Senior Technical Animation Designer

31Stunion; San Mateo (CA); On-site; USD 108,900 - 161,160; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Paid vacation time

Wellbeing programs

Commuter benefits

Job summary

31Stunion, located in California, is seeking a Senior Technical Animation Designer to design, create, and maintain animation systems that drive our gameplay motion. You will work closely with animation and engineering teams to deliver cohesive animations that enhance player experience.

Ideal candidates will have at least 4 years of animation experience in Maya and familiarity with Unreal Engine, along with strong problem-solving skills. The role includes a range of employee benefits and opportunities for bonuses.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of professional animation experience.
• Strong understanding of third-person shooter mechanics.
• Experience with procedural animation tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain animation systems driving gameplay.
• Collaborate with Animation, Engineering, and Design teams.
• Provide mentorship to junior animators.

Skills

Maya

Unreal Engine

Animation tools

Problem-solving

Communication

Tools

IK

Control Rig

Blueprints

C++

Job description

WE ARE GAME MAKERS

We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and inspired by a culture of inclusivity to build amazing games that thrill players everywhere. We pursue growth and innovation in an environment of safety and trust. Our culture is built on the belief that the more varied voices in our collective will strengthen our team and our games. We are looking for our next teammate who will raise our bar and make us better.

Who We Are:

We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and inspired by a culture of inclusivity to build amazing games that thrill players everywhere. We pursue growth and innovation in an environment of safety and trust. Our culture is built on the belief that the more varied voices in our collective will strengthen our team and our games. We are looking for our next teammate who will raise our bar and make us better.

What We Need:

We are looking for a Senior Technical Animation Designer to be responsible for designing, creating, and maintaining animation systems that drive the gameplay motion of our characters. This will include features that support major gameplay mechanics, such as locomotion and abilities, UI selection animations, and procedural solutions.

You will be a communication hub in addition to the technical aspect of the job. You’ll need to ensure that everyone has the information they need to be successful. This role is focused on technical animation, but will also work with design and engineering teams to translate needs across those subject areas.

Who You Are:

• Collaborate closely with teams across Animation, Engineering, and Design to help deliver a cohesive, high-quality animation style that supports an immersive gameplay experience.
• Work with key stakeholders to define goals and implement scalable solutions that streamline animation content creation and integration.
• Take initiative in building and refining animation systems, carefully balancing performance needs with desired in-game behaviors.
• Provide and offer technical support and mentorship to animators, contributing to their development while promoting effective cross-disciplinary communication.
• Regularly document processes and share insights to help improve team workflows and knowledge sharing.

What Will Make You a Great Fit:

• Shipped at least one AAA title with 4+ years of professional animation experience in Maya.
• Strong understanding of third‑person shooter mechanics and in‑engine animation systems (state machines, blendspaces, animation graphs).
• Proficient with run‑time and procedural animation tools such as IK, Control Rig, retargeting, ragdolls, and motion matching.
• Experienced in Unreal Engine (2+ years), including scripting with Blueprints and/or C++, and solid foundation in vector math and code concepts.
• Skilled at bridging disciplines with strong problem‑solving and communication abilities.
• Continuously up to date with the latest in Unreal, Maya, and animation technologies; portfolio demonstrating expertise.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $108,900 and $161,160 per year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job‑related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.

Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program.

Regular, full‑time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company’s discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness‑related expenses. Ontario only: The use of Artificial Intelligence is not being used to screen candidates. The position is for an existing vacancy.

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