Contract Indie Animation Studio Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We're Studio Wildcard, developers of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved -- one of the most popular and original video games in recent years. Despite our massive success, we've been able to stay independent, so that we can steer our own future in games and beyond. There's never been a better time for you to join this adventure and help us build ARK Survival Ascended, the next chapter of our original hit franchise! We're expanding and updating many of the ARK community's most beloved features while taking full advantage of the latest tools and technologies.

We’re looking for an exceptionally talented Technical Animator who lives and breathes Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints and Control Rig. You will own high-impact animation systems that bring creatures, characters, and gameplay to life. This is a systems-focused technical animation role: deep expertise in visual programming (AnimBPs + Control Rig) is the core requirement. Comfort with programming logic is essential, but day-to-day C++ work is not the focus.

Responsibilities:

• Design, write, and implement animation systems, using Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints and Control Rigs
• Create sophisticated Control Rig solutions (procedural animation, IK/FK systems, full-body IK, terrain adaptation, foot placement, active ragdoll blending, etc.)
• Develop responsive, scalable animation systems for bipeds, quadrupeds, and fantasy creatures
  
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to improve current solutions and create new ones
  
• Create documentation and provide pipeline improvements
• Optimize animation systems for performance, LODs, and large-scale creature ecosystems
  

Requirements:

• Minimum 3 years of professional experience as a Technical Animator / Animation Programmer / Technical Artist focused on real-time animation systems, with at least one shipped title.
  

• Expert-level proficiency with Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints (complex state machines, layered blends, procedural logic, gameplay-driven systems).
  
• Strong self-motivation and willingness to participate in many areas of game development
• Experience using Unreal Engine 5

Pluses:

• C++ experience (useful for deeper engine integration or performance work, but not a primary focus of the role)
• Experience with character/creature rigging and skinning in Maya, or Control Rig
• Degree in computer science or a related field
  
• Experience with Rigging and Animation
• Physics-driven animation (ragdoll, physics blending, cloth, custom physics solvers)
  
• Tool Programming, MEL, PyMel Python
• Houdini experience

Required Application Materials:

• Resume
• Cover Letter which should include
  • Why you are interested in working for Studio Wildcard
  • What games you are currently playing
    
• Portfolio or examples demonstrating Animation Blueprint and/or Control Rig work
  

About Studio Wildcard

Studio Wildcard was founded in 2014 by industry veterans Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak, with the mission of bringing AAA quality to ambitious indie productions designed for core gamers. With countless years of combined industry experience across multiple independent and studio-backed titles, Wildcard's core team continues to grow, with offices in Redmond, WA, and Gainesville, FL including distributed team members across multiple continents.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Wildcard is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws, regulations or ordinances. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to disability during the application or the recruiting process, please let us know.  

Pay Transparency Information
The expected annual base pay range(s) for this position vary based on a variety of factors, which include: (but aren't limited to) skills, competencies, qualifications, knowledge, and experience. Each pay range is only relevant to those residing in WA state and can vary based on geographical location. 

Wildcard Benefits
We pay 100% of all premiums for the employee and discounted rates for dependent premiums. Our coverage includes Medical (5 different plans to choose from), Dental, Vision, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, 401(k) option, 100% covered Parental Leave, PTO, Paid Holidays, Unlimited Sick Time, and FSA/ HSA options