Technical Animation Director (unannounced project)

Company Description

Ubisoft is a global leader in gaming with teams across the world creating original and memorable gaming experiences, from Assassin’s Creed, Rainbow Six to Just Dance and more. We believe diverse perspectives help both players and teams thrive. If you’re passionate about innovation and pushing entertainment boundaries, join our journey and help create the unknown!

Job Description

As a Technical Animation Director at Ubisoft Montréal, you will join a small, autonomous team developing an ambitious multiplayer experience in Unreal Engine. You’ll guide the development of animation systems that are fluid, expressive, and optimized for performance while helping align creative goals with technical requirements.

You’ll collaborate closely with animation, rigging, programming, and tools teams to build reliable and scalable pipelines that support the project’s ambitions.

What you’ll do:

• Design, implement, and maintain scalable and high-performing animation pipelines;
• Collaborate with the tools team to develop and improve MotionBuilder scripts using Python;
• Partner with animators and programmers to refine animation systems within the game engine;
• Support the implementation of procedural animation systems and full-body IK;
• Ensure animation systems support character customization features;
• Balance between artistic quality and technical performance;
• Document workflows, tools, and processes for animation teams;
• Provide day-to-day guidance and support to technical animators and animation teams;
• Facilitate collaboration between creative and technical disciplines;
• Guide teams in developing sustainable and efficient animation workflows.

Qualifications

• Experience in technical animation, animation systems development, or programming within the video game industry;
• Experience guiding or mentoring teams in a collaborative environment;
• Experience with live multiplayer games;
• Strong understanding of Unreal Engine and 3D software such as MotionBuilder, 3ds Max, and Maya;
• Experience with scripting languages such as Python, C#, JavaScript, and MaxScript;
• Understanding of motion capture, state machines, and animation workflows;
• Familiarity with Jira, Perforce, or similar production tools;
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

What to send our way

• Your CV highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
• Portfolio or project links adapted to the role.