Principal Animation Programmer

3 Months ago • 10 Years +
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About the job

SummaryBy Outscal

Principal Animation Programmer with 10+ years experience in AAA game development. Must have C++, low-level game animation systems, IK, blend trees, ragdolls, state machines and secondary motion techniques.

Job Title:

Principal Animation Programmer

Requisition ID:

R022775

Job Description:

Your Mission

As a Principal Animation Programmer you will improve, develop and innovate technology and tools for AAA titles.  You will work closely with engineers and artists to bring excitement to life on the screen. 

Priorities can often change in a fast-paced environment like ours, so this role includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:   

  • Contribute to the maintenance and enhancement of animation technology.
  • Research, design and implement new cutting-edge features.
  • Engage with content and engineering teams across our studios to provide expert support and co-develop new features.

Player Profile

  • A degree in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Confident with C or C++ programming, problem-solving, debugging etc.
  • 10+ years’ experience working as a C++ programmer in the game industry or a related field.
  • Passion for advancing high-fidelity interactive animation in AAA games.
  • Experience working directly on low-level game animation systems.
  • Good knowledge of animation topics such as inverse kinematics, blend trees, ragdolls, state machines and secondary motion techniques.
  • Capable and eager to take a leading role on projects.

Extra Points:

  • Credited on 1 or more AAA game titles for PC or consoles.
  • Familiarity with content creation tools such as Maya.
  • Experience with mentoring, hiring or leading teams.

We love hearing from anyone who is talented and enthusiastic about changing the games industry. Activision is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for this role regardless of gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or whether they are parents, carers, a person with disabilities or any person protected by applicable law.

Rewards

We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for ‘Every World’ - we’ve got our employees covered!  Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including:

  • Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance;
  • 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching;
  • Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave;
  • Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others;
  • If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.

Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns with the Company.  You can learn more by visiting https://www.benefitsforeveryworld.com/.

In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $167,500.00 - $309,876.00 Annual. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. Your Talent Professional can share this role’s range details for your local geography during the hiring process. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed.
$167.5K - $309.9K/yr (Outscal est.)
$238.7K/yr avg.
Santa Monica, California, United States

About The Company

Founded in 1979, Activision continues to disrupt the world of entertainment with its extensive roster of epic blockbuster games -- Pitfall®, Tony Hawk®, Guitar Hero®, Crash Bandicoot™, Skylanders™, Bungie’s Destiny and Call of Duty.®


As the leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and products on consoles, mobile and PC, our “press start” is simple: delight players around the world with innovative, fun, thrilling, and engaging entertainment experiences.


Activision is headquartered in Santa Monica, and publishes globally in markets including U.S., Canada, Brazil, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Poland, Sweden, Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, mainland China, Hong Kong and the region of Taiwan.


At Activision, we strive to connect and engage our global player community through entertainment. Our success comes from the passionate, talented and diverse team of people behind our world-class franchises. Ensuring Activision is an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive will help us deliver a new era of epic entertainment for our players.

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