Festybay is hiring: Lead Technical Animator | CD PROJEKT RED, Boston in Boston
Festybay, Boston, MA, United States
CD PROJEKT RED , our mission is to create revolutionary, story-driven RPGs that go straight to the hearts of gamers. Following the global phenomenon of
Cyberpunk 2077
and the acclaimed
Phantom Liberty , we are embarking on our next monumental journey:
Project Orion . We are seeking a
Lead Technical Animator
to join our growing studio in
Boston, MA , to spearhead the animation systems and pipelines that will breathe life into the next chapter of the Cyberpunk universe.
This is a pivotal leadership role for a veteran who sits at the intersection of artistic expression and technical innovation. You will be responsible for building the skeletons upon which our stories are told—whether it’s the fluid movement of a cyber‑enhanced protagonist, the complex mechanics of a futuristic vehicle, or the tactile feedback of high‑tech weaponry. If you possess a “technical artist” soul and a leader’s heart, we want you to help us push the boundaries of what is possible in
Unreal Engine 5 .
Work Model
Hybrid / In‑Office (Remote options for specific US states)
Job Description: Leadership, Innovation, and Execution As the
Lead Technical Animator , you are the bridge between the Animation and Engineering departments. You will manage a high‑performing Technical Art team—including Rigging TDs and Technical Animators—fostering an environment where creativity meets technical excellence. Your day‑to‑day will involve high‑level strategy, hands‑on pipeline development, and the mentorship of the next generation of technical art talent.
Team Management:
Lead and inspire a team of Technical Animators and Rigging TDs. You will handle 1:1s, performance management, career growth, hiring, and promotions.
Strategic Planning:
Partner with Directors and Production to estimate workloads, set milestones, and ensure the animation team has the tools necessary to meet ambitious creative goals.
Cross‑Discipline Synergy:
Collaborate with Designers, Character Artists, and Gameplay Engineers to ensure that technical rigs and animation systems serve the needs of both the story and the player’s controllers.
Culture Building:
Align your team with the company’s core values of trust, transparency, and revolutionary quality. You will be a mentor who encourages knowledge sharing and proactive problem‑solving.
Technical & Pipeline Responsibilities
System Prototyping:
Research and integrate cutting‑edge rigging and animation systems within
Unreal Engine 5 .
Scalable Workflows:
Devise and maintain robust pipelines for asset creation, focusing specifically on complex characters, diverse vehicle classes, and intricate weapon systems.
Performance & Optimization:
Actively participate in evaluating animation performance and memory footprints to ensure a seamless, high‑frame‑rate experience across all target platforms.
Problem Solving:
Tackle complex technical art challenges, ensuring that workflows are not only efficient for the current project but scalable for the future of the franchise.
Qualifications
Industry Tenure:
Minimum of 7+ years in the video games industry.
Proven Track Record:
At least one shipped AAA title where you saw the project through from pre‑production to launch.
Leadership Experience:
Prior experience leading a technical art or technical animation team is essential.
Technical Mastery:
Expert‑level knowledge of
Unreal Engine 5
rigging and animation systems (including Control Rig, Sequencer, and Animation Blueprints).
DCC Proficiency:
Deep knowledge of animation pipelines, including scripting and tool development for Maya, MotionBuilder, or other relevant DCC applications.
Domain Expertise:
A proven history of building rigs and workflows for characters, vehicles, and weapons.
Soft Skills:
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. You must be able to translate complex technical concepts for non‑technical stakeholders.
Nice to Haves (Bonus Skills)
Professional experience in
C++, C#, or Python
for advanced tool development.
Specialized experience in animation performance and memory optimization.
A passion for the Cyberpunk genre and narrative‑driven RPGs.
Compensation & Benefits
Base Salary:
$168,200 – $257,000 USD per annum.
Long‑Term Incentive (LTI):
This role may be eligible for an LTI program, offering the opportunity to purchase CDPR stock after a vesting period.
401K Program:
Retirement savings with employer matching to help secure your financial future.
Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA):
$100 per month for wellness, fitness, home office equipment, or personal learning.
Full Coverage:
Company‑paid medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Mental Health Support:
Free access to counseling, psychiatric care, and wellness webinars.
Menstrual Leave:
One extra paid day off per month for employees experiencing period pain.
Generous Leave: 26 vacation days, 10 sick days, and 12 calendar holidays annually.
Flexible Hours: We value results over “clock‑in” times, offering flexibility to accommodate your lifestyle.
RED Parents Network: Dedicated support for working parents, including family‑friendly events and childcare benefits.
Dog‑Friendly Office: You are welcome to bring your canine companion to work.
Casual Culture: No dress code—we prioritize comfort and authenticity.
Professional Growth: Internal workshops, knowledge‑sharing “talks,” and access to e‑learning platforms are standard.
Welcome Pack: A curated selection of goodies to make you feel part of the team from Day 1.
CD PROJEKT RED is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you have observed any irregularities in our recruitment process, please report them anonymously via our dedicated portal.
Lead Technical Animator | CD PROJEKT RED, Boston #J-18808-Ljbffr
Cyberpunk 2077
and the acclaimed
Phantom Liberty , we are embarking on our next monumental journey:
Project Orion . We are seeking a
Lead Technical Animator
to join our growing studio in
Boston, MA , to spearhead the animation systems and pipelines that will breathe life into the next chapter of the Cyberpunk universe.
This is a pivotal leadership role for a veteran who sits at the intersection of artistic expression and technical innovation. You will be responsible for building the skeletons upon which our stories are told—whether it’s the fluid movement of a cyber‑enhanced protagonist, the complex mechanics of a futuristic vehicle, or the tactile feedback of high‑tech weaponry. If you possess a “technical artist” soul and a leader’s heart, we want you to help us push the boundaries of what is possible in
Unreal Engine 5 .
Work Model
Hybrid / In‑Office (Remote options for specific US states)
Job Description: Leadership, Innovation, and Execution As the
Lead Technical Animator , you are the bridge between the Animation and Engineering departments. You will manage a high‑performing Technical Art team—including Rigging TDs and Technical Animators—fostering an environment where creativity meets technical excellence. Your day‑to‑day will involve high‑level strategy, hands‑on pipeline development, and the mentorship of the next generation of technical art talent.
Team Management:
Lead and inspire a team of Technical Animators and Rigging TDs. You will handle 1:1s, performance management, career growth, hiring, and promotions.
Strategic Planning:
Partner with Directors and Production to estimate workloads, set milestones, and ensure the animation team has the tools necessary to meet ambitious creative goals.
Cross‑Discipline Synergy:
Collaborate with Designers, Character Artists, and Gameplay Engineers to ensure that technical rigs and animation systems serve the needs of both the story and the player’s controllers.
Culture Building:
Align your team with the company’s core values of trust, transparency, and revolutionary quality. You will be a mentor who encourages knowledge sharing and proactive problem‑solving.
Technical & Pipeline Responsibilities
System Prototyping:
Research and integrate cutting‑edge rigging and animation systems within
Unreal Engine 5 .
Scalable Workflows:
Devise and maintain robust pipelines for asset creation, focusing specifically on complex characters, diverse vehicle classes, and intricate weapon systems.
Performance & Optimization:
Actively participate in evaluating animation performance and memory footprints to ensure a seamless, high‑frame‑rate experience across all target platforms.
Problem Solving:
Tackle complex technical art challenges, ensuring that workflows are not only efficient for the current project but scalable for the future of the franchise.
Qualifications
Industry Tenure:
Minimum of 7+ years in the video games industry.
Proven Track Record:
At least one shipped AAA title where you saw the project through from pre‑production to launch.
Leadership Experience:
Prior experience leading a technical art or technical animation team is essential.
Technical Mastery:
Expert‑level knowledge of
Unreal Engine 5
rigging and animation systems (including Control Rig, Sequencer, and Animation Blueprints).
DCC Proficiency:
Deep knowledge of animation pipelines, including scripting and tool development for Maya, MotionBuilder, or other relevant DCC applications.
Domain Expertise:
A proven history of building rigs and workflows for characters, vehicles, and weapons.
Soft Skills:
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. You must be able to translate complex technical concepts for non‑technical stakeholders.
Nice to Haves (Bonus Skills)
Professional experience in
C++, C#, or Python
for advanced tool development.
Specialized experience in animation performance and memory optimization.
A passion for the Cyberpunk genre and narrative‑driven RPGs.
Compensation & Benefits
Base Salary:
$168,200 – $257,000 USD per annum.
Long‑Term Incentive (LTI):
This role may be eligible for an LTI program, offering the opportunity to purchase CDPR stock after a vesting period.
401K Program:
Retirement savings with employer matching to help secure your financial future.
Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA):
$100 per month for wellness, fitness, home office equipment, or personal learning.
Full Coverage:
Company‑paid medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Mental Health Support:
Free access to counseling, psychiatric care, and wellness webinars.
Menstrual Leave:
One extra paid day off per month for employees experiencing period pain.
Generous Leave: 26 vacation days, 10 sick days, and 12 calendar holidays annually.
Flexible Hours: We value results over “clock‑in” times, offering flexibility to accommodate your lifestyle.
RED Parents Network: Dedicated support for working parents, including family‑friendly events and childcare benefits.
Dog‑Friendly Office: You are welcome to bring your canine companion to work.
Casual Culture: No dress code—we prioritize comfort and authenticity.
Professional Growth: Internal workshops, knowledge‑sharing “talks,” and access to e‑learning platforms are standard.
Welcome Pack: A curated selection of goodies to make you feel part of the team from Day 1.
CD PROJEKT RED is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you have observed any irregularities in our recruitment process, please report them anonymously via our dedicated portal.
Lead Technical Animator | CD PROJEKT RED, Boston #J-18808-Ljbffr