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.
- Other info: Mentorship opportunities available; contribute to a positive team culture.
- 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.
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
Skillsearch is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the rapidly evolving AI sector. With hybrid working arrangements, competitive salaries, and performance incentives, employees are empowered to thrive while enjoying substantial career progression opportunities. Joining Skillsearch means being part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to driving meaningful growth across the UK and EMEA markets.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Gameplay Programmer (Animation)
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Gameplay Programmer (Animation)
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