Lead Animation Engineer Job at CultureMill Recruiting, Washington DC

Zld6Yy9yVHhyK3AwSmJxVWJRR0NRSnliMFE9PQ==
  • CultureMill Recruiting
  • Washington DC

Job Description

We’re working with a well-funded and top-rated VR game studio to help them hire a Animation Game Engineer Lead to architect and evolve their animation systems across character gameplay, social features, and AI-driven interactions.

This is a hands-on role focused on building, tuning, and scaling animation systems that feel great in fast-paced, physics-based multiplayer experiences. You'll collaborate closely with engineers and design leadership to deliver responsive, high-fidelity character motion—and take full ownership of the animation engineering domain as the studio grows.

What You'll Do

  • Architect and implement core animation systems (animation graphs, IK layers, state machines, blending logic)
  • Improve and refine inverse kinematics (IK) systems for lifelike character movement
  • Integrate animation with gameplay systems, AI bots, and player interactions in real-time
  • Own the quality bar for responsiveness, realism, and performance in animation systems
  • Collaborate with cross-functional team members to deliver new features and elevate animation fidelity
  • Contribute to long-term planning of animation tools and pipelines

What We’re Looking For

  • Experience with Unity, Unreal, or a custom game engine
  • Demonstrated experience building and integrating animation systems in a shipped game
  • Strong understanding of inverse kinematics (IK), animation blending, and procedural motion
  • Deep technical proficiency in C#, C++, or equivalent—hands-on and systems-oriented
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-moving environment
  • Strong attention to animation polish and gameplay feel

Nice-to-Have:

  • Background in physics-driven or sports gameplay systems
  • Familiarity with animation tooling, rigging pipelines, or runtime optimization for real-time games
  • VR experience

Job Tags

Similar Jobs

Fulcrum

Founding Product Designer Job at Fulcrum

 ...ambitious, driven, and kind colleagues. These are the qualities we are looking for in our founding team: A portfolio of excellent product designs delivered within a fast-paced environment An extreme level of autonomy, ownership, and self-direction. Ability to think... 

CONFLUX SYSTEMS

Nurse Practitioner Job at CONFLUX SYSTEMS

 ...Here are the job details for your review: Job Title: Nurse Practitioner Core Float - MC Duration: 6 Months Contract (Potential for extension) Pay Rate:$74.84/HR on W2 Shift Hours: 1-2 weekdays and weekend shifts (sat/sun). Appx 20 hours a week, but can be flexed... 

Viscot Medical

Chief Operating Officer Job at Viscot Medical

The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring operational excellence across the organization. Your primary goal will be to increase our organization's productivity, efficiency, and profitability. You will advise the CEO on key operational insights as well as provide...

Paradigm Oral Surgery

Clinical Manager Job at Paradigm Oral Surgery

 ...Role and Responsibilities The Clinical Manager will be responsible for supervising clinical staff, performing routine clinical duties, and assisting with other tasks involved in providing superior patient care. Serves as the direct supervisor for clinical team... 

Insight Global

Satellite Assembly Technician Job at Insight Global

 ...related field)- Hands-on work experience Electrical-Mechanical Assembly, Final Integration and/or Harness Integration experience -...  ...: Amazon Kuiper is looking for Satellite Assembly Technicians for their Project Kuiper Team. If you seek a fast-paced, dynamic...