Lead Animation Engineer

Overview

ZeniMax Online Studios is looking for a Lead Animation Software Engineer to develop a robust in-game animation system in our new engine for the studio’s next AAA project. In this position you will work side-by-side with Technical Artists, Animators, and Gameplay Engineers. You will own the animation pipeline from artist workstation all the way to fluid and responsive in-game characters.

The preferred location for this role is Hunt Valley, MD, Austin, TX, or Madison, WI. Will consider remote.

Responsibilities

• Work with the animation systems team to help architect animation technology
• Integration of new technologies into the engine and pipeline
• Work with gameplay and provide an interface for them to interact with animation
• Work with the Tools team to create animation tools and pipelines
• Develop core animation components
• Mentor other engineering team members

Qualifications

• 7+ years game industry software development experience
• Expert level knowledge of real-time animation systems
• Extensive experience with one or more real-time animation middleware (e.g.: Havok Animation, Granny, Morpheme) or equivalent custom/in-house solutions
• Experience developing or working with animation blend graphs, real-time IK, animation compression, and/or advanced animation memory management (streaming)
• Self-motivated and energetic team player with a very strong work ethic and cooperative attitude
• Enjoys working daily with animators and technical artists to help craft solutions to complex problems
• Prior experience acting as an owner of animation systems
• Excellent 3D math skills
• Robust programming skills/experience in C++
• Ability to write clear, maintainable, portable code
• Strong technical knowledge of Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC

Preferred Skills

• Experience with animation systems in network games
• Generalist experience or prior experience in other core areas of game development, such as UI or gameplay programming
• Degree in Computer Science or equivalent work experience

Salary Range

Lead Animation Engineer - The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $125,000 - $240,000 per year.

ZeniMax has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States, which allows us to pay employees competitively and consistently in different geographic markets. The range above reflects the potential base pay across the U.S. for this role; the applicable base pay range will depend on what ultimately is determined to be the candidate’s primary work location. Individual base pay depends on various factors, in addition to primary work location, such as complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. Base pay ranges are reviewed and typically updated each year. Offers are made within the base pay range applicable at the time.

At ZeniMax certain roles are eligible for additional rewards, such as merit increases and discretionary bonuses. These awards are allocated based on individual performance and are not guaranteed. Benefits/perks listed here may vary depending on the nature of employment with ZeniMax and the country work location. U.S.-based employees have access to healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan and company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, wellbeing benefits, paid vacation time, paid sick and mental health time, and several paid holidays, among others.

We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do – from recruiting for our studios, publishing and operations to fostering safe and respectful workplaces that encourage collaboration. Our culture is based on principles of respect, inclusion, and fair treatment and we welcome anyone into our family without regard to race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or age.

Our diversity fuels our innovation and inspires us to create game worlds that bring us closer to the global community of players we serve.