Job Overview: Senior Animation Programmer Category Details Company Name CD PROJEKT RED Project Focus Multiple AAA Projects (Next-Gen R&D) Position Title Senior Animation Programmer (R&D) Employment Type Full-time Work Model Hybrid / In-Office Location Vancouver, BC, Canada Annual Salary Range $127,200 – $209,900 CAD Application Deadline October 2, 2026 Job Description: Bridging Code and Character As a Senior Animation Programmer within our R&D hub, you will act as a primary architect for the systems that govern how characters live and breathe in our games. You will focus on creating advanced tools and systems that complement generative models, ensuring that realistic character motion is not just a goal, but a standard. This role requires a deep understanding of the delicate balance between visual fidelity and technical performance. You will be working in a highly collaborative environment, sitting at the intersection of machine learning research, core engineering, and creative animation. System Architecture: Design, implement, and maintain advanced animation systems and internal tools specifically designed to integrate with generative models for hyper-realistic motion. Collaboration & Integration: Work closely with machine learning researchers, animators, and game designers to translate complex research into usable, high-quality animation features. Optimization & Stability: Profile, debug, and optimize animation code to ensure peak performance, minimal memory footprint, and rock-solid stability across multiple target platforms. Prototyping & Innovation: Rapidly prototype new animation techniques, including physics-based systems, procedural generation, and experimental IK solutions. Leadership & Mentorship: Mentor junior programmers and lead rigorous code reviews, fostering a culture of high standards, clear documentation, and technical excellence. Project Planning: Collaborate with lead engineers to define technical milestones, manage R&D risks, and deliver high-quality work on schedule. Qualifications & Technical Requirements We are seeking a candidate who combines a deep love for mathematics with the technical skills to implement complex systems in a large-scale codebase. Professional Tenure: 5+ years of experience in game programming, specifically focused on character animation systems. Programming Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in C++ and a strong track record of performance optimization. Animation Technology: Deep understanding of real-time 3D animation principles, including kinematics (IK/FK), rigging systems, and state machine architecture. Mathematics: Strong mathematical foundation, particularly in linear algebra, quaternions, and vector math. Engine Expertise: Experience working with large-scale engines. While experience with proprietary engines or Unity is valuable, Unreal Engine experience is highly preferred. Problem Solving: A proven ability to navigate complex technical challenges and a desire to explore the “unsolved” problems of animation R&D. Nice to Have (Bonus Skills) Experience with Motion Matching , procedural animation, and real-time physics simulation. Familiarity with animation pipelines and DCC tools such as Maya or Blender . A track record of shipping at least one major AAA title . Knowledge of parallel programming and GPU optimization techniques (CUDA, compute shaders, etc.). Interest or experience in generative models and machine learning applications for animation. Compensation Base Salary Range: $127,200 – $209,900 CAD per annum. RRSP Program: Registered Retirement Savings Plan with employer matching to support your long-term financial health. LSA (Lifestyle Spending Account): $100 per month to be used for fitness, wellness, home office equipment, or personal learning subscriptions. Merch & Swag: Regular opportunities to nab exclusive studio gear and collectibles. Benefits Full Coverage: Company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance. Mental Health Support: Free access to counseling, psychiatric care, and a variety of well-being webinars. Menstrual Leave: One extra paid day off per month for employees who menstruate and experience period pain. Time Off & Flexibility Generous Leave: 26 vacation days, 10 sick days, and 12 calendar holidays per year. Flexible Hours: We value results over “clock-in” times, allowing for a schedule that fits your life. RED Parents Network: Dedicated support and networking for working parents within the studio. The R&D Vision at CD PROJEKT RED The R&D team in Vancouver is tasked with looking beyond the current project cycle. You will be working on technology that will power our games for years to come. This is a “new role” within a growing team, meaning you will have a significant influence on the tools and methodologies we adopt. Whether it’s perfecting the way a character reacts to terrain or integrating AI-driven motion synthesis, your work will be seen by millions of players worldwide. CD PROJEKT RED is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you’ve observed any irregularities in our recruitment process, please report them anonymously via our dedicated portal. #J-18808-Ljbffr