Animation Full-Time On-Site

Lead Technical Animator

Lead Technical Animator at Hangar 13

Job Overview

Hangar 13 is seeking a Lead Technical Animator to oversee the integration of character animations into gameplay systems
and ensure animations are responsive, high-quality, and aligned with both creative and technical goals. This role acts
as a key bridge between animation, design, and engineering teams.

As a hands-on leader, you will guide a team of technical animators, develop efficient animation workflows, and solve
complex runtime challenges within Unreal Engine. You will also collaborate with external co-development partners to
ensure their work aligns with the studio’s technical standards and creative vision.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead, mentor, and support a team of technical animators to ensure strong project delivery and professional growth.
  • Design, implement, and optimize gameplay animation systems using Unreal Engine tools such as Animation Blueprints, Motion Matching, State Machines, and Control Rig.
  • Integrate and refine character animations to ensure fluid transitions, responsiveness, and strong gameplay feel.
  • Collaborate with designers, animators, and engineers to align animation systems with gameplay mechanics.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex animation issues to maintain performance, stability, and visual quality.
  • Translate creative and technical goals into clear animation system designs and production deliverables.
  • Establish and promote best practices for technical animation workflows across departments.
  • Coordinate with outsourcing or co-development partners and provide technical feedback on animation work.

Required Qualifications

  • Extensive experience integrating character animation into gameplay systems within Unreal Engine.
  • Expert knowledge of Unreal animation systems including Animation Blueprints, State Machines, Control Rig, and Sequencer.
  • Strong understanding of gameplay mechanics, character movement systems, and player responsiveness.
  • Experience collaborating with design teams to improve gameplay feel and support feature development.
  • Background in gameplay prototyping, iteration, and animation system design.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for diagnosing runtime animation issues.
  • Excellent communication skills and experience collaborating across multiple disciplines.

Highly Desirable Skills

  • Familiarity with C++ or Python for animation tools and workflow automation.
  • Experience with motion capture pipelines using MotionBuilder or keyframe animation using Maya.
  • Experience leading technical animation efforts on large-scale or open-world game projects.
  • Knowledge of performance optimization for complex animation systems in Unreal Engine.
  • Interest in emerging animation technologies, procedural systems, and modern animation workflows.

Hangar 13 is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.
The studio ensures fair consideration for all applicants and provides reasonable accommodations to
qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process.

Apply Now

You will be redirected to the employer's website.

Scroll to Top