Senior Narrative Gameplay Animator (Project Hire)

Role overview A short-term contract opportunity is open for a Senior Narrative Gameplay Animator to lead animation work on a high-end AAA title scheduled through December 2026. The role focuses on crafting polished, narrative-driven scripted moments that flow naturally between cinematics and gameplay. It is a remote position suited to an experienced animator who can set quality standards and collaborate across disciplines.

Responsibilities - Author and integrate AAA-quality scripted animations inside Unreal Engine 5, ensuring seamless handoff into cinematics and gameplay. - Combine optimal motion-capture use with hand-key animation to achieve fluid, functional character motion. - Help build and maintain a robust Unreal pipeline dedicated to scripted events. - Partner closely with Lead Animation, Camera Layout, Design, Tech Art, and Stage teams to keep animation cohesive across systems. - Troubleshoot rigging, workflow, and pipeline issues proactively and assist in establishing animation best practices. - Participate in motion-capture shoots and communicate constructively with engineers, realization, and design peers.

Requirements - Proven senior experience with motion-capture data and hand-key animation within the games industry. - Working knowledge of Unreal Engine, especially animation workflows and Sequencer. - Demonstrated range across biped, quadruped, and vehicle animation. - Demo reel showcasing solid animation principles applied to gameplay. - Expert-level proficiency in Maya and experience creating and integrating scripted animations in-engine. - Familiarity with previsualization, cinematography principles, facial animation, blending, cycles, and layering techniques.

Nice to have - Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills with empathy for cross-discipline perspectives. - Comfort switching priorities in a results-oriented production schedule.

Benefits and work setup - Short-term contract slated to end December 2026. - Remote-friendly role with a U.S.-based monthly rate range of approximately $9,000-$11,000. - Eligibility for additional incentive compensation such as equity or profit share where applicable. - Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, flexible PTO, and supplemental life and disability coverage, subject to eligibility.