ZeniMax Online Studios is looking for a Lead Animation Software Engineer to develop a robust in-game animation system in our new engine for the studio’s next AAA project. In this position you will work side-by-side with Technical Artists, Animators, and Gameplay Engineers. You will own the animation pipeline from artist workstation all the way to fluid and responsive in-game characters.
The preferred location for this role is Hunt Valley, MD, Austin, TX, Madison, WI, San Diego, CA, or Seattle, WA. Will consider remote.
Responsibilities
- Work with the animation systems team to help architect animation technology
- Integration of new technologies into the engine and pipeline
- Work with gameplay and provide an interface for them to interact with animation
- Work with the Tools team to create animation tools and pipelines
- Develop core animation components
- Mentor other engineering team members
Qualifications
- 7+ years game industry software development experience
- Expert level knowledge of real-time animation systems
- Extensive experience with one or more real-time animation middleware (e.g.: Havok Animation, Granny, Morpheme) or equivalent custom/in-house solutions
- Experience developing or working with animation blend graphs, real-time IK, animation compression, and/or advanced animation memory management (streaming)
- Self-motivated and energetic team player with a very strong work ethic and cooperative attitude
- Enjoys working daily with animators and technical artists to help craft solutions to complex problems
- Prior experience acting as an owner of animation systems
- Excellent 3D math skills
- Robust programming skills/experience in C++
- Ability to write clear, maintainable, portable code
- Strong technical knowledge of Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC
Preferred Skills
- Experience with animation systems in network games
- Generalist experience or prior experience in other core areas of game development, such as UI or gameplay programming
- Degree in Computer Science or equivalent work experience
