Eleventh Hour Games (EHG) is a remote-first studio defined by a singular focus: crafting the world’s most engaging Top-Down Action RPGs. Following the massive success of our breakout hit, Last Epoch, we are entering a new era of development. We are seeking a Senior Technical Animator who acts as the vital link between creative intent and technical execution.

In this role (Senior Technical Animator), you will be the architect of the systems that bring our characters to life. This is a “hands-on” leadership position where you will own the pipelines, rigging frameworks, and runtime systems that allow our animators to work at peak efficiency while ensuring our game remains performant and responsive. At EHG, we don’t just “plug in” animations; we build scalable, intelligent systems that define how movement feels in a high-stakes combat environment.

In an Action RPG, movement is everything. It is the weight of a warrior’s swing, the fluid teleportation of a mage, and the terrifying jitter of a Void-touched horror. As our Senior Technical Animator, your mission is to ensure these movements are not only visually stunning but technically flawless.

Eleventh Hour Games is looking for a specialist who thrives in the “DCC-to-Engine” pipeline. You understand that a great rig is only half the battle—the real magic happens in the state machines, blending systems, and runtime IK that make a character feel grounded in the world of Eterra. You will lead the charge in researching and implementing modern techniques like Motion Matching and Procedural Animation to keep our studio at the cutting edge of the genre.

1. Architect the Animation Pipeline

You will own the roadmap for how animation data flows from creation to the player’s screen.

• Design and build robust DCC tools (Maya/Python) that automate repetitive tasks for animators.
• Maintain a clean, scalable pipeline that supports rapid iteration and high-volume asset production.
• Define and enforce technical standards, including naming conventions and data structures, to ensure project-wide consistency.

2. Advanced Rigging & Deformation

You are responsible for the skeletal foundations of our world.

• Build high-fidelity character rigs that balance animator control with technical performance.
• Implement advanced deformation systems to ensure characters look great even in extreme combat poses.
• Create scalable “Master Rigs” that allow for efficient retargeting across diverse enemy types and player classes.

3. Runtime Systems & Engine Integration

You will bring characters to life within the game engine.

• Own the implementation of Animation State Machines, blending trees, and transition logic.
• Develop runtime behaviors such as procedural foot-planting, look-at controllers, and dynamic IK systems.
• Work closely with the Combat Design team to ensure animation systems are responsive to player input (frame-perfect “game feel”).

4. Optimization & Performance

ARPGs often feature dozens of enemies on screen at once. You will:

• Optimize animation systems to ensure high frame rates even during intense, high-density combat.
• Manage memory usage for animation clips and state machines across all target platforms.
• Collaborate with Engineering to develop custom, performant solutions for NPC and crowd systems.

5. Motion Capture & Research

Eleventh Hour Games believe in using the best tools for the job. You will:

• Lead the ingestion and cleanup workflows for Motion Capture data.
• Research and prototype next-gen techniques, such as machine learning-driven animation or physics-based simulation.
• Stay ahead of industry trends to ensure Eleventh Hour Games remains a leader in character technology.

We are looking for a technical problem-solver who understands the soul of animation.

• The Industry Veteran: You have spent at least 5 years in a Technical Animation role and have shipped at least one major title. You understand the difference between a “cool demo” and a “shippable system.”
• The Scripting Expert: You are proficient in Python (or similar languages) and can build custom tools that save your team hundreds of hours of manual labor.
• The Rigging Master: You have a deep understanding of skinning, deformation, and control rig logic. You know how to make a rig that animators love to use.
• The Engine Enthusiast: You are comfortable working inside game engines, debugging state machines, and profiling performance. You speak the language of both artists and engineers.
• The Collaborative Leader: You are self-driven and take ownership of the “long-term health” of the pipeline. You enjoy mentoring others and sharing your knowledge to raise the studio’s collective bar.

Eleventh Hour Games would be especially interested in candidates who possess:

• ARPG Experience: A deep understanding of the specific animation needs of top-down cameras and click-to-move combat.
• Advanced Tech: Experience with Motion Matching, Ragdoll/Physics blending, or crowd simulation.
• Facial Animation: Experience with FACS-based rigging or high-end facial performance capture.
• Tooling for Live Ops: Experience managing animation data for a “Live Service” game with frequent content updates.

Remote-First, People-First

Eleventh Hour Games don’t just “allow” remote work; we champion it. We utilize advanced communication tools and a culture of radical transparency to ensure that every team member, regardless of their location, feels connected and empowered.

A Passion for the Genre

Everyone at Eleventh Hour Games is a gamer. We are building the game we’ve always wanted to play. This shared passion creates a unique environment where technical decisions are always made with the “player experience” in mind.

As part of the KRAFTON Americas family, we offer:

• Health & Balance: Top-tier medical, dental, and vision insurance with a focus on mental health and work-life balance.
• Growth: A generous budget for professional development and conference attendance.
• Stability: The agility of an indie studio backed by the resources of a global gaming powerhouse.

Reasonable Accommodation & EEOC

KRAFTON Americas and Eleventh Hour Games are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please reach out to our HR Talent team. We provide equal employment opportunities to all, prohibiting discrimination or harassment of any kind.

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