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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and maintain animation systems for characters in a major open world survival game.
- Company: Join a respected UK games studio known for innovative multiplayer titles.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility with occasional onsite collaboration in a vibrant gaming hub.
- Why this job: Shape player experiences through expressive animation in a creative, collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Significant animation programming experience, advanced C++ skills, and familiarity with Unreal Engine.
- Other info: Mentorship opportunities available; contribute to a positive team culture.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Overview
Recruiting talented programmers within the gaming and interactive industries.
Senior Gameplay Engineer (Animation) – AAA Multiplayer Title – Remote (UK) / Occasional Onsite
Skillsearch is excited to be partnering with a highly respected UK games studio to recruit a Senior Gameplay Engineer specialising in animation for a major new open world survival crafting game, currently in early access and developed in Unreal Engine 5.
This is a key role in the project, where you will take ownership of core animation systems that power movement, combat, spells, emotes, AI and more. Your work will ensure characters and creatures feel alive, responsive and seamlessly integrated with the gameplay. Working hand in hand with animators, technical artists, and fellow engineers, you will help shape the player experience through expressive animation and robust technical design.
The studio supports remote work across the UK, with only occasional on site days at their HQ in one of the UK’s leading games development hubs.
Key responsibilities
- Develop and maintain high quality animation systems covering character movement, combat, spells, emotes, AI behaviours, IK systems, and NPCs
- Build tools and pipelines to streamline animation workflows, improving team efficiency and content quality
- Partner with animators and technical animators to define best practices, automate repetitive processes, and support creative iteration
- Write clean, maintainable C++ code that aligns with gameplay requirements and technical standards
- Collaborate with gameplay engineers to create modular interfaces and contribute to architectural design
- Mentor and support junior engineers through code reviews, knowledge sharing, and technical guidance
- Proactively identify opportunities for improvements in animation quality and performance
- Occasionally contribute to broader gameplay features to support cross discipline work
What we are looking for
- Significant experience in animation programming and the ambition to act as a subject matter expert in this area
- Proven success implementing complex animation and gameplay features in multiplayer games
- Advanced C++ skills, ideally with Unreal Engine 4 or 5 experience, plus familiarity with other languages such as C# or Python
- Strong understanding of performance profiling, optimisation, and robust software architecture
- Knowledge of animation pipelines involving Maya or similar tools
- Confident with source control systems such as Perforce
- Able to mentor and guide team members, contributing to a positive and collaborative culture
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a remote-friendly environment
- A genuine passion for creating high quality player experiences
Seniority level
- Mid-Senior level
Employment type
- Full-time
Industries
- Computer Games
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Senior Gameplay Programmer (Animation) employer: Skillsearch
Contact Detail:
Skillsearch Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Gameplay Programmer (Animation)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Unreal Engine 5 and its animation systems. Since this role specifically requires expertise in animation programming within Unreal, having hands-on experience or even personal projects showcasing your skills can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the gaming community, especially forums and groups focused on animation programming. Networking with other professionals can provide insights into industry trends and may lead to valuable connections that could help you land the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous projects in detail, particularly those involving multiplayer games. Be ready to explain your role in implementing complex animation features and how you collaborated with other team members to enhance player experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your mentoring abilities by highlighting any experience you've had guiding junior engineers. This is a key aspect of the role, so demonstrating your leadership skills will be crucial in making a strong impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Gameplay Programmer (Animation)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in animation programming, particularly with Unreal Engine 4 or 5. Include specific examples of complex animation and gameplay features you've implemented in multiplayer games.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for creating high-quality player experiences. Mention your ability to mentor junior engineers and your collaborative approach to working with animators and technical artists.
Showcase Relevant Projects: If possible, include links to your portfolio or GitHub showcasing relevant projects that demonstrate your skills in C++ and animation systems. Highlight any tools or pipelines you've built to improve team efficiency.
Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your understanding of performance profiling, optimisation, and robust software architecture during the interview process. Prepare examples of how you've identified opportunities for improvement in past projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at Skillsearch
✨Showcase Your Animation Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience with animation programming in detail. Highlight specific projects where you implemented complex animation features, especially in multiplayer games, and explain the impact of your work on player experience.
✨Demonstrate C++ Proficiency
Since advanced C++ skills are crucial for this role, brush up on your coding knowledge. Be ready to solve coding challenges or discuss your approach to writing clean, maintainable code, particularly in the context of Unreal Engine 4 or 5.
✨Prepare for Technical Collaboration
This position requires working closely with animators and technical artists. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with other disciplines, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to a positive team culture while mentoring junior engineers.
✨Understand Animation Pipelines
Familiarise yourself with animation pipelines involving tools like Maya. Be prepared to discuss how you have streamlined workflows in the past and any best practices you would recommend to improve efficiency and content quality in animation systems.
