Epic Games
Animation Systems Programmer
About this role
Epic Games' Special Projects team seeks an experienced Animation Systems Programmer to develop and optimize core animation systems for high-impact projects that advance real-time graphics technology. You'll architect innovative animation solutions, collaborate across engineering and creative teams, and help push the boundaries of what's possible in Unreal Engine.
What you'll do
- Architect, implement, and maintain core animation systems for Special Projects
- Develop and optimize animation state machines, rigging, IK, physics-based, and procedural animation systems
- Collaborate with animators, designers, engineers, and external partners across teams
- Conduct exploratory research on innovative animation techniques and technologies
- Write technical documentation and system designs
- Identify and solve animation system issues while bridging communication between teams
What they're looking for
- C++ programming
- Linear algebra theory and applications
- Animation systems (rigging, state machines, IK, physics-based, procedural)
- Multi-threaded programming and low-level system optimization
- Graphics, audio, and memory management knowledge
- Strong artistic intuition and animation quality assessment
- Technical tool and script compiler development
- ML/AI knowledge and applications
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% premium coverage
- Mental health support through Modern Health (therapy and coaching)
- 401(k) with competitive match
- Unlimited PTO and sick time
- Paid sabbatical after 7 years of employment
- Competitive base pay ($167,399–$245,519 USD in California)
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Epic Games
Epic Games develops innovative gameplay and animation systems for interactive projects, leveraging real-time graphics technology. The company is hiring gameplay programmers and animation systems engineers to prototype novel mechanics, optimize core systems, and advance the capabilities of their engine and projects.
View all jobs at Epic GamesLikely interview questions
- Walk us through your experience architecting and implementing animation systems in C++. What were the key design decisions you made and why?
- Describe a complex animation problem you solved using linear algebra. How did you apply mathematical concepts to improve performance or functionality?