Gaming Full-Time Hybrid

Senior Technical Gameplay Animator

Company: Naughty Dog

Location: Santa Monica, California, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $126,400 – $227,500 USD

About the Role

Naughty Dog is seeking a Senior Technical Gameplay Animator to help develop advanced gameplay animation systems for its upcoming projects. The studio is known for delivering cinematic and emotionally driven gaming experiences, and this role will contribute directly to high-quality character movement and gameplay immersion.

The position focuses on bridging animation, engineering, and design teams while creating polished animation content and improving technical workflows within the production pipeline.

Job Overview

The Senior Technical Gameplay Animator will design, implement, and troubleshoot complex runtime animation systems for gameplay features and character behaviors. This role requires strong collaboration across multidisciplinary teams to maintain high animation quality standards.

Candidates should possess a deep understanding of in-game animation systems, technical problem-solving, and modern animation pipelines using industry-standard tools such as Maya and MotionBuilder.

Key Responsibilities

  • Animation Systems: Develop and implement advanced runtime animation systems, gameplay behaviors, and supporting animation tools.
  • Pipeline Improvement: Streamline workflows and optimize animation pipelines to improve production efficiency.
  • Cross-Team Collaboration: Work closely with animation, engineering, and design teams to resolve technical animation challenges.
  • Content Creation: Produce and integrate high-quality gameplay animation content into the game engine.
  • Technical Leadership: Mentor team members, document workflows, and contribute innovative solutions to technical animation challenges.
  • Quality Standards: Help maintain and evolve the animation quality bar and artistic direction for gameplay systems.

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of professional experience in technical animation for video games.
  • Strong programming knowledge in Python, C#, C++, or similar languages.
  • Experience with animation systems including state machines, blend trees, and IK solvers.
  • Advanced knowledge of Maya or MotionBuilder animation pipelines.
  • Ability to troubleshoot gameplay animation implementation issues efficiently.

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in Animation, Game Development, Computer Graphics, or a related field preferred.
  • Equivalent professional production experience may be considered.
  • Strong understanding of gameplay animation principles and technical implementation.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • 401(k) matching program and paid time off.
  • Employee wellness initiatives and Sony product discounts.
  • Potential eligibility for annual bonus and incentive programs.
  • Opportunity to work on critically acclaimed AAA game franchises.

Naughty Dog offers an exciting opportunity for experienced gameplay animators to work on groundbreaking AAA titles alongside some of the industry’s leading creative professionals. If you are passionate about gameplay animation systems and technical innovation, this role provides an excellent platform to advance your career in game development.

Join Naughty Dog and help shape immersive player experiences through cutting-edge animation and gameplay technology.

Apply Now

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