Gearbox Studio Québec hiring Technical Animation Lead job

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

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.

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:

1. Professional Resume: Highlighting your management experience and shipped AAA titles.

2. Portfolio/Technical Reel: Showcasing examples of Animation Blueprints, state machines, or custom scripts/tools you have developed.

3. 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!