Looking for a 3D Animator to join our team for a story-driven shooter

Who are we? A small independent studio of 9 people. Fully private, no government contracts or multi-stage approvals. We're making a game because we love games and aren't afraid to experiment with things large studios skip due to bureaucracy and fear of screwing up in front of investors. We don't have a dress code, team-building with vanilla lattes, or 60-slide presentations. We have a working, somewhat underground atmosphere and a common goal.

What are we making? A story-driven, dynamic shooter with an emphasis on visceral action, well-directed cutscenes, and a dense narrative. The style is realism with noir undertones.

What will you be doing? Character animation: combat, movement, parkour, interaction with the environment and weapons. First-person and third-person animations. (Desirable!) - Integrating all of this into Unreal Engine 5.7.4: setting up AnimBlueprints, state machines, montages, retargeting, working with Control Rig and Sequencer. Collaborating with game designers, programmers, and artists, as it's impossible without them.

What should be in your pipeline Proficient Maya or Blender (whichever is more comfortable - it doesn't matter, the result is key) — Working with skeletons, skinning, and rigging. Desirable experience with mocap data: cleaning, retargeting, manual refinement. (Or at least a willingness to learn it). Experience with UE5: AnimBP, Blendspace, Montages, IK, Control Rig, Sequencer. Understanding how animation fits into gameplay, what root motion is. A plus would be: experience with physics simulations (cloth, hair), knowledge of Motion Matching.

The main requirement A desire to work hard and a genuine interest in the project. We want someone who comes to make a game, not just serve time like in a penal colony. Even if you're a top professional but don't care about what's happening, you won't last long here. If you're a solid mid-level or even a junior who is passionate about the project and drives it forward - we'll find common ground. Being part of a team isn't about a corporate family and Friday get-togethers (though we have those too). It's about investing in the common result, meeting your deadlines, speaking up if something is wrong, and respecting the work of others.

Conditions Full-time preferred. Employment options are negotiable - official employment according to the Labor Code is possible after the probation period. Work format – remote. If you are from Saint Petersburg and want to come to the office, no problem, you can come to the office. Salary is discussed individually with each candidate. (We consider juniors from 80,000 rubles for full-time and higher, respectively, it all depends on your knowledge, and yes, this is for real money :) If you are interested in the vacancy – write here: Tg - recruiter contact