Mid Gameplay Animator at Skydance Games, Austin

Skydance Games, a premier division of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation , is currently seeking a highly skilled and collaborative Gameplay Animator to join our elite development team. This role is central to our mission of crafting the next generation of AAA single-player, story-driven action-adventure titles. As we continue to expand the horizons of interactive entertainment—highlighted by our upcoming project, Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra—we are looking for a creative powerhouse who can blend technical precision with artistic flair. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the role, the company culture, and the specific requirements for this position. Job Overview: Gameplay Animator Category Details Company Name Skydance Games (Paramount, a Skydance Corporation) Job Title Gameplay Animator Employment Type Full-Time Primary Locations Santa Monica (LA), Austin (TX), Seattle (WA) Remote Status Remote Eligible / Hybrid Options Available Salary Range (LA) $85,000 – $100,000 (Base salary; excludes bonuses/benefits) Core Engine Unreal Engine Project Focus AAA Single-Player Story-Driven Action-Adventure About Skydance Games Skydance Games is not just a development studio; it is an innovation hub where technology meets world-class storytelling. As a division of the newly unified Paramount, a Skydance Corporation , we occupy a unique space in the industry, bridging the gap between cinematic excellence and interactive immersion. Our studio culture is built on the pillars of creativity, collaboration, and trust . We believe that the best games are born when talented individuals are empowered to take ownership of their work. We don’t just follow industry trends; we aim to set them. Whether we are working on iconic global franchises like Marvel or developing original intellectual properties, our goal remains the same: to create “event-level” entertainment that resonates with fans on a global scale. The Role: Crafting the “Super” in Gameplay As a Gameplay Animator at Skydance, you will be part of a lean, high-impact team. Because our animation department is intentionally kept small and agile, your individual contributions will have a visible and significant impact on the final product. You aren’t just a cog in a machine; you are an architect of player experience. Core Responsibilities Motion Capture Editing & Tuning: You will spend your days in the “trenches” of animation, taking raw motion capture data and refining it until it feels weightful, responsive, and aesthetically stunning. Rapid Prototyping: Speed is essential in game development. You will be responsible for creating hand-keyed placeholder animations to test new mechanics quickly, ensuring the “feel” of the game is right before moving to high-fidelity production. Enhancing Content: We look for animators who can “plus up” their work. This means taking standard mo-cap and injecting that extra 10% of “super” energy—exaggerating silhouettes, sharpening timing, and ensuring the character feels heroic and powerful. Cross-Discipline Collaboration: You will act as a bridge between Engineering and Design . You will help devise and implement animation systems, ensuring that the artistic vision is technically feasible and the gameplay mechanics are fluid. Technical Implementation: You will be deeply involved in the Unreal Engine ecosystem, working with advanced systems like Motion Matching and Motion Warping to ensure characters navigate the world realistically. Narrative Alignment: Working closely with the Animation Director, you will ensure that every punch, jump, and idle stance aligns with the narrative tone and the specific personality of the characters. What We Are Looking For We are searching for a candidate who possesses a rare mix of technical “under-the-hood” knowledge and high-level artistic sensibility. Experience & Qualifications Professional Tenure: A minimum of 3+ years of professional experience specifically within gameplay animation. We are looking for someone who understands the nuances of how a character moves in a 3D space. Proven Track Record: You must have shipped at least one AAA title in a gameplay‑centric role. You understand the rigors of a full production cycle, from pre-production to gold master. Action-Adventure Expertise: Direct experience with third-person action-adventure titles is highly preferred. Understanding camera placement, character weight, and “game feel” in this genre is vital. Technical Proficiency: You should be an expert in Unreal Engine . Specifically, we need candidates who are comfortable with Root Motion and modern animation tech like Motion Matching. Soft Skills & Values Self-Driven Ethos: As a remote-friendly studio, we value individuals who can manage their own schedules and drive tasks to completion without constant oversight. Communication: You must be able to explain complex animation concepts to non-animators (like programmers or level designers) clearly and concisely. Passion for Realism: Our current projects lean into a cinematic, realistic aesthetic. An eye for natural human anatomy and physics is essential. Compensation, Benefits, and Location The base salary for this role in the Los Angeles area is $85,000 – $100,000 . However, Skydance Games recognizes that talent exists everywhere. Candidates in Austin, Seattle, or those working remotely may see adjustments based on local cost‑of‑living standards and their specific level of expertise. Beyond the base salary, Skydance offers a comprehensive total compensation package which includes: Performance Bonuses: Rewarding excellence and project milestones. Robust Benefits: Including high‑quality health, dental, and vision insurance. Flexibility: Whether you prefer the energy of our Santa Monica office or the focus of your home setup, we offer hybrid and remote paths. Growth Opportunities: Being part of a “Paramount, a Skydance Corporation” company means access to a massive network of entertainment professionals and career paths across film, TV, and games. At Skydance, we realize that skills and expertise can come from many different experiences and paths. The “perfect” candidate on paper might not always be the best fit for our culture. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet 100% of the listed requirements. If you have a killer portfolio, a growth mindset, and a passion for action‑adventure games, we want to hear from you. A Note on Recruitment Security In an era of increasing digital fraud, Skydance Games prioritizes your security. Please be aware of the following: Official communication will only come from an @skydance.com email address. We will never ask for financial information or sensitive login credentials during the initial interview phase. If you are ready to push the boundaries of what is possible in interactive animation and want to work on projects that will define the next decade of gaming, we invite you to submit your application. Please ensure your portfolio/showreel is up to date and clearly highlights your work in gameplay (as opposed to strictly cinematic) animation. Join Skydance Games. Build something extraordinary. Skydance is an equal opportunity employer. For more information on our privacy practices regarding your data, please review our Personnel Privacy Notice at Gameplay Animator at Skydance Games,Austin #J-18808-Ljbffr