Principal Animation Programmer

Santa Monica, CA, USA

Full-TimeDepends on ExperienceSenior LevelMasters

Job Description

Are you a passionate and experienced video game programmer looking for a new challenge? Look no further! Activision Blizzard is seeking a Principal Animation Programmer to join our talented team and help bring our games to life. As the leader of our animation programming team, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of animation in our games and work on some of the most iconic and beloved franchises in the industry. If you are driven, creative, and have a deep understanding of animation systems and techniques, we want to hear from you! Join us in creating unforgettable gaming experiences for millions of players around the world.

Develop and maintain high-quality, performant animation systems and tools for AAA video game titles.
Lead and mentor a team of animation programmers, providing guidance and support to ensure successful delivery of projects.
Collaborate with designers, artists, and other programmers to develop innovative and visually impressive animation features.
Conduct research and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in animation technology and techniques.
Identify and troubleshoot technical issues related to animation and propose effective solutions.
Communicate progress and challenges to project leads and stakeholders in a timely and transparent manner.
Develop and maintain technical documentation for animation systems and tools.
Participate in code reviews and provide constructive feedback to maintain code quality and consistency.
Continuously improve animation pipelines and workflows to increase efficiency and quality.
Contribute to the development and implementation of best practices and standards for animation programming.
Stay organized and prioritize tasks to meet project deadlines and deliver high-quality work.
Collaborate with other departments to ensure a cohesive and seamless integration of animation into the game.

Where is this job?

This job is located at Santa Monica, CA, USA

Job Qualifications

Extensive Experience In Game Development: Candidates For A Principal Animation Programmer Position At Activision Blizzard Should Possess A Strong Track Record Of Success In Game Development, With A Focus On Animation Programming. This Should Include A Deep Understanding Of Game Engines, Tools, And Pipelines, As Well As A Proven Ability To Create High-Quality, Visually Appealing Animations.
Expertise In Animation Programming Languages: A Principal Animation Programmer Must Be Proficient In A Variety Of Programming Languages, Including C++, C#, And Scripting Languages Such As Python. This Is Essential For Creating Efficient, Optimized, And Scalable Animation Systems That Can Handle The Demands Of Modern Aaa Games.
Leadership And Management Skills: As A Principal-Level Role, Candidates Should Have Strong Leadership And Management Skills, With Experience Leading A Team Of Programmers. They Should Also Be Able To Effectively Communicate With Other Departments, Such As Art And Design, To Ensure A Cohesive And Collaborative Development Process.
Strong Understanding Of Animation Principles: In Addition To Technical Skills, A Principal Animation Programmer Should Have A Deep Understanding Of Animation Principles And Techniques. This Includes Knowledge Of Keyframe Animation, Motion Capture, And Procedural Animation, As Well As The Ability To Troubleshoot And Debug Complex Animation Issues.
Bachelor's Degree In Computer Science Or Related Field: A Strong Academic Background Is Also Important For This Role, With A Minimum Requirement Of A Bachelor's Degree In Computer Science, Engineering, Or A Related Field. Advanced Degrees, Such As A Master's Or Phd, May Also Be Preferred. This Education Should Be Combined With Relevant Work Experience In The Game Development Industry.

Required Skills

Team Leadership
Scripting languages
Game development
Animation pipeline
3D Animation
Motion capture
Programming Languages
Real-time rendering
Technical Direction
Coding Proficiency
Animation Systems

Soft Skills

Communication
Conflict Resolution
Emotional Intelligence
Leadership
Time management
creativity
Teamwork
Adaptability
Problem-Solving
Decision-making

Compensation

According to JobzMall, the average salary range for a Principal Animation Programmer in Santa Monica, CA, USA is between $150,000 to $200,000 per year. However, the exact salary may vary depending on factors such as experience, skills, and the specific company or project the individual is working on.

Additional Information

Activision Blizzard is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Required LanguagesEnglish

Job PostedOctober 17th, 2024

Apply BeforeApril 11th, 2026

This job posting is from a verified source.

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