Senior Technical Animator

The Senior Technical Animator (Gameplay) integrates character animations into gameplay systems, ensuring they are responsive, visually polished, and aligned with game design. This role involves working with animators, designers, and engineers to create efficient and scalable animation systems for smooth player interaction. As a key technical contributor, they develop workflows, troubleshoot runtime issues, and ensure animation systems meet artistic and technical standards.

Must Have

• Integrate and optimise character animations for gameplay.
• Design, build, and maintain animation systems using Unreal Engine tools.
• Collaborate with animators, designers, and engineers on animation solutions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex animation and runtime issues.
• Communicate technical requirements and best practices cross-discipline.
• Translate design goals into achievable animation features.
• Contribute to improving animation workflows, pipelines, and tools.
• Collaborate with and provide feedback to animation co-dev/outsourcing partners.

Good to Have

• Proficiency in C++ or Python for workflow tools.
• Ability to animate using motion capture (MotionBuilder) or keyframe animation in Maya.
• Experience developing complex animation systems in large-scale game projects.
• Knowledge of performance optimisation for animation in Unreal Engine.
• Interest in emerging animation technologies and real-time procedural systems.

Who We Are

Hangar 13 is an internal 2K development studio that crafts unforgettable AAA gaming experiences across all major platforms . With studios in Brighton (UK), Brno, and Prague (CZ), we work as one team to bring to life narrative-rich games that keep players immersed. Each of our locations provides the opportunity to work with some of the most talented developers in the industry, on creatively challenging and exciting projects, in a diverse and welcoming environment.

Job Summary

The Senior Technical Animator (Gameplay) is responsible for integrating character animations into gameplay systems, ensuring they are responsive, visually polished, and aligned with the game’s design intent. Working closely with animators, designers, and engineers, this role creates efficient and scalable animation systems that support smooth player interaction and a cohesive gameplay experience. As a key technical contributor, the Senior Technical Animator develops workflows, troubleshoots runtime issues, and ensures animation systems meet both artistic and technical standards.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Integrate and optimise character animations for gameplay, ensuring responsiveness and fluid transitions in real-time environments.
• Design, build, and maintain animation systems using Unreal Engine tools such as Blueprints, Motion Matching, State Machines, and Control Rig.
• Collaborate with animators, designers, and engineers to align animation solutions with gameplay mechanics and player experience goals.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex animation and runtime issues to maintain performance and stability.
• Support cross-discipline collaboration by clearly communicating technical requirements and best practices.
• Translate design and creative goals into well-scoped, technically achievable animation features.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of animation workflows, pipelines, and tools.
• Collaborate with and provide feedback to animation co-dev/outsourcing partners.

Essential Skills, Attributes and Experience

• Professional experience integrating animation into gameplay within Unreal Engine.
• Expert knowledge of Unreal Animation systems, including Blueprints, State Machines, Control Rig, and Sequencer.
• Strong understanding of gameplay mechanics, character movement, and player responsiveness.
• Proven ability to collaborate with design to enhance gameplay feel and visual quality.
• Experience in gameplay prototyping, iteration, and feature implementation.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve complex technical animation issues.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and cross-disciplinary collaboration skills.

Highly Desirable

• Proficiency in C++ or Python for workflow tools and automation.
• Ability to animate using motion capture (MotionBuilder) or keyframe animation in Maya.
• Experience developing or maintaining complex animation systems in large-scale game projects.
• Knowledge of performance optimisation for animation in Unreal Engine.
• Interest in emerging animation technologies and real-time procedural systems.