Job Overview

Feature	Details
Project Focus	A “persistent universe” for Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars integrated with Fortnite.
Core Animation Style	Highly appealing, character-driven movement grounded in realistic world physics.
Primary Toolset	Maya (for authoring) and Unreal Engine 5 (for implementation).
Key UE5 Systems	Animation Blueprints, Control Rig, and State Machines.
Target Platforms	PC, Console (PS5/Xbox Series X), and Mobile.
Senior Responsibility	Leading daily style critiques and driving cross-discipline collaboration (Production, Tech Design).

The Mission

At Epic Games, we don’t just build games; we build the ecosystems that define the future of digital interaction. Our success is fueled by a culture of collaboration, transparency, and a relentless drive to “do right” by our community.

Epic Games currently embarking on one of the most ambitious projects in our history: a persistent universe created in collaboration with Disney. This new frontier will allow players to play, watch, shop, and engage with a massive array of content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and Avatar—all powered by the industry-leading Unreal Engine 5. We are looking for a Senior Gameplay Animator in Montreal to bring these iconic worlds to life through fluid, responsive, and high-appeal character movement.

The Role: Artistry Meets Engine Mastery

As a Senior Gameplay Animator, you aren’t just moving models; you are defining the “soul” of the player experience. You will be responsible for creating character-specific animations that capture the timeless charm of Disney’s aesthetics while maintaining the high-intensity, physical grounding required for a world-class action game like Fortnite.

Your work will bridge the gap between pure artistic expression in Maya and technical implementation in Unreal Engine 5. You will be a key player in a daily critique environment, working alongside the industry’s best concept artists, technical animators, and designers to push the limits of what is possible in real-time entertainment.

What You’ll Do

Character Authorship: Create original, high-fidelity gameplay animations (locomotion, combat, emotes, and interactions) using Maya and UE5’s Control Rig.
Technical Integration: Take full ownership of your animations from the first keyframe to the final in-game logic, utilizing the UE5 Animation Blueprint system to ensure seamless transitions and state-of-the-art responsiveness.
Style Synthesis: Master the balance between “Disney Appeal” (squash and stretch, expressive silhouettes) and “Fortnite Physics” (grounded, weighted, and tactical).
Cross-Disciplinary Leadership: Act as a bridge between the Art and Engineering departments. You will collaborate with Technical Animators to refine rigs and with Designers to ensure the “feel” of the character aligns with gameplay mechanics.
Quality Assurance: Refine and polish animations based on performance data and aesthetic feedback, ensuring every movement is optimized for a global audience across PC, console, and mobile.

What We’re Looking For

AAA Pedigree: Extensive experience working on high-budget titles. You understand the rigors of a large-scale production pipeline and the importance of meeting milestones without compromising quality.
Movement Mastery: A portfolio that showcases a deep understanding of the 12 principles of animation, specifically as they apply to humanoids and creatures. We want to see weight, momentum, and personality.
Technical Fluency: You are a power user of Unreal Engine 5. You should be comfortable navigating Animation Blueprints, Blend Spaces, and State Machines.
Design Literacy: You don’t just animate for beauty; you animate for the player. You understand how frame counts and “anticipation” impact the responsiveness of a game.
Foundational Knowledge: A solid grasp of the entire art pipeline, including a working knowledge of modeling, skinning, and rigging, allowing you to troubleshoot assets effectively.

The “Epic” Life: Benefits & Culture

Epic Games believe that world-class work requires a world-class life. Epic Games Montreal offers a robust benefits package designed to support your physical, mental, and financial well-being:

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Comprehensive Health: 100% employer-paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents.
Future Security: Retirement savings plan with a highly competitive employer match.
Mental Health Support: Free access to therapy and coaching via Modern Health and our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Work-Life Balance: Generous time-off policies and a culture that respects your time outside the studio.

About Epic Games

Founded in 1991, Epic Games is the creator of Fortnite, Unreal, Gears of War, Shadow Complex, and the Infinity Blade series. Our Unreal Engine technology is the world’s most open and advanced real-time 3D tool, used not only in gaming but also in film, television, architecture, and automotive industries. With 46 studios worldwide, we are a diverse team dedicated to building the future of the Metaverse.

Epic Games is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.