Expert Gameplay Animation Software Engineer

2K Sports Lab
Who We Are

Founded in 2023, 2K Sports Lab is the newest stand alone studio at 2K looking to push game development boundaries to bring 2K's next groundbreaking sports franchise to life. We're building a world‑class team at our new Vancouver, BC location where our goal is to deliver an exceptional experience through bold ideas, technical excellence, and creative collaboration. We're seeking passionate and driven professionals across all areas of game development to help shape this ambitious vision.

If you’re interested in tackling unique challenges and think you have what it takes to level up our team, we encourage you to apply!

What We Need
We’re looking for an Expert Gameplay Animation Software Engineer to build the animation systems powering our next AAA sports title. You’ll work on a multi‑disciplinary team with animators and gameplay engineers, designing networked animation systems in Unreal Engine 5 that drive authentic movement and player interactions. We need someone who combines deep animation engineering expertise with a strong understanding of multiplayer architecture.

What You Will Do

Develop and extend animation systems such as blend trees, IK, and motion matching

Develop networked character movement using UE5’s plugins such as CMC or Mover

Build sports‑specific animations for locomotion, contact, and player interactions

Replicate animation state across clients for seamless multiplayer experiences

Develop procedural and physics‑driven animation for realistic motion

Partner with animators, designers, and gameplay engineers to deliver features

Mentor engineers and contribute to team‑wide technical growth

Conduct code reviews to uphold quality and consistency

What Will Make You A Great Fit

8+ years of software engineering experience in game development

Expertise in C++ and Unreal Engine 5

Excellent 3D math and linear algebra skills

Deep experience building game animation systems and pipelines

Strong understanding of UE5 networking, replication, and character movement

Experience with state machines, blend trees, IK, or motion matching

Familiarity with multi‑threaded programming in performance‑critical environments

Excellent communication and collaboration skills across disciplines

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience

Beneficial Qualifications

Experience with procedural or physics‑driven animation techniques

Proficiency in Python for tools and pipeline development

Track record of shipping AAA sports or simulation titles

Passion for playing or watching sports

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are provided suitable accommodations to enjoy equal employment opportunities, including the ability to participate in the job application or interview process. Please contact us if you need an accommodation as part of your application process or otherwise have questions about the Company’s accommodation policy and review process.

Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing, only use  accounts.

The pay range for this position in British Columbia at the start of employment is expected to be between $114,300 and $169,140 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job‑related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for employees in regular roles may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, provided that temporary or intern roles will not be eligible for many of these payments or benefits.

Details of participation in compensation and benefit plans (if applicable) will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

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