AGBO

Principal Animation Engineer

AGBO

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Hybrid

Location: Raleigh • North Carolina • United States

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Job Level

Lead

Tech Stack

Unreal Engine

About the role

  • Define and lead the technical strategy for animation systems within Unreal Engine (UE5), ensuring scalability, maintainability, and performance.
  • Architect and implement advanced runtime animation systems including state machines, animation blueprints, motion matching, locomotion systems, blending frameworks, and procedural solutions.
  • Collaborate closely with animators to ensure animation content integrates seamlessly and performs optimally in-engine.
  • Establish and communicate best practices for animation pipelines, performance optimization, replication, and networked animation systems.
  • Serve as the primary technical partner to Animation leadership, translating creative goals into sustainable engineering solutions.
  • Identify performance bottlenecks and proactively implement solutions to maintain high frame-rate targets.
  • Partner with Design and Gameplay Engineering to ensure tight integration between animation systems, combat mechanics, and player controls.
  • Contribute to tooling improvements and workflow enhancements that increase iteration speed and team efficiency.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

  • 10+ years of professional experience in gameplay or animation engineering, with multiple shipped titles and at least one in a senior or principal capacity.
  • Significant professional experience as an Animation Engineer on at least one shipped UE4 or UE5 title.
  • Experience developing animation systems for a third-person game, with strong understanding of locomotion, combat, and character responsiveness.
  • Deep expertise in C++ and Unreal Engine animation frameworks (Animation Blueprints, Montages, Blend Spaces, Control Rig, etc.).
  • Strong understanding of character movement, camera systems, and player input responsiveness.
  • Experience optimizing animation systems for performance across platforms.
  • Proven ability to lead technical initiatives and mentor other engineers.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to clearly articulate technical concepts to non-engineering partners.
Benefits
  • In-person collaboration with technical and creative teams is essential
  • Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
  • AGBO Labs LLC is committed to operating fair and unbiased recruitment procedures allowing all applicants an equal opportunity for employment, free from discrimination
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
C++Unreal Engine 5Animation BlueprintsMontagesBlend SpacesControl Rigstate machinesmotion matchinglocomotion systemsperformance optimization
Soft Skills
leadershipmentoringcommunicationcollaborationproblem-solvingtechnical translationbest practices establishmentworkflow enhancementteam efficiencyarticulation of technical concepts