Unreal Engine Technical Animator

This is a Full Time Job

Technical Animator (Expression of Interest)

Please note this is a speculative role. If we move to hire, the position will be hybrid and require days in our London studio as well as potential international travel. We cannot provide visas or UK relocation for this position, as it will be a contract role.

The Role
Framestore is looking for a Technical Animator to join our Immersive team, working at the intersection of animation, technology and real-time storytelling. This role is ideal for an experienced Animator with strong Unreal Engine knowledge, or a Technical Artist with a background in animation who enjoys building systems as much as crafting motion.

You'll work closely with Technical Artists, Developers, and our Animation and Rigging teams to bring the level of polish seen in our Film and TV work into real-time experiences. From XR and interactive projects to themed attractions, you'll help shape how animation lives and breathes in engine.

You'll focus on building, implementing and refining animation systems in game engine(s), while supporting the tools and workflows that enable artists across the division to do their best work. You'll balance performance and artistic intent, troubleshoot complex problems, and collaborate closely with development and pipeline teams to create compelling, responsive experiences.

You'll also be:
• Implementing and maintaining animation systems within Unreal Engine
• Collaborating with Pipeline and Rigging teams to develop tools that extend VFX workflows into engine
• Troubleshooting and resolving animation-related technical issues
• Optimising animation performance while preserving creative quality
• Creating and maintaining clear, practical documentation
• Working with the Development team to support strong gameplay and interaction experiences

Please note that whilst Unreal Engine is our preferred engine, we'd also be happy to hear from candidates with experience using other game engines, whether proprietary or otherwise, even if you don't meet every requirement listed below.

Essential Skills
Extensive experience working in engine (UE 5 preferred) in a games or real-time environment
• Deep knowledge of Unreal animation systems, including Control Rig, Motion Matching, Contextual Animation, procedural layering, blending, transitions, physics assets and dynamics
• Experience with animation blueprints and engine state machines
• Strong understanding of animation and rigging pipelines in Unreal and/or VFX
• Confidence working with Python
• Solid knowledge of anatomy, motion, weight, balance and form
• Understanding of constraints, deformers and their limitations
• Strong communication skills, good organisation, and a proactive, collaborative mindset

Desirable Skills:
• Working knowledge of C++
• Experience with performance capture, retargeting and rig hookups
• Familiarity with FACS-based animation
• Experience creating content for XR or interactive projects
• Experience working with stylised characters
• Working knowledge of Maya