Senior Gameplay Animator job at CD PROJEKT RED, Boston, 2026
Festybay, Boston, MA, United States
At
CD PROJEKT RED , our mission is to create revolutionary, story-driven RPGs that go straight to the hearts of gamers. Following the success of Cyberpunk 2077 and Phantom Liberty, we are looking for a
Senior Gameplay Animator
with a specialized focus on
Locomotion
to join our Boston hub.
As a key individual contributor for
Cyberpunk 2
(Project Orion), you will be the architect of movement. From the subtle weight of a casual stroll through Night City to the explosive, cybernetically-enhanced agility of high‑octane combat, you will define how players and NPCs traverse our world. Your goal is to merge artistic expression with technical precision, ensuring that every step taken in our game feels responsive, believable, and grounded in the cutting‑edge physics of the Cyberpunk universe.
Job Overview: Senior Gameplay Animator Category Details
Company Name CD PROJEKT RED
Project Code Name Cyberpunk 2 (Project Orion)
Position Title Senior Gameplay Animator (Locomotion)
Employment Type Full‑time
Work Model Hybrid / In‑Office
Location Boston, MA, United States
Annual Salary Range $95,000 – $174,000 USD
Application Deadline July 30, 2026
Job Description: The Art of Motion & Response Reporting to the Animation Lead, you will work at the intersection of
Art, Design, Technical Animation, and Engineering . This role requires a hands‑on expert who can take a movement concept from previsualization all the way through to final in‑engine implementation. You will set the quality bar for locomotion, advocating for new techniques and workflows that push the boundaries of real‑time character behavior.
Drive Locomotion Quality: Take ownership of the look and feel of player and NPC movement across all gameplay states and environmental contexts.
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Partner daily with a diverse team to define gameplay goals, ensuring that animation content supports core gameplay pillars and the 3Cs (Character, Controls, Camera).
Prototyping & Previs: Create high-fidelity previsualizations to communicate movement intent and assist in the early development of gameplay features.
Multi-Method Animation: Produce world‑class movement using a blend of hand‑keyed animation, procedurally generated systems, and motion capture techniques.
In-Engine Implementation: Iterate directly within
Unreal Engine
to ensure that locomotion systems (including blend spaces and state machines) feel polished and reactive.
Motion Capture Direction: Curate shot lists and provide performance direction on‑stage, ensuring that the raw data captures the weight and physics required for believable locomotion.
Innovation & Research: Advocate for and integrate evolving techniques, such as
Motion Matching , to improve animation efficiency and fidelity.
Mentorship: Provide inspiration and technical guidance to early‑career animators, fostering a culture of excellence through feedback and leading by example.
Qualifications & Technical Requirements We are seeking a specialist who understands that “good” locomotion isn’t just about pretty frames—it’s about how the game feels in the player’s hands.
Professional Experience: 5+ years of experience in gameplay animation development with a significant portfolio focused on player locomotion.
AAA Track Record: Must have contributed to at least one shipped title with deep, complex 3Cs mechanics.
Unreal Engine Mastery: Extensive experience with
Animation Blueprints , state machines, animation montages, and blend spaces. Familiarity with
Control Rig
and runtime animation behaviours is essential.
DCC Proficiency: Expert skills in
Maya ,
MotionBuilder , or equivalent 3D animation tools.
Fundamentals: A rock‑solid understanding of weight, timing, posing, and silhouettes.
Body Mechanics: A deep, intuitive grasp of physics and anatomy as they apply to human and cybernetic movement.
Hybrid Skills: The ability to author compelling hand‑keyed performances while also knowing how to clean and refine motion‑capture data to fit gameplay dynamics.
Nice to Haves
Direct experience with
Motion Matching
systems and workflows.
Experience directing motion‑capture actors specifically for complex locomotion patterns.
At CD PROJEKT RED, we offer a competitive financial package tailored to the Boston market and the specialized nature of this role.
Base Salary Range: $95,000 – $174,000 USD annually.
Retirement: 401K plan with employer matching.
LSA (Lifestyle Spending Account): $100 per month for fitness, wellness, home office equipment, or personal subscriptions.
Stock Program: Final offers may include eligibility for company performance‑based incentives.
We believe that peak creative performance is only possible when you are well‑supported in your personal life.
Inclusive Coverage: Company‑paid medical, dental, vision, and mental healthcare.
Specialized Leave: Access to
Menstrual Leave
for employees experiencing period pain.
Family Support: Access to the
RED Parents Network , offering childcare benefits and family‑friendly studio events.
Paid Time Off
Generous Leave: 26 days of vacation, 10 sick days, and 12 calendar holidays per year.
Flexible Hours: We prioritize a healthy work‑life balance through flexible scheduling.
Studio Culture & Professional Growth Joining our Boston studio means joining a truly international environment where diversity of thought is our greatest asset.
Continuous Learning: Access to internal workshops, online tutorials, and knowledge‑sharing initiatives.
Dog‑Friendly Office: You are encouraged to bring your dog to the studio.
Casual Environment: No dress code—we value your talent, not your suit.
Welcome Pack: A collection of premium studio merch and gear to help you settle in.
Cafeteria Platform: Access to our internal benefits and perks platform.
The Project Orion Vision Project Orion is the code name for the next mainline Cyberpunk game. By joining the Boston team, you are part of a new chapter for CD PROJEKT RED in North America. You will help us solve the unique challenges of making a high‑fidelity RPG that remains responsive and visceral, setting a new standard for the genre.
How to Apply Applicants must include a link to their portfolio/demo reel showcasing their locomotion work. The application window closes on July 30, 2026.
Equal‑Opportunity Employer Statement CD PROJEKT RED is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
CD PROJEKT RED , our mission is to create revolutionary, story-driven RPGs that go straight to the hearts of gamers. Following the success of Cyberpunk 2077 and Phantom Liberty, we are looking for a
Senior Gameplay Animator
with a specialized focus on
Locomotion
to join our Boston hub.
As a key individual contributor for
Cyberpunk 2
(Project Orion), you will be the architect of movement. From the subtle weight of a casual stroll through Night City to the explosive, cybernetically-enhanced agility of high‑octane combat, you will define how players and NPCs traverse our world. Your goal is to merge artistic expression with technical precision, ensuring that every step taken in our game feels responsive, believable, and grounded in the cutting‑edge physics of the Cyberpunk universe.
Job Overview: Senior Gameplay Animator Category Details
Company Name CD PROJEKT RED
Project Code Name Cyberpunk 2 (Project Orion)
Position Title Senior Gameplay Animator (Locomotion)
Employment Type Full‑time
Work Model Hybrid / In‑Office
Location Boston, MA, United States
Annual Salary Range $95,000 – $174,000 USD
Application Deadline July 30, 2026
Job Description: The Art of Motion & Response Reporting to the Animation Lead, you will work at the intersection of
Art, Design, Technical Animation, and Engineering . This role requires a hands‑on expert who can take a movement concept from previsualization all the way through to final in‑engine implementation. You will set the quality bar for locomotion, advocating for new techniques and workflows that push the boundaries of real‑time character behavior.
Drive Locomotion Quality: Take ownership of the look and feel of player and NPC movement across all gameplay states and environmental contexts.
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Partner daily with a diverse team to define gameplay goals, ensuring that animation content supports core gameplay pillars and the 3Cs (Character, Controls, Camera).
Prototyping & Previs: Create high-fidelity previsualizations to communicate movement intent and assist in the early development of gameplay features.
Multi-Method Animation: Produce world‑class movement using a blend of hand‑keyed animation, procedurally generated systems, and motion capture techniques.
In-Engine Implementation: Iterate directly within
Unreal Engine
to ensure that locomotion systems (including blend spaces and state machines) feel polished and reactive.
Motion Capture Direction: Curate shot lists and provide performance direction on‑stage, ensuring that the raw data captures the weight and physics required for believable locomotion.
Innovation & Research: Advocate for and integrate evolving techniques, such as
Motion Matching , to improve animation efficiency and fidelity.
Mentorship: Provide inspiration and technical guidance to early‑career animators, fostering a culture of excellence through feedback and leading by example.
Qualifications & Technical Requirements We are seeking a specialist who understands that “good” locomotion isn’t just about pretty frames—it’s about how the game feels in the player’s hands.
Professional Experience: 5+ years of experience in gameplay animation development with a significant portfolio focused on player locomotion.
AAA Track Record: Must have contributed to at least one shipped title with deep, complex 3Cs mechanics.
Unreal Engine Mastery: Extensive experience with
Animation Blueprints , state machines, animation montages, and blend spaces. Familiarity with
Control Rig
and runtime animation behaviours is essential.
DCC Proficiency: Expert skills in
Maya ,
MotionBuilder , or equivalent 3D animation tools.
Fundamentals: A rock‑solid understanding of weight, timing, posing, and silhouettes.
Body Mechanics: A deep, intuitive grasp of physics and anatomy as they apply to human and cybernetic movement.
Hybrid Skills: The ability to author compelling hand‑keyed performances while also knowing how to clean and refine motion‑capture data to fit gameplay dynamics.
Nice to Haves
Direct experience with
Motion Matching
systems and workflows.
Experience directing motion‑capture actors specifically for complex locomotion patterns.
At CD PROJEKT RED, we offer a competitive financial package tailored to the Boston market and the specialized nature of this role.
Base Salary Range: $95,000 – $174,000 USD annually.
Retirement: 401K plan with employer matching.
LSA (Lifestyle Spending Account): $100 per month for fitness, wellness, home office equipment, or personal subscriptions.
Stock Program: Final offers may include eligibility for company performance‑based incentives.
We believe that peak creative performance is only possible when you are well‑supported in your personal life.
Inclusive Coverage: Company‑paid medical, dental, vision, and mental healthcare.
Specialized Leave: Access to
Menstrual Leave
for employees experiencing period pain.
Family Support: Access to the
RED Parents Network , offering childcare benefits and family‑friendly studio events.
Paid Time Off
Generous Leave: 26 days of vacation, 10 sick days, and 12 calendar holidays per year.
Flexible Hours: We prioritize a healthy work‑life balance through flexible scheduling.
Studio Culture & Professional Growth Joining our Boston studio means joining a truly international environment where diversity of thought is our greatest asset.
Continuous Learning: Access to internal workshops, online tutorials, and knowledge‑sharing initiatives.
Dog‑Friendly Office: You are encouraged to bring your dog to the studio.
Casual Environment: No dress code—we value your talent, not your suit.
Welcome Pack: A collection of premium studio merch and gear to help you settle in.
Cafeteria Platform: Access to our internal benefits and perks platform.
The Project Orion Vision Project Orion is the code name for the next mainline Cyberpunk game. By joining the Boston team, you are part of a new chapter for CD PROJEKT RED in North America. You will help us solve the unique challenges of making a high‑fidelity RPG that remains responsive and visceral, setting a new standard for the genre.
How to Apply Applicants must include a link to their portfolio/demo reel showcasing their locomotion work. The application window closes on July 30, 2026.
Equal‑Opportunity Employer Statement CD PROJEKT RED is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.
#J-18808-Ljbffr