Senior Gameplay Animation Programmer

5 Months ago • 1-2 Years • Animation

Job Summary

Job Description

The Senior Gameplay Animation Programmer at Cloud Imperium Games plays a crucial role in developing high-fidelity animated characters, vehicles, and environments for their large-scale space simulations, Star Citizen and Squadron 42. Responsibilities include designing and implementing robust and scalable code, collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams (including mentoring), working closely with animators on asset pipelines and procedural solutions, and driving engineering best practices. The ideal candidate will have a passion for game development, expertise in C++, 3D math and animation, and a collaborative spirit. The work involves custom runtime rigged faces, motion matching, physicalized reactions, and ragdolls, always aiming for ambitious, high-fidelity results.
Must have:
  • Passion for game development and animation
  • C++ proficiency in large codebases
  • 3D math & animation expertise (procedural solutions, rigging)
  • Collaboration & technical communication skills

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.

In our bespoke, ground-breaking, multi-threaded engine the Senior Gameplay Animation Programmer is instrumental in driving the team to deliver high fidelity animated characters, vehicles, and environments in a large-scale interactive universe. 

Whether it is working on customisable run-time rigged faces using our DNA system, researching seamless transitions via motion matching of large amounts of motion captured data or leveraging physicalized reactions together with animation driven ragdolls; the goal is always to be as ambitious as possible with focus on up-to-date technology, scalability for our massive scope and attention to every detail. 

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. 

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

What do our Senior Gameplay Animation Programmers do? 

Although the Senior Gameplay Animation Programmer role is quite varied, the responsibilities boil down to five main areas: 

  • Designing and implementing well-engineered, reliable, scalable and robust code. 

  • Document and peer review technical designs across several multi-disciplinary teams. 

  • Collaborating with team members, including mentoring, and other cross-functional disciplines to develop various animation systems.

  • Working closely with animators to assist with asset pipeline, provide access to procedural solutions, handle complex transition flows and ensure end result achieves expected fidelity. Driving engineering principles and practices for your team, pushing boundaries and promoting new innovative ways of working. 

What do we look for? 

A true passion for making games is a must with a keen interest in animation, and we would also like it if you: 

  • Comfort working with C++ in a large, shared codebase, including testing, code-reviews and source-control. 

  • Proficiency in 3D math and 3D animation, including procedural solutions, run-time rigging, layer blending and optimization. 

  • Work well in a co-located yet collaborative team environment. 

  • Be friendly and approachable for all team members, all roles and levels. 

  • Can explain and present technical solutions to all disciplines. 

At Cloud Imperium Games we are looking for several Animation Programmers with various levels of experience – from junior all the way to senior, and beyond! Therefore, if our Animation team sounds like your perfect fit, please apply immediately!

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)

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Manchester, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)

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