement, and maintain core animation systems used across the Special Projects team
• Work closely with other engineers, animators, technical animators, product designers, leads and external technology partners across multiple teams and time zones
• Write technical documentation and designs
• Conduct exploratory research to pioneer and develop innovative animation systems and techniques that push the boundaries of what is possible in real‑time production

What We’re Looking For

• Extensive experience writing C++ applications
• Excellent linear algebra skills and applications of linear algebra in software
• Experience with rigging systems, animation state machines, low‑level animation systems, physics‑based, procedural, and/or IK animation systems
• Experience with multi‑threaded programming and system tasks such as graphics, audio, I/O, networking, memory handling, debuggers, etc.
• Experience with application‑level programming, such as script compilers and user‑facing tools
• Strong artistic intuition and an eye for quality animation; as technical tooling becomes more advanced, you prioritize the visual "feel" of the animation to ensure it meets the highest standards
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, self‑motivated, and able to work independently
• Creativity in problem‑solving and the ability to think outside of the established solutions
• Knowledge of ML/AI and its potential applications
• Someone who is user‑focused, passionate, solutions‑focused, and innovative. These traits equal success at Epic and influence everything we do

Job + Benefits

Our intent is to cover all things that are medically necessary and improve the quality of life. We pay 100% of the premiums for both you and your dependents. Our coverage includes Medical, Dental, a Vision HRA, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance & a 401(k) with competitive match. We also offer a robust mental well‑being program through Modern Health, which provides free therapy and coaching for employees & dependents. Throughout the year we celebrate our employees with events and company‑wide paid breaks. We offer unlimited PTO and sick time and recognize individuals for 7 years of employment with a paid sabbatical.

California Base Pay Range

$167,399—$245,519 USD

About Us

Epic Games is a leading interactive entertainment company. For over 30 years we've been making award‑winning games and engine technology that empowers others to make visually stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award‑winning Unreal Engine technology not only provides game developers the ability to build high‑fidelity, interactive experiences for PC, console, mobile, and VR, it is also a tool being embraced by content creators across a variety of industries such as media and entertainment, automotive, and architectural design. As we continue to build our Engine technology and develop remarkable games, we strive to build teams of world‑class talent.

Like What You Hear?

Epic Games deeply values diverse teams and an inclusive work culture, and we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Learn more about our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy here.

Epic does not accept any unsolicited resumes or approaches from any unauthorized third party (including recruitment or placement agencies) (i.e., a third party with whom we do not have a negotiated and validly executed agreement). We will not pay any fees to any unauthorized third party. Further details on these matters can be found here.