Lead Animator

IllFonic

. Oversee animation quality, gameplay character motion, and the animation team for a new title .

Posted 10/27/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesSenior💰 $100,000 - $150,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading character animation teams, overseeing animation quality, and integrating motion capture within Unreal Engine. Proficient in directing gameplay animation and optimizing animation systems while mentoring talent and collaborating across disciplines.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Unreal Engine Control RigLead Animator Experience3D Animation Software (Maya, 3ds Max)Motion Capture IntegrationAnimation Blueprints

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

KeyframingCharacter AnimationFacial Performance CaptureReal-Time Animation State MachinesAnimation MontagesBlend SpacesIn-Engine DebuggingGameplay Animation DirectionAnimation Reel/PortfolioAnimation Quality Control

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationMentoring AbilitiesProactive Collaboration

Tools & Technologies

Unreal Engine3ds MaxMayaDenver MoCap Studio

Industry Keywords

Video Game Animation ProductionConsole TitlesPC TitlesAnimation WorkflowsIntellectual Property

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Unreal Engine

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Oversee animation quality, gameplay character motion, and the animation team for a new title
Lead keyframing and motion capture integration
Partner with technical animators to refine rigging pipelines
Collaborate with Design and Engineering to deliver responsive, high-fidelity character animation in Unreal Engine
Mentor animation talent and establish animation style guides
Drive visual benchmarks across all in-game movement
Manage, mentor, and inspire internal animators
Direct and task an overseas co-development animation team
Design and optimize responsive UE5 animation systems with the Art & Animation Director and Animation Engineer
Drive animations from initial blockouts and keyframing through in-engine AnimGraph tuning and playtesting
Identify bottlenecks, refine workflows, and manage tasking, feedback, and quality control for external animation partners
Direct live motion capture sessions at the Denver MoCap studio
Oversee motion capture data cleanup and integration
Coordinate cross-discipline animation requirements, dependencies, technical constraints, and gameplay goals

Requirements

What you’ll need

Deep familiarity with Unreal Engine Control Rig, Sequencer, and animation blueprints
7+ years of professional experience in video game animation production
3+ years in Lead Animator roles
Multiple shipped console and PC titles as a Lead Animator
Proven track record leading character animation teams across keyframe, motion capture, and technical animation disciplines
Expert understanding of 3D animation software (Maya, 3ds Max), character keyframing, facial performance capture, motion editing, and real-time animation state machines
Strong hands-on experience with Unreal Engine animation workflows, including Animation Blueprints, state machines, blend spaces, animation montages, and in-engine debugging
Experience directing gameplay animation feel and responsiveness in third-person or first-person titles
Strong animation reel/portfolio demonstrating exceptional keyframing skills, character mechanics, body language, and motion clarity
Ability to work proactively across Design, Engineering, Art, and Production
Excellent communication and mentoring abilities
Bonus: Prior experience working with and expanding existing intellectual property

Benefits

Comp & perks

100% employee-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage (50% for dependents)
401(k) retirement plan with a 4% company match
Up to 7 weeks of mandated paid time off annually, including Summer/Winter breaks and 7 holidays
Flexible PTO policy
Quarterly Royalty Bonus Plan
Stock Option Plan
Flexible work options (remote, hybrid, or in-office)