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.
