Senior Animation Engineer

Companion Group; United States; Remote; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Companion Group is a AAA co-development gaming studio with a globally distributed and fully remote setup, renowned for tackling intricate multiplayer challenges. As a Senior Animation Engineer, you’ll be at the heart of crafting multiplayer experiences, collaborating with developers, designers, and artists to build robust systems, optimize performance, and deliver smooth networked gameplay.

You will architect and implement multiplayer-ready animation systems in Unreal Engine, write elegant C++

Qualifications

• 6+ years of Unreal Engine experience.
• Advanced C++ programming skills (C++17/20).
• Strong knowledge of client-server game architecture.
• Solid understanding of data structures and algorithms.
• Experience with online services and backend integration.

Responsibilities

• Architect, implement, and refine cutting-edge multiplayer-ready animation systems in and outside of the Unreal Engine.
• Produce elegant, efficient, and maintainable C++ code.
• Leverage expert-level understanding of data structures and algorithms to solve interesting challenges.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative animation experiences.
• Contribute to the development of scalable and robust networking solutions.

Skills

Unreal Engine

C++ programming

Client-Server architecture

DSA / data structures

Online services

GAS (Gameplay Abilities System)

ECS

AI systems (Behaviour Trees)

Cloud providers (AWS/Azure/GCP)

Cross-team collaboration

Tools

Azure PlayFab

AccelByte

Job description

Companion Group is a AAA co-development gaming studio with a globally distributed and fully remote setup, renowned for its adeptness in overcoming the most intricate challenges in multiplayer game development. Our reputation precedes us as an excellent choice for clients aspiring to elevate their latest multiplayer titles, enabling scalability in player numbers, maximising player density, and crafting immersive gameplay experiences. Embedded seamlessly within a client's in-house team, we collaborate harmoniously to turn dreams into reality. Our portfolio boasts groundbreaking games developed in collaboration with major studios worldwide. As a fully remote studio with colleagues across the globe, we value and emphasise clear, continuous, and transparent communication as highly as technical skills.

As a Senior Animation Engineer, you’ll be at the heart of crafting exceptional multiplayer experiences. You will work closely with a talented team of developers, designers, and artists to build robust systems, optimise performance, and deliver seamless networked gameplay. Your expertise will drive critical aspects of our technology stack, ensuring players enjoy smooth, immersive, and memorable experiences.

• Architect, implement, and refine cutting-edge multiplayer-ready animation systems in and outside of the Unreal Engine

• Produce elegant, efficient, and maintainable C++ code

• Leverage expert-level understanding of data structures and algorithms to solve interesting challenges

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative animation experiences

• Contribute to the development of scalable and robust networking solutions

• Tackle and resolve intricate technical hurdles in complex multiplayer games

  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills

  • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail

  • 6+ years of experience in the Unreal Engine

  • Experience with at least one proprietary game engine (C/C++ OOP/ECS)

  • Deep understanding of Client-Server Game Architecture (e.g. Client-side prediction, Server reconciliation, Lag compensation, Entity Interpolation etc.)

  • Excellent C++ programming skills, including proficiency in modern C++ standards (C++17 and C++20) and their application in diverse contexts beyond Unreal Engine, such as systems programming, network programming, etc.

  • Deep expertise in common data structures and algorithms (DSA)

  • Experience with Online Services (e.g. GBaaS solutions (e.g. Azure Playfab, AccelByte AGS), Custom Game Backend Integration/Development, Toxicity Management Platforms, etc.)

  • Experience with UE’s Gameplay Abilities System (GAS)

What makes you stand out

• Experience with Entity Component Systems (ECS) (e.g. flecs.dev)

• Experience with AI (Behaviour Trees, State Trees, UtilityAI Systems)

• Experience with one or more Cloud Providers (AWS, Azure, GCP, etc.)

• Familiarity with scripting languages and tools development (e.g. Lua, Python, Javascript)

• Familiarity with one other programming language (e.g. Rust, Golang)

• Experience with Host-Migration and Seamless-Server Transitions