Senior Animator

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.