Cinematic Animator

2 Weeks ago • All levels • Animation

Job Summary

Job Description

As a Cinematic Animator at Cloud Imperium Games, you'll be a key part of bringing the Squadron 42 narrative to life. Working with a team of animators and cinematic designers, you will animate performances from top actors, creating scenes with multiple branching options and integrating them seamlessly into the game. Responsibilities include working with motion capture data, creating realistic and fluid animations, collaborating with various teams (Narrative, Level Design, Art, etc.), identifying and solving technical challenges, and ensuring performance and animations align with performance capture and game requirements. Experience with Maya, MotionBuilder, and other animation software is essential. The role demands collaboration, problem-solving, and a passion for pushing animation to the next level.
Must have:
  • Game animation experience (current/next-gen consoles)
  • Proficiency in Maya, MotionBuilder
  • Fluid, realistic animation skills
  • Collaboration & problem-solving
  • Technical risk identification & solution creation

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 a Cinematic Animator, you will be part of a team of Animators and Cinematic Designers dedicated to bringing to life the performances of some of the best actors in the industry and tying them into the Squadron 42 narrative. You’ll be developing scenes with multiple branching options, deep and emotional narrative, and exciting action.

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 Cinematics Animators do?

  • Work with the Cinematics team to ensure that performance and animations and their in-game implementation match the intent of the performance capture and game needs.
  • Work with motion capture data for in-game assets to create seamless transitions to/from performance capture.
  • Creating branching animation in collaboration with the cinematic and level designers.
  • Collaborate closely with other teams including Narrative, Level Design, Art, Facial Animation, Characters, Lighting, VFX, UI, Audio, and Production to achieve project objectives.

What do we expect from our Cinematics Animators?

  • Professional experience in game animation development, ideally on current/next-gen consoles.
  • Ability to be self-reliant and work proactively and can easily adapt to new pipelines and tools. 
  • Ability to breakdown complex scenes 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 Cinematics 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)

Frankfurt, Hessen, Germany (On-Site)

Frankfurt, Hessen, Germany (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)

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