Zynga - Principal Technical Animator

Animation Director is needed in London, United Kingdom.

Client: Zynga

Location: London, United Kingdom

Contract: Full-time, Contractor

Job Description

We are looking for a Senior/Principal Technical Animator to join our team in supporting Star Wars: Hunters and our next unannounced project. You will work alongside the Animation Team to help deliver and bring our amazing characters to life. This position embraces a hybrid work environment, requiring working 2 days a week in our London or Brighton office and the remaining days at home.

Requirements

What You’ll Do:

• Responsible for creating and maintaining the rigging and technical animation pipeline for the projects.
• Play a key role in creating original characters and seasonally released cosmetics as part of the Animation Team.
• Report to the Lead Animator and Art Directors.

What You Bring:

• Expert knowledge of the skeletal pipeline from Rigging to exporting finalized characters into the game, with a specialty in understanding mobile limitations (both bipedal and non-bipedal).
• Understanding of cloth simulation and dynamics in both Engine and 3D software, including the requirements and limitations of its use.
• Expert in how animation systems work in Unreal Engine; capable of debugging, modifying, and creating them from scratch.
• Understanding of the process of motion capture, cleanup, and application to different characters.
• Expert knowledge of retargeting, both in and out of engine, including retargeting between non-matching skeletons.
• Proficient in relevant scripting languages (MEL, Python, Max Script, etc.) for 3D software.
• Foundational knowledge of rigging techniques including bones, IK, Splines, Blend Shapes, Skinning, and setting up animation blueprints in Unreal.
• Advanced knowledge of major third-party rigging systems (e.g., Advanced Skeleton, Rapid Rig, mGear).
• Experience with animation systems designed for scalability across a wide range of mobile devices.
• Complete ownership of pipeline with good documentation and communication skills.

Bonus Points:

• Knowledge of Facial Rigging processes and game engine compatible solutions.
• Understanding of procedural animation systems.
• Experience in technical art areas such as Shaders, Lighting Tech, and VFX.
• Knowledge of mechanical systems and vehicle rigging.

Additional Information

What We Offer You:

• Competitive salary and discretionary annual bonus scheme.
• 26 days holiday, plus bank holidays & 2 paid personal days.
• 6 months fully paid maternity/adoption leave and 16 weeks fully paid paternity leave (eligibility criteria applies).
• Pension plan with a double matching employer contribution.
• Private medical & dental insurance and healthcare cash plan.
• Life insurance, personal accident insurance, and income protection.
• Mental health and neurodiversity support programs.
• Company Employee Stock Purchase Plan (eligibility criteria applies).
• Fitness reimbursement plan worth £600 per annum.
• Flexible working hours.
• Weekly happy hours, seasonal parties, and monthly social events.
• Annual rail season ticket advance and cycle to work scheme.

Zynga is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating and celebrating diverse thoughts, cultures, and backgrounds within our organization. Employment is based on substantive ability and qualifications, with consideration for all individuals regardless of their background.

Please note that Zynga does not conduct job interviews or make job offers via third-party messaging apps or engage in financial exchanges during the recruitment process. Any attempts to do so may be fraudulent, and candidates should not engage.