Animator

2 Months ago • All levels • Animation

Job Summary

Job Description

As an Animator at Cloud Imperium Games' Manchester studio, you'll be part of a team creating engaging combat and social gameplay for Star Citizen and Squadron 42. Responsibilities include collaborating with designers on animation flowgraphs and behaviors, blocking out animations, assisting with motion capture, editing and implementing motion capture performances, and keyframing actions for players, AI, and creatures. You'll work with various teams across the UK, EU, and USA. The ideal candidate possesses commercial game animation experience (preferably on current/next-gen consoles), proficiency in Maya and MotionBuilder, and a strong understanding of animation fundamentals. The role demands creativity, problem-solving skills, and a collaborative spirit.
Must have:
  • Commercial game animation experience
  • Proficiency in Maya, MotionBuilder
  • Strong animation fundamentals
  • Collaboration skills
  • Problem-solving abilities

Job Details

We are a crowdfunded company and have a dedicated and enthusiastic community of backers who are helping us create the “Best Damn Space Sim Ever”. We want to build the best we can deliver and we believe wholeheartedly in the value of exceptional diverse talent.

As an Animator in our Manchester studio, you will be part of a team of Gameplay Animators and Designers dedicated to developing fun and engaging combat and social gameplay for Players and AI, as well as bringing to life the Universe of Star Citizen and Squadron 42. You’ll be working directly with designers, helping to design animation flowgraphs and behaviours, block-out animations, assist on the mocap set for your actions, and edit and implement high quality motion capture performances, and also keyframe actions for Players, AI, and Creatures!  

Founded in 2012 by renowned game developer Chris Roberts, Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) is one of the largest global independent studios, dedicated to delivering next-generation AAA games. CIG prides itself in thinking outside the box, encouraging creativity and developing ground-breaking technology. CIG believes in raising the bar for the gaming industry and the community as a whole. 

For more information about life at Cloud Imperium Games, check this out - https://youtu.be/cXjp7SRBpIA

What do our Animators do?

  • Work with the Animation team, designers, and programmers to develop and implement fluid, realistic, and solid-playing actions for Players, AI, and Creatures in combat and in social situations.
  • Work with Animation Lead and Director to establish the quality expectations and guidelines within the game engine.
  • Develop motion capture data and keyframe animation for in-game assets.
  • Creating branching animation flowgraphs and designs in collaboration with Animation leadership, designers, and programmers.
  • Work in a collaborative but distributed team environment, frequently communicating with teams in UK, EU and USA.

What do we expect from our Animators?

  • Commercial experience in game animation development, ideally on current/next-gen consoles.
  • Ability to breakdown complex behaviours and gameplay concepts and work collaboratively with designers.
  • Experience with Maya, MotionBuilder, and other equivalent software.
  • Ability to create fluid, smooth, realistic animations with specific demonstration of animation fundamentals.
  • Ability to identify technical and developmental risks and obstacles while creating innovative solutions to overcome them.
  • Eager to challenge your own ideas and those of your peers – we thrive to be the best!

At Cloud Imperium Games we are always keen to speak to Gameplay Animators, therefore if you’re passionate about games and believe you can take our animation to the next level, you may just be our newest Star Citizen!

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.

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!

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About The Company

Cloud Imperium Games is a new kind of independent studio dedicated to delivering AAA experiences outside the established publisher system, founded by Chris Roberts, creator of the best selling Wing Commander and Freelancer series, Cloud Imperium is currently developing Star Citizen, a record-shattering crowd funded title that combines classic space sim gameplay with Hollywood-caliber visuals.


Cloud Imperium aims to pave new ground in game development by sharing the process with the players. Where game development was once hidden, Cloud Imperium has opted to share the process with those backing Star Citizen. Supporters come to know the team and follow them every step of the way as the game created. The community is closely engaged and their feedback Is considered in all aspects of game development, avoiding standard publicity to put Roberts’ epic vision directly in players’ hands.


Cloud Imperium has studios in Los Angeles, California ; Austin, Texas ; Manchester, UK and Frankfurt, Germany.

Manchester, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)

Manchester, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)

Manchester, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)

Manchester, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)

Manchester, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)

Frankfurt Am Main, Hessen, Germany (On-Site)

Frankfurt Am Main, Hessen, Germany (On-Site)

Austin, Texas, United States (On-Site)

Austin, Texas, United States (On-Site)

Manchester, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)

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