At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and implement character physics systems for an exciting boxing game.
- Company: Join a passionate team at SCI, creators of the first major boxing video game in over a decade.
- Benefits: Remote or hybrid work options, collaborative culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a welcoming environment that values creativity and open communication.
- Why this job: Shape the future of gaming with cutting-edge technology and a diverse, talented team.
- Qualifications: Experience with AAA titles in Unreal Engine and strong animation programming skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 € per year.
SCI was born out of passion for video games and boxing, with the ambition to create an authentic and exciting boxing game that does justice to the sport we love. What started as a fun prototype has grown into ‘Undisputed’, the first major boxing video game in over a decade. SCI is a welcoming place for expression and open communication, where everyone has a voice. We’re a diverse bunch, consisting of people with decades of games industry experience, graduates and talented individuals who come from other industries. We all bring knowledge and learn from each other. Together we are driven by ambition to bring the world of boxing into a video game like never before.
The Role
You are a highly experienced Animation Programmer, having worked on AAA titles within Unreal Engine, where you showcased your skills in perfecting physics-driven character animations and seamless integration with animation pipelines to deliver immersive, realistic gameplay experiences. We’re looking for a Senior Animation Programmer to help shape the future of our game. You’ll be responsible for the development of the character animation features for our game, optimising and maintaining the physical simulation and animation integration of our product to AAA fidelity. You will be working in collaboration with a highly talented, diverse team to create world-class character-based gameplay.
Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and maintain our character physics systems using UE's Chaos Physics engine, including rigid-body dynamics, high fidelity impact collisions, and ragdoll effects tailored to realistic human characters.
- Integrate physics with animation systems, utilizing animation montages, blend shapes and IK solvers.
- Optimize fixed-/sub-step physics frames for precise simulations, and procedural animations to achieve lifelike character responses (e.g. punches, dodges, and falls in a 60fps multiplayer boxing match context).
- Collaborate on animation pipelines, incorporating tools like Motion Matching for fluid animation blending, Control Rig for real-time rigging, MetaHuman for high-fidelity character models, and customizing ML Deformers for advanced muscle and skin deformations.
- Optimize general physics and animation performance through LODding and multi-threading or asynchronous strategies, debugging concurrency issues, and ensuring smooth integration.
Senior Animation Programmer (Remote or Hybrid) employer: Steel City Interactive
At SCI, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and inclusive employer that fosters creativity and collaboration in the gaming industry. Our remote and hybrid work options provide flexibility, while our commitment to employee growth ensures that every team member has the opportunity to develop their skills alongside seasoned professionals. Join us in shaping the future of boxing video games in a supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Animation Programmer (Remote or Hybrid)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the gaming industry, especially those who work with animation and Unreal Engine. Join forums, attend virtual meetups, and don’t be shy about sliding into DMs – you never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work in character animations and physics systems. Make sure it’s easy to navigate and showcases your experience with AAA titles. A strong portfolio can speak volumes and set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with Chaos Physics and how you’ve tackled challenges in previous projects. Practice common interview questions and think of examples that demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from passionate candidates. Tailor your application to highlight your experience with animation pipelines and collaboration within diverse teams – it’ll show us you’re a perfect fit for our culture at SCI.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Animation Programmer (Remote or Hybrid)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your experience with AAA titles and Unreal Engine in your application. We want to see how you've perfected physics-driven character animations and integrated them into gameplay, so don’t hold back on the details!
Be Specific About Your Skills:When you describe your skills, be specific about the tools and techniques you've used, like Chaos Physics engine or Motion Matching. We love seeing candidates who can clearly articulate their technical expertise and how it relates to our game development.
Demonstrate Your Passion:Let your passion for gaming and boxing shine through in your application. We’re all about creating an authentic boxing experience, so sharing your enthusiasm for the sport and the gaming industry will definitely catch our eye!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who follow our process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Steel City Interactive
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Unreal Engine and the Chaos Physics engine. Be ready to discuss your previous projects, especially any AAA titles you've worked on. Highlight specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, particularly in character animation and physics integration.
✨Showcase Your Passion
Since SCI is all about creating an authentic boxing game, express your passion for both video games and boxing during the interview. Share any personal experiences or insights that relate to the sport, and how they inspire your work as an Animation Programmer.
✨Collaboration is Key
Emphasise your ability to work within a diverse team. Prepare examples of how you've collaborated with artists, designers, and other programmers in the past. Discuss how you approach feedback and contribute to a positive team dynamic, as this aligns with SCI's values of open communication and expression.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to character physics systems, animation montages, and performance optimisation techniques. Brush up on concepts like LODding, multi-threading, and debugging concurrency issues. Being able to explain these clearly will show your expertise and readiness for the role.
