Senior Narrative Gameplay Animator

That's No Moon is an independent studio of storytellers and game-makers who believe in the power of narrative-driven experiences. With a diverse team of talented developers, our shared vision is to create the future of AAA experiences with a culture of creativity, collaboration, and responsible production practices. Our passionate team of developers helps shape our studio, our projects, and our future.

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We are looking for a Senior Narrative Gameplay Animator with a passion and drive for creating incredible animations for a AAA title. Be the go-to person in supporting immersive, narrative moments throughout the game. The animation will be of the highest quality and in-game functionality. This person will collaborate with other departments and key roles such as the Lead Animator, Camera Layout, Design, Tech Art and Stage. This role will contribute to the unified goal of creating scripted animations that are functional, narrative driven, fluid and will tie into cinematics and gameplay seamlessly._

Responsibilities:

• Create and integrate AAA quality animations for scripted moments within the game using Unreal Engine 5
• Use motion capture optimally and hand-key appropriately
• Support the creation and maintenance of an Unreal pipeline for scripted events
• Collaborate and work alongside other animators to ensure that animations are cohesive with cinematics and gameplay
• Work at the highest level, technically and aesthetically
• Be proactive with troubleshooting any animation workflow, rigging and pipeline issues
• Communicate effectively with animators, engineers, realization team, and design, to give and accept feedback
• Assist in establishing standard methodologies in animation
• Participate in motion capture shoots when needed

Requirements & Skills:

• Proven Senior experience working with motion capture data and hand-key animation in the game industry
• Working knowledge of Unreal Engine, with an emphasis on animation and Sequencer
• Ability to work in all aspects of animation including biped, quadruped and vehicles
• Demo reel showing an understanding of animation principles, while including gameplay
• Experienced with specific gameplay animation editing including blending, cycles and layering
• Knowledge of previsualization and cinematography principles
• Expert knowledge of Maya
• Experience with creating and integrating scripted animations in engine
• Experience with facial animation
• Passionate about games and the enthusiasm to make the best!
• Strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills

Qualities:

• Flexibility in switching tasks to accommodate production priorities
• Ability to appreciate other department's perspectives
• Maintain integrity and confidence in results-oriented times
• Empathic and respected senior member of the team
• Team oriented with a desire to assist other animators
• Promote inclusivity, diversity and fairness
• Practice patience and be open to giving and receiving feedback

Please note this is a short term contract slated to end December 2026.

TNM considers a number of factors when determining each role's base pay range, including industry benchmarks, location, experience, and other job specific skills. In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for other incentive compensation including equity and profit share. The estimated base pay range for this role is U.S. only and not applicable for locations outside of the U.S.

The estimated base pay range for this role is a monthly rate between $9k-$11k USD per month.

TNM offers competitive and comprehensive benefits that include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, flexible PTO, supplemental life and disability, and more. Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary based on country of residence and/or part-time or temporary employment status.

That's No Moon is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ancestry, color, citizenship, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, legally protected physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

To those interested in submitting for roles at That's No Moon, we have a few reminders to ensure a safe application process.

1. If one of our recruiters reaches out to you, it will be with a "@thatsnomoon.com" email address. We do not email via personal email addresses either.
2. We do not conduct interviews via Discord or WhatsApp.
3. We will not ask you to provide sensitive personal information.
4. We will never request that you buy equipment specifically for your interview/test.

We are saddened that people are being taken advantage of and ask that, if you ever have any doubts about whether you are speaking to an official member of the That's No Moon team, to reach out to our official social handles directly.

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Create and integrate AAA quality animations for scripted moments using Unreal Engine 5. Optimize motion capture and utilize hand-key animation. Support Unreal pipeline for scripted events. Collaborate with animators, engineers, realization, and design teams. Troubleshoot animation workflow, rigging, and pipeline issues. Assist in establishing animation standard methodologies. Participate in motion capture shoots. Proven senior experience with motion capture and hand-key animation in the game industry. Working knowledge of Unreal Engine, especially animation and Sequencer. Ability to animate biped, quadruped, and vehicles. Strong demo reel demonstrating animation principles and gameplay animation. Experience with gameplay animation editing (blending, cycles, layering). Knowledge of previsualization and cinematography. Expert knowledge of Maya. Experience creating and integrating scripted animations in-engine. Experience with facial animation.