tombola

Animator – Game Development Studio

tombola

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Hybrid

Location: Sunderland • United Kingdom

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About the role

  • You’ll be embedded in the full game development cycle, collaborating closely with R&D, Design, and Engineering to bring ideas to life efficiently and creatively.
  • Creating visually rich 2D animations for real-time, mobile-first games.
  • Using Generative AI tools to support ideation, concept exploration, asset generation, and iteration.
  • Exploring automation opportunities to streamline animation workflows (e.g. asset prep, variations, polish passes).
  • Optimising animations and assets for performance, memory, and smooth playback in-game.
  • Helping shape animation scope and feasibility during early project planning.
  • Refining animations through feedback while maintaining our fun, friendly Tombola brand.
  • Occasionally contributing motion graphics to internal videos and communications.

Requirements

  • Solid understanding of 2D animation principles and bone-based animation systems
  • Post production/compositing skills in software like Adobe After Effects
  • Experience with digital animation tools for 2D (or 3D where relevant)
  • An iterative mindset with a strong eye for detail and polish
  • Ability to create optimised animations for real-time game engines and mobile platforms
  • Clear communicator who enjoys collaborating with developers and project managers
  • Hands-on experience using Generative AI in creative workflows (image generation, animation support, ideation, iteration, or tooling)
  • Interest in AI-assisted automation — reducing repetitive work to focus more on creative impact
  • Comfortable experimenting with new tools, workflows, and techniques, and sharing learnings with the team
  • Bonus points if you have experience with Spine 2D, Toon Boom, or similar tools
  • Understanding of how animations are implemented technically in games
  • Exposure to 3D animation or hybrid 2D/3D pipelines
  • Experience adapting AI-generated outputs for production-ready animation
  • A genuine enthusiasm for staying ahead of creative technology trends.
Benefits
  • A chance to work with modern animation and AI-driven workflows in a real production environment
  • Long-term growth into roles such as Senior Animator, Lead Animator
  • A collaborative, supportive culture that values experimentation, learning, and work-life balance
  • The freedom to influence not just what we make — but how we make it.
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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

Hard Skills & Tools
2D animation principlesbone-based animation systemspost production skillscompositing skillsdigital animation toolsoptimised animationsreal-time game enginesAI-assisted automationanimation implementation3D animation
Soft Skills
iterative mindsetstrong eye for detailclear communicatorcollaborationexperimenting with new toolssharing learningsenthusiasm for technology trends