TECHNICAL ANIMATOR

Job description

At Bespoke Pixel, we're all about creating something extraordinary. We’re a small, fully funded, independent studio working on a well-known IP, and we’re pushing boundaries when it comes to gameplay and quality. The role and your impact We are looking for a Technical Animator who is equal parts creative and technical. You will build and improve animation state machines and workflows, and adapt character rigs as the game evolves, helping our characters move with the quality, responsiveness and personality we aspire to. This is a hands on role with close daily collaboration across animation, game design, sound and engineering. Together, you will quickly find the right solutions for tight, fun gameplay loops. Because we are a small team in the startup phase, the role will not fit neatly inside one box. You should enjoy moving between animation, systems, tools and debugging, with the player experience as your primary measure of success. What you will do · Own animation systems: Develop, implement and evolve real time animation systems in Unreal Engine 5, including Animation Blueprints, state machines, blend spaces and transition logic. · Maintain character rigs: Adapt and update existing rigs as the game's needs evolve, applying good practices to keep them stable, efficient and easy to use. · Connect animation and gameplay: Work with gameplay programmers and designers to translate movement, abilities and interactions into responsive in game animation behaviour. · Improve tools and workflows: Create scripts, tools and pipeline improvements that remove repetitive work, reduce errors and help animators iterate faster from DCC tools to engine. · Solve and optimize: Diagnose issues across rigs, assets and runtime systems, then profile and improve performance without losing animation quality. · Support the team: Partner closely with animators, technical artists, designers and programmers, and share practical solutions that help the team move faster. What we are looking for We care more about what you have built and the judgment behind it than a precise number of years. Your profile will probably include: · Professional experience as a Technical Animator or in a closely related technical animation role for PC or console games, including work on at least one shipped title. · Strong practical experience with Unreal Engine animation systems, ideally Unreal Engine 5, including Animation Blueprints, state machines, blend spaces, retargeting and runtime debugging. · Experience maintaining character rigs, skinning and deformation systems in Maya or a comparable DCC package. · Scripting or programming experience in Python, Blueprint, C++ or similar, with the ability to create useful tools and automate workflows. · A solid understanding of animation pipelines, asset integration and performance constraints. · The ability to communicate clearly across animation, design and engineering and turn different disciplines' needs into practical solutions. A proactive, curious mindset and the patience to investigate complicated problems without losing sight of production priorities Why join us? The Bespoke Pixel advantage This isn't a role where you’ll be a cog in a machine. This is an opportunity to be a key decision-maker in a small, tight-knit team where your impact is visible and valued every day. We believe that great work is done by happy people. Competitive Salary: We offer a competitive salary that is commensurate with your expertise and the market. Work-Life Balance: Enjoy 5 weeks of paid vacation. We believe in building a healthy, sustainable studio culture. Relocation & Barcelona Life: Our beautiful office is located in central Barcelona, complete with a rooftop terrace, a gym, and a fantastic community. We are ready to help with relocation for the right candidate. Comprehensive Benefits: We provide free private health insurance, a €200 monthly stipend for meals and transportation, and a yearly allowance for professional development. Team & Culture: We are a team of talented people who love what they do and support each other. You can look forward to regular team events and after-work hangouts. At Bespoke Pixel, we work on site in Barcelona five days a week. Living here or being willing to relocate is a must. Ready to apply? Apply in English with your CV and portfolio or reel. Show us a technical animation problem you solved, what you personally contributed and how the solution improved either the final result or the team's ability to produce it. Breakdowns of rigs, systems, tools and in engine implementation are especially useful. We review applications continuously and encourage you to apply sooner rather than later. We aim to respond within a few weeks and let you know how we would like to proceed. Bespoke Pixel is an equal opportunity employer. Everyone is welcome. Let’s build something amazing together!