• Company Name: CD PROJEKT RED
• Project Name: Cyberpunk 2 (Project Orion)
• Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
• Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Hybrid / On-site)
• Experience Level: Senior (5+ Years, At least 1 Shipped Title)
• Annual Salary Range: $95,000 – $174,000 USD
• Core Software: Maya, MotionBuilder, Unreal Engine
• Application Deadline: July 30, 2026
• Project: Next Mainline Cyberpunk Game – Project Orion

At CD PROJEKT RED, our mission is to create revolutionary, story-driven RPGs that go straight to the hearts of gamers. Following the global success of Cyberpunk 2077 and its expansion Phantom Liberty, our North American hub in Boston is officially scaling up to develop the next chapter of the dark future: Cyberpunk 2.

We are seeking a visionary Senior Gameplay Animator with a specialized focus on Non-Player Characters (NPCs). In this role, you will be a key architect of the “living world” of Night City. Your work will define how enemies react, how civilians navigate the neon-soaked streets, and how combat encounters feel to the player. We need someone who can blend the raw realism of motion capture with the snappy, readable feedback required for elite-tier gameplay.

As a Senior Gameplay Animator, you are an individual contributor who serves as a bridge between artistic performance and technical implementation. Your day-to-day will involve:

1. High-Fidelity NPC Development

You will develop high-quality player and NPC animations across a massive range of character archetypes. Whether it’s a cyber-enhanced street thug or a high-ranking corporate bodyguard, you will create locomotion states and combat behaviors that are grounded yet exciting. You will utilize a sophisticated mix of hand-keyed animation and motion capture to deliver motion that is both expressive and readable.

2. Technical Integration in Unreal Engine

This is a hands-on role. You won’t just “toss files over the wall”; you will work directly within Unreal Engine to implement, iterate, and validate NPC animations. You will ensure that your animations look strong in real-time gameplay contexts, focusing on transition logic, blending, and responsiveness.

3. Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

You will partner daily with Designers, Programmers, and the Animation Lead to align animation quality with the project’s gameplay pillars. You will create pre-visualizations and prototypes to test combat mechanics early, helping to define the “feel” of a fight long before it reaches the final stage.

4. Research and Mentorship

The industry moves fast, and so does CD PROJEKT RED. You will research and advocate for new techniques—such as motion matching or advanced movement solutions—to improve animation efficiency. Furthermore, you will provide mentorship and feedback to junior animators, helping to cultivate a culture of excellence within the Boston hub.

We are looking for a veteran who understands that gameplay animation is about more than just “looking good”—it’s about how the game feels.

• Proven Track Record:
  • At least 5 years of professional experience in gameplay animation with at least one shipped AAA title.
• Engine Mastery:
  • Professional experience developing animation specifically in Unreal Engine or an equivalent high-end proprietary engine.
• Artistic Foundations:
  • Deep knowledge of animation fundamentals—weight, timing, posing, and silhouette. You must have the ability to enhance raw mo-cap data to increase its “appeal” without losing the grounded quality of the source.
• Technical Toolset:
  • High proficiency in Maya and MotionBuilder.
• Mechanics & Physics:
  • A thorough understanding of human (and trans-human) body mechanics and physics as they relate to combat and movement.
• Self-Management:
  • The capability to estimate your own task scope and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.

The “Nice to Haves”

• Experience with the unique challenges of Open-World or RPG titles.
• A background in developing enemy behaviors for shooters or high-octane action games.
• Familiarity with Motion Matching systems.

CD PROJEKT RED is committed to the health, happiness, and growth of our team members.

Health & Well-being

• Full Coverage:
  • Company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, including robust mental health support.
• Generous Time Off:
  • 26 days of paid holiday per year for every team member.
• Inclusive Policies:
  • We offer Menstrual Leave and a focus on work-life balance.

Financial & Lifestyle

• Retirement:
  • 401K with employer matching.
• Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA):
  • A $100 monthly stipend for fitness, wellness, home office gear, or streaming services.
• Flexible Hours:
  • We value results over “desk time,” offering flexible start and end times.

Office Culture

• Dog-Friendly:
  • Our Boston office welcomes your furry friends.
• Swag & Social:
  • Regular “cool swag” drops and a welcome pack to make you feel at home.
• Growth:
  • Access to internal workshops, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and a dedicated cafeteria platform.

The estimated pay range for this position is $95,000 – $174,000 USD annually. Final offers are determined based on geographic location, individual experience, and qualifications.