Company: Gearbox Studio

Gearbox Studio Québec, a cornerstone of the 2K / Take-Two Interactive family, is seeking a visionary Technical Animation Lead to anchor our team in Montreal. Gearbox is renowned for genre-defining hits like Borderlands, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, and Homeworld. As we continue to evolve these legendary IPs and develop unannounced projects, we need a leader who can bridge the gap between artistic performance and high-level engineering. This role is not just about oversight; it is about architecture. You will lead a specialized team of technical animators focused on pushing the limits of character fidelity, developing robust in-engine features, and streamlining production pipelines. If you have a passion for “game feel,” a deep understanding of Unreal Engine 5, and a talent for mentorship, this is your opportunity to define the future of animation at Gearbox. Job Overview: Technical Animation Lead Category Details Company Name Gearbox Studio Québec (A 2K / Take-Two Studio) Position Technical Animation Lead / Chef·fe d’équipe Location Montreal, Quebec, Canada Job Type Full-Time, Regular Employee Experience 5+ Years (Industry) / 3+ Years (Character Animation Tech) Primary Engine Unreal Engine 5 (Focus on Blueprints & State Machines) Core Skills Team Management, Python/C++, Mocap, Motion Matching Compensation & Salary Benchmarks Gearbox Studio Québec provides a highly competitive compensation structure that reflects the specialized nature of technical leadership in the Montreal gaming hub. Role Level Experience Estimated Annual Salary (CAD) Technical Animation Lead 5 – 8 Years $115,000 – $155,000 Principal Technical Animator 9+ Years $160,000 – $190,000+ Note: Final compensation packages are determined based on the candidate’s technical depth, management history, and performance during the interview process. Employees are also eligible for comprehensive 2K benefits, performance bonuses, and relocation assistance where applicable. Core Responsibilities: Leading the Animation Revolution As a Lead, your time will be divided between high-level team management and deep-dive technical architecture. 1. Team Management & Mentorship Goal Setting: Define clear objectives for the technical animation team, providing consistent feedback and aligning individual growth with project milestones. Career Advocacy: Support the professional development of junior and mid-level technical animators through structured workshops and technical sessions. Culture: Foster a collaborative, positive environment where creative aesthetics meet technical rigor. 2. Technical Architecture & Implementation Unreal Engine Mastery: Build and maintain sophisticated Animation Blueprints, state machines, and character data structures. Gameplay Blending: Fine-tune blending, warping, and layering to ensure seamless transitions that enhance the “game feel.” Prototyping: Research and develop new animation systems (such as Motion Matching or Distance Matching) from initial pitch to final in-game integration. Optimization: Identify bottlenecks in the current animation pipeline and act decisively to optimize workflows for maximum efficiency. 3. Cross-Departmental Strategy Technical Parameters: Partner with Code and Design Leads to establish project-specific technical benchmarks. Integration Support: Facilitate the smooth integration of animation assets with Mission, Systems, and Gameplay teams. Documentation: Ensure every feature and system is documented with analytical detail for future scaling and training. Detailed Requirements & Candidate Profile We are looking for a “Technical Artist-Leader”—someone who understands the nuances of a high-performance character rig as clearly as they understand the logic of a C++ class. Technical Prerequisites Animation Logic: Comprehensive knowledge of blending, warping, layering, synchronized choreography, and complex state machine architecture. Pipeline Expertise: Mastery of the full animation lifecycle—from skinning/mesh through to final engine integration. Scripting/Coding: Strong understanding of technical logic and architecture. Experience with Python, MEL, or C++ is highly desirable. Production Tools: Fluency in Maya, Motion Builder, and industry-standard documentation platforms like Jira and Confluence. Professional Background Management Experience: Previous experience in a leadership or managerial role within a production environment is required. Industry Tenure: Over 5 years of experience as a Game Designer, Animator, or Programmer, with at least 3 years specifically focused on character animation tech. Problem Solving: A proven ability to take a high-level design feature and break it down into an easy-to-animate, technically sound pipeline. What Makes You a Standout Candidate? Next-Gen Tech: Direct experience with Unreal Engine 5’s advanced animation toolsets. Mocap Expertise: Familiarity with motion capture systems and software such as Vicon Blade. Artistic Eye: An excellent balance between creative/visual aesthetics and hardcore technical skills. Passion: You are a fan of fast-paced action games and stay current with how other studios are elevating character presentation. The Montreal Studio Experience Joining Gearbox in Montreal means becoming part of a thriving, world-class ecosystem. 2K Pedigree: Benefit from the stability and resources of a global giant like Take-Two Interactive while working in a studio that feels like a family. Iconic Projects: Impact the future of legends like Borderlands and Duke Nukem. Bilingual Hub: Thrive in a vibrant, bilingual work environment that celebrates the unique culture of Quebec. Commitment to Inclusion & Equality Gearbox Studio Québec is committed to providing an inclusive, equitable, and discrimination-free work environment. We believe our games are better when they reflect the diverse perspectives of the world we entertain. Equal Opportunity: We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. Accommodations: We are dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. How to Apply To be considered for the Technical Animation Lead position, your application must include: Professional Resume: Highlighting your management experience and shipped AAA titles. Portfolio/Technical Reel: Showcasing examples of Animation Blueprints, state machines, or custom scripts/tools you have developed. Statement of Interest: Briefly tell us how you balance technical constraints with creative vision. Join Gearbox Montreal and help us bridge the gap between technology and emotion. Apply today!

Gearbox Studio Québec, a division of the world-renowned Gearbox Entertainment Company and a proud label of 2K (Take-Two Interactive), is seeking an exceptional Senior Lighting Artist. Joining our team in the heart of Quebec City means contributing to some of the most iconic and visually distinct franchises in gaming history, including Borderlands, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, and Homeworld. As a Senior Lighting Artist, you are the final architect of the player’s emotional journey. You will use light, shadow, and color to guide gameplay, heighten narrative beats, and define the atmosphere of sprawling AAA worlds. This role requires a master-level understanding of Unreal Engine 5 and a deep sensitivity to the marriage of technical performance and cinematic artistry. Job Overview: Senior Lighting Artist Category Details Company Name Gearbox Studio Québec (A 2K / Take-Two Label) Position Senior Lighting Artist Location Quebec City, Quebec, Canada Job Type Full-Time, Regular Employee Work Model Hybrid (LI-Hybrid) Primary Engine Unreal Engine 5 (Lumen/Nanite Focus) Language Requirement Bilingual (French & English) Compensation & Global Market Benchmarks While final compensation at Gearbox is determined by individual expertise, technical depth, and portfolio quality, the following table reflects the current competitive landscape for Senior Lighting roles within the high-growth Quebec gaming hub. Role Level Experience Estimated Annual Salary (CAD) Senior Lighting Artist 5 – 8 Years $95,000 – $135,000 Lead / Principal Lighting 9+ Years $140,000 – $175,000+ Note: In addition to base salary, Gearbox employees are typically eligible for comprehensive 2K/Take-Two benefits, performance bonuses, and studio-specific perks. Core Responsibilities: The Art of Illumination At Gearbox, lighting is not just a technical pass—it is a storytelling tool. You will be expected to: 1. Creative Visual Storytelling Emotional Impact: Utilize lighting to transmit specific moods and emotions that align with the narrative arc of the level. Composition: Demonstrate a sophisticated sense of visual composition, using light to draw the player’s eye toward key gameplay objectives and points of interest. Color Theory: Apply advanced knowledge of color theory to create harmonious and striking palettes that define the project’s unique identity. 2. Technical Execution & R&D UE5 Mastery: Leverage the full power of Unreal Engine 5 to create high-fidelity lighting solutions while strictly adhering to project-specific technical constraints. Pipeline Development: Work closely with the Technical Art Director to establish and refine production processes that optimize visual quality against hardware performance. Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Partner with the Level Design and Art teams to ensure that lighting supports both the aesthetic vision and the functional requirements of gameplay. 3. Leadership & Quality Control Artistic Consistency: Meet and exceed the style and quality targets established by the Art Director. Feasibility Analysis: Act as a bridge between departments to ensure that art elements are both visually stunning and technically feasible within the game engine. Candidate Profile & Qualifications We are looking for a veteran artist who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and possesses a “team-first” attitude. Technical Requirements Industry Tenure: 5+ years of professional experience specifically as a Lighting Artist in the video game industry. Proven Track Record: You must have shipped at least 2 multiplatform AAA titles. Engine Expertise: In-depth, production-level knowledge of Unreal Engine 5. Global Pipeline Knowledge: Deep understanding of the end-to-end techniques and processes involved in modern game development. Soft Skills Bilingualism: Excellent communication skills in both French and English are essential for our Quebec studio environment. Positive Attitude: An enthusiastic, proactive approach to problem-solving and collaboration. Adaptability: The ability to pivot between different art styles—from the hyper-stylized world of Borderlands to more realistic or atmospheric environments. The Quebec Studio Experience Gearbox Studio Québec is a hub of exceptional talent. We pride ourselves on a culture that balances the high-octane energy of a global AAA developer with the tight-knit community feel of our Quebec office. Hybrid Flexibility: We support a hybrid work model that allows you to balance studio collaboration with remote productivity. Growth & Mentorship: Join a studio that values continuous learning and offers the opportunity to work alongside industry legends. Iconic IP: Contribute to the ongoing evolution of massive properties like Duke Nukem, Risk of Rain, and Brothers in Arms. Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion Gearbox Studio Québec and 2K are committed to fostering a workplace that reflects the diversity of the world we entertain. We believe that immersive worlds are best built by teams with varied perspectives. Equal Opportunity: We do not discriminate based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or any other status protected by law. Reasonable Accommodations: We are dedicated to providing accommodations for qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities during the recruitment process and throughout employment. Inclusive Environment: We strive for a workplace free from harassment and discrimination, where every voice is heard and valued. Application Requirements To apply for the Senior Lighting Artist position, please prepare the following: Professional Resume: Highlighting your shipped titles and years of experience. Portfolio/Demo Reel: A link to your portfolio is mandatory. We are looking for: Examples of real-time lighting in Unreal Engine (UE4 or UE5). Breakdowns of exterior/interior lighting, day/night cycles, and atmospheric effects. Demonstrations of how your lighting supports player pathfinding and gameplay. Cover Letter (Optional): Tell us why you’re passionate about joining the Gearbox family and which of our franchises inspires you the most. Gearbox Studio Québec is ready to see the world through your lens. Join us in creating the next generation of award-winning interactive entertainment.