Senior Animator

Position: Senior Animator at Euro Staffs
Senior Animator  Join Critical Path Games in Burnaby, BC as a full‑time Senior Animator. You will be part of a small, on‑site team delivering a new AAA dark‑fantasy title. We require a deep understanding of animation that drives gameplay and will help shape the visual and mechanical feel of the game.
Responsibilities   Drive an iterative animation pipeline, owning animations from concept to in‑engine implementation.
Champion a "playable early" philosophy by delivering rapid rough block‑outs for immediate testing, then refining to final polish.
Define combat feel & responsiveness, working closely with the team to establish melee mechanics that balance strict gameplay requirements (frame data, cancel windows, active hit frames).
Execute stylized believability, creating high‑quality character and weapon animations that convey physical weight, momentum, and anticipation in fast‑paced action.
Qualifications   10+ years as an animator in the games industry with at least one shipped AAA or high‑profile title featuring complex character mechanics.
Deep understanding of "Game Feel" and how animation supports gameplay (cancel windows, hit pauses, blending, attack combo flow).
3D software proficiency, primarily in Blender (experience with Maya, Motion Builder, or Blender accepted). Willingness to learn Blender‑based pipeline.
Engine & implementation experience in Unreal, Unity, or a proprietary engine, with proven ability to implement animations, tweak blend spaces, and troubleshoot logic.
Collaborative mindset: thrive in an environment where all disciplines work together to solve problems.
Bonus qualifications:  

Experience with rigging, skinning, or building custom animation tools/scripts.
Familiarity with stylized or exaggerated animation techniques.
Interest in dark fantasy aesthetics and gameplay.

Culture & Ideal Candidate Profile   Gamer and Game Developer: actively aware of current trends, passionate about games, and regularly play for fun.
Collaborative Team Player: thrives in a small, in‑person environment, prioritizing team goals and engaging in creative discussions.
Resilient and Adaptive: flexible, proactive, comfortable with fast‑moving pre‑production and open iteration.
Humble and Curious: values deep collaboration, open to learning, debating ideas, and adapting based on feedback.
Benefits & Compensation  Compensation is set by seniority and is non‑negotiable, reflecting fairness and transparency. Mid‑Developer levels (5–10 years) receive $131,250 CAD per year. Senior Developers (10+ years) receive $157,500 CAD per year. All employees are entitled to participate in the Company’s Equity Incentive Plan.

Location:

Burnaby, BC – on‑site only. Candidates must be able to commute reliably or relocate before starting work. Remote or hybrid setups will not be considered.

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