Housemarque is looking for an Animation Technical Designer / Programmer for our next big game!

THE JOB

Housemarque is looking to hire a new member of our programming team who specializes in solving 3D animation technical issues.

Our latest game Returnal was lauded for its high visual fidelity, in particular our iconic protagonist and unique alien creatures. For our next game project, we are seeking an animation technical designer / programmer who can design and implement complex animation systems using Unreal's animation tools and, when needed, expand them in code to help us push the envelope.

You will have significant freedom and decision-making power as you fulfill the responsibilities and work with professionals across all disciplines to deliver lifelike, immersive characters.

Responsibilities include:

• Design and implement animation state machines, behaviors and runtime solutions
• Analyze, troubleshoot, and solve in-game animation implementation issues and animation-related technical challenges
• Facilitate the creation of animation behavior tools/techniques/philosophies that allow the building of complex movement systems in a manner accessible by content creators
• Look for opportunities to improve the animation pipeline/workflow and help provide solutions for technical animation problems, including sharing knowledge and creating documentation for the animation and gameplay teams
• Work with designers, animators and gameplay programmers to maintain/monitor best practices and optimal workflows
• Research & prototype new animation features

We expect you to have:

• Familiarity with modern animation systems including blending, warping, layering, synched choreography, and state machines
• A proactive interest in animation technology and state-of-the-art tools and methods
• Competent C++ or C# programming skills
• Fluent written and verbal English skills
• Ability to collaborate and work well with teams from various disciplines
• Ability to own a feature from pitch and documentation to prototype and final implementation

We value:

• At least one shipped game where you had significant responsibility for solving technical animation issues
• A good understanding of the animation pipeline, including source content creation tools such as Maya and the export process into a game engine
• Experience in Unreal Animation Systems
• Experience in Gameplay programming
• Experience with mocap systems and software
• Strong balance of creative/visual aesthetics and technical skills

OUR STUDIO

At Housemarque, we believe "Game is King!" because gameplay always comes first. 

With technical excellence and compelling narrative, spiced with our trademark neon flair and top-notch audiovisual feedback, we want our players to always feel actively engaged with the worlds we have created for them.

Our latest Award-Winning game Returnal, released on PS5 in 2021, embraces all these qualities. THIS is our DNA!

We value Nordic work-life balance by growing sustainably and ensuring our employees have the time and means to develop personally and professionally during work time. 

We were established in 1995 with strong roots in the Finnish demoscene. In June 2021 we joined the PlayStation Studios, after years of partnership.

If you wish to join us for our next journey, apply today!

What we offer to you?

• Competitive salary, benefits, healthcare, Nordic work-life balance
• Tailored immigration and relocation package to help you get settled into Finland
• A warm and welcoming atmosphere at our cozy Helsinki office
• Freedom, flexibility and openness in a collaborative culture
• Brilliant, diverse and empathetic colleagues to work with
• Exciting and ambitious projects executed with the best tools
• Access to Playstation Studios collaboration, games and more!

This is a permanent, full-time position based in Helsinki, Finland. 

We will start interviewing promising candidates immediately so please apply as soon as possible.