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EP

Principal Animation Programmer

Epic Games
United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 25 Jun 2025

About the role

WHAT MAKES US EPIC?

At the core of Epic’s success are talented, passionate people. Epic prides itself on creating a collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment. Whether it’s building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences, we’re always innovating.

Being Epic means being a part of a team that continually strives to do right by our community and users. We’re constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development.

ENGINEERING - UNREAL ENGINE

What We Do

Unreal-powered projects have been on the bleeding edge of real-time entertainment for over 20 years. Our team of engineering experts are always innovating to improve the tools and technology that empower content developers worldwide.

What You'll Do

We are looking for a programmer experienced with C++ and Python development who is excited about both machine learning and game development. You will bridge the gap between runtime game programming and traditional ML research pipelines by developing, enhancing, and maintaining core systems for Unreal Engine that help us incorporate the latest machine learning advances in animation into the engine. You will work directly with the brightest technical minds in the business as we build the premier game engine for a multitude of platforms.

In this role, you will

  • Develop C++ engine code and tools for animation inside Unreal, leveraging and extending our existing frameworks such as Learning Agents, Sequencer, and Control Rig
  • Analyze ML animation research and techniques from our research team, and figure out the best way to incorporate research into the engine
  • Debug and develop Python Libraries to assist ML researchers
  • Contribute to new animation techniques and help advance the state of the art in animation research

What we're looking for

  • Extensive experience in writing C++ applications
  • Extensive experience with Python and NumPy, with the ability to read, debug, and adapt research code
  • Either 3+ years of professional experience or published academic work in well-known journals
  • Previous experience working in a game engine (either as a hobbyist or professionally... UE experience strongly preferred)
  • Excellent linear algebra skills and applications of linear algebra in software development
  • Experience writing performant code
  • Basic understanding of animation concepts and interest in current state-of-the-art animation research
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills with both technical and non-technical people alike
  • Experience with MotionBuilder / Maya / Blender preferred

EPIC JOB + EPIC BENEFITS = EPIC LIFE

Our intent is to cover all things that are medically necessary and improve the quality of life. We pay 100% of the premiums for both you and your dependents. Our coverage includes Medical, Dental, a Vision HRA, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance & a 401k with competitive match. We also offer a robust mental well-being program through Modern Health, which provides free therapy and coaching for employees & dependents. Throughout the year we celebrate our employees with events and company-wide paid breaks. We offer unlimited PTO and sick time and recognize individuals for 7 years of employment with a paid sabbatical.

ABOUT US

Epic Games spans across 25 countries with 46 studios and 4,500+ employees globally. For over 25 years, we've been making award-winning games and engine technology that empowers others to make visually stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal Engine technology not only provides game developers the ability to build high-fidelity, interactive experiences for PC, console, mobile, and VR, it is also a tool being embraced by content creators across a variety of industries such as media and entertainment, automotive, and architectural design. As we continue to build our Engine technology and develop remarkable games, we strive to build teams of world-class talent.

Like what you hear? Come be a part of something Epic!

Epic Games deeply values diverse teams and an inclusive work culture, and we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Learn more about our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy here.

Note to Recruitment Agencies: Epic does not accept any unsolicited resumes or approaches from any unauthorized third party

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Epic Games

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