ABOUT YOU
We're looking for an experienced Technical Animator who is passionate about bringing quadruped characters to life with realistic, believable movement in Unreal Engine. You have a strong understanding of animal biomechanics and locomotion, and you're confident working across the full animation pipeline — from rigging and Control Rig setup to fully optimized, production-ready animation systems for multiplayer gameplay.
ABOUT US
Xsolla is a global commerce company with robust tools and services to help developers solve the inherent challenges of the video game industry. From indie to AAA, companies partner with Xsolla to help them fund, distribute, market, and monetize their games. Grounded in the belief in the future of video games, Xsolla is resolute in the mission to bring opportunities together, and continually make new resources available to creators. Headquartered and incorporated in Los Angeles, California, Xsolla operates as the merchant of record and has helped over 1,500+ game developers to reach more players and grow their businesses around the world. With more paths to profits and ways to win, developers have all the things needed to enjoy the game.
For more information, visit xsolla.com.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and maintain animation systems for quadruped characters
- Set up Animation Blueprints, State Machines, Blend Spaces, Animation Layers
- Create and configure IK/FK, Full Body IK, and procedural animation systems
- Set up locomotion: walk, trot, canter, gallop, turns, starts/stops, jumps
- Configure blending, additive animations, sync groups, and transitions
- Work with IK Rig / IK Retargeter and adapt animations between different skeletons
- Work with motion capture data, cleanup, and retargeting
- Create and maintain Control Rig tools
- Fix foot sliding, popping, IK, and blending artifacts
- Optimize Animation Blueprints, Control Rig, and skeletal animation systems
- Develop and maintain animation systems for multiplayer projects
- Work with networked locomotion, prediction, and reconciliation
- Synchronize Montages and locomotion states in networked gameplay
- Collaborate with animators, game designers, and programmers
- Develop and improve the animation pipeline and internal tools
REQUIREMENTS
- 5+ years of experience in technical animation / gameplay animation
- Hands-on experience with quadruped characters
- Portfolio with quadruped animation examples — required
- Strong knowledge of Unreal Engine: Animation Blueprints, Control Rig, IK Rig / Retargeter, Blend Spaces, State Machines
- Solid understanding of animal biomechanics and quadruped locomotion
- Experience with rigging, skinning, and skeleton setup
- Experience with motion capture pipelines
- Experience with Maya, MotionBuilder, or a similar DCC tool
- Understanding of root motion, animation curves, notifies, montages, additive animation
- Experience debugging and optimizing animation systems
- Understanding of the differences between local and replicated character state
- Understanding of which animation states/variables should be calculated locally versus driven by replicated gameplay state
- Understanding of latency, desync, animation popping issues, and ways to minimize them
- Conversational English
- Experience working on AA or AAA game projects
NICE TO HAVE
- Experience animating large quadrupeds (not just domestic animals, but heavy/massive locomotion)
- Motion Matching / Pose Search
- Full Body IK / procedural locomotion
- Python / scripting
- C++ in Unreal
- Building animation tools
- Experience optimizing NPC crowds / large numbers of skeletal meshes
Benefits
We are passionate about fostering a supportive environment for our team, so we prioritize the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of our employees through a comprehensive Benefits Program. This includes unlimited Flexible Time Off and a personalized career roadmap for each employee. By investing in professional development through training and educational opportunities, we ensure that our team thrives both personally and professionally. Together, we’re not just building a business; we’re cultivating a community that values creativity, collaboration, and the transformative power of play.
The duties and responsibilities of this position may evolve over time to support the organization’s goals and individual growth. This job description is intended to outline the general nature and level of work being performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required.
By submitting your application, you consent to Xsolla conducting background checks, where permitted by law, after the final interview stage. All checks will comply with local regulations, and your information will be handled confidentially.
Xsolla takes your privacy seriously and will not sell or externally distribute any personal data received during the hiring process. In accordance with applicable data protection laws, Xsolla is committed to protecting your personal information and respecting your privacy.
