Are you on a mission to create games that bond players together into deeply invested communities? Would you like to work on something comedic with lighthearted and whimsical characters? Do you think a lot about how animation systems can create satisfying feedback for players, how streamlined workflows improve animator happiness, or how the right smear frame feels like magic?
As a Senior Technical Animator on an Unannounced Incubation Project, you’ll bring iconic characters to life from prototype through production for a completely new world at Bungie. Your ability to craft and implement stylized animation content will delight players and contribute to the best-in-class action experience that defines all Bungie games.
As a member of our tight-knit art team, you’ll balance craft expertise with a player-first mindset and willingness to contribute beyond your role to improve the prototype experience wherever necessary. Your understanding of design and technical constraints will enable you to deliver functional and responsive systems that support broad animation content without an established pipeline during prototyping. Most importantly, you will collaborate with a fun, diverse, and passionate cross-discipline team devoted to building a new universe from scratch at Bungie.
We look for candidates who value joining a cohesive, supportive team with a diverse set of backgrounds, experiences, interests, and viewpoints.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Craft charming, stylized gameplay animations and own runtime setup during prototyping
Collaborate with multiple disciplines to define and implement robust real-time animation systems
Combine technical + artistic abilities to achieve fluid, responsive, and expressive character movement
Work closely with Tech Art to iterate on flexible character rigs and animation workflows
Establish and document animation implementation processes + best practices
Provide deskside support for the animation team to resolve technical issues
Research and communicate current animation technology trends
Offer constructive feedback during art team content reviews
Mentor and support other artists as the team grows
REQUIRED SKILLS
Proficiency establishing runtime animation systems that prioritize responsive feedback
Experience combining keyframe content with procedural animation and dynamics systems
Understanding of real-time animation concepts such as layering, blending, and motion warping
Ability to keyframe stylized gameplay animation, as shown by examples of professional or personal work
Proven eye for creating gameplay clarity through animation content, especially for action games
An appreciation for appealing squash & stretch, smear frames, multiples
Expert knowledge of Maya character animation workflows
Outstanding ability to problem-solve and drive creative solutions despite ambiguity
Embrace “we” culture in addition to being an outstanding collaborator and communicator
NICE-TO-HAVE SKILLS
Familiarity with development using Unreal Engine and/or Unity
Familiarity with the competitive gaming landscape
Proficiency in scripting Maya tools (Python)
So you don't meet every requirement listed in this job description? Do you think your experience level is not where it needs to be? Studies show that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they believe they meet every single qualification. Bungie is focused on building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. If you're interested in this position but your past experience doesn't line up perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we want you to apply anyway. The right role for you may be right around the corner!
Most Bungie full-time employees will adopt a digital first approach allowing remote work in Bungie approved locations (outside of positions identified as 100% onsite in Bellevue/Seattle, or individuals preferring a hybrid/flex environment). Prospective full-time employees located outside of CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, IL, MA, MD, MN, NC, NJ, NY, OR, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, or WI will need to establish residency in one of the states we are compliant in within 45 days of a start date. Contractors will follow a digital first approach adhering to the location guidelines agreed upon by our third-party employer/vendor and Bungie. Bungie’s remote policy is subject to change at the company’s discretion.
