Epic Games | Lead Animator – Fortnite, Cary

Epic Games is looking for a visionary Lead Animator to join our world-class Art & Animation department. This is a definitive opportunity to lead the creative direction of one of the most culturally significant titles in gaming history: Fortnite.

If you have a mastery of character movement, a deep understanding of pop-culture rhythm, and the leadership experience to guide a high-performing team, we want to hear from you.

Job Overview

• Company Name: Epic Games
• Product Focus: Fortnite
• Job Type: Full-Time / Permanent
• Location: Cary, North Carolina, United States
• Department: Art & Animation
• Primary Software: Autodesk Maya, Unreal Engine 5, ART Toolset

Compensation & “Epic” Benefits

At Epic Games we believe that world-class talent deserves world-class security. Our compensation philosophy is built to support a high quality of life, ensuring our team remains focused on innovation.

Detailed Responsibilities

The Lead Animator role at Epic Games is a multifaceted position that combines hands-on artistry with strategic team leadership.

1. Creative Oversight & Emote Development

You will be the primary steward of Fortnite’s “Emote” library. This involves overseeing character-specific animations, ensuring that every dance, gesture, and movement aligns with the high-energy, stylized aesthetic of the game. You will use Maya and Epic’s proprietary ART tools to supervise the creation of key-framed and mocap-driven assets.

2. End-to-End Implementation

Your role isn’t finished when the animation looks good in Maya. You will guide emotes through the entire pipeline:

• Initial Concepting: Brainstorming movements for original characters and global IP partners (music stars, film characters, etc.).

• Technical Integration: Implementing animations directly within the Unreal editor.

• Refinement: Polishing rhythm and acting to ensure “readability” in a fast-paced gameplay environment.

3. Leadership & Collaboration

As a Lead Animator, you are responsible for the growth and output of the team.

• Interdisciplinary Sync: Collaborate with Character Artists, Riggers, and Designers to ensure technical feasibility.

• Vendor Management: Act as the creative point of contact for external vendor teams, ensuring their output matches Epic’s internal quality bar.

• Process Innovation: Constantly striving to “raise the bar” for engine and game development workflows.

What We Are Looking For (Requirements)

Epic Games is searching for a candidate who is not only a master of their craft but a leader who can inspire others.

• Portfolio Excellence: A professional animation reel demonstrating top-tier key-framed character and creature animations. We are looking for a deep understanding of weight, timing, and appeal.
• Software Mastery: Extensive experience with Maya and a strong command of gameplay systems within Unreal Engine.
• Artistic Instincts: An intuitive grasp of both realistic and highly stylized motions. You should be able to transition seamlessly between a gritty combat animation and a vibrant, rhythmic dance.
• Technical Versatility: Familiarity with the broader pipeline, including modeling, skinning, and rigging. Understanding how a rig affects animation is crucial.
• Mocap Experience: Proven ability to work with and clean up motion capture data to fit the Fortnite aesthetic.
• Leadership Track Record: You must have shipped at least one major title in a leadership capacity, proving you can handle the pressures of a live-service production cycle.

The Epic Environment

Our Vision

Epic Games has grown from a small studio to a global entity with over 4,500 employees across 46 studios. We don’t just make games; we build the technology (Unreal Engine) that empowers the entire industry. Being “Epic” means being part of a team that strives to do right by our community, prioritizing user experience and creative bravery over the status quo.

Culture of Inclusion

Epic Games deeply value diverse teams and an inclusive culture. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, believing that the best games are made by teams that reflect the diversity of our global player base.

The Location: Cary, NC

Our Cary headquarters offers a high standard of living with a burgeoning tech scene, excellent schools, and proximity to the Research Triangle Park. It is an ideal hub for long-term career growth and personal stability.

How to Apply

If you are a passionate, solution-focused animator who thrives in a collaborative environment, we want to hear from you.

Required Application Materials:

1. Resume/CV: Highlighting your leadership experience and shipped titles.

2. Animation Reel: Showing a variety of character movements (acting, locomotion, rhythmic/dance).

3. Cover Letter: (Optional but encouraged) Tell us why you are passionate about the Fortnite universe.

Note to Recruitment Agencies: Epic does not accept unsolicited resumes from unauthorized third parties.