Ubisoft is a global leader in gaming with teams across the world creating original and memorable gaming experiences, from Assassin’s Creed, Rainbow Six, to Just Dance and more. We believe diverse perspectives help both players and teams thrive. If you’re passionate about innovation and pushing entertainment boundaries, join our journey and help us create the unknown!
Job Description
Directly reporting to the Technical Director, Pipeline, the person in this role is responsible for identifying, preparing, and adapting the tools that will be used throughout production on the Animation side, including Animation Graphs (behavior trees).
Responsibilities
- Define workstreams and improvements to be made to the existing pipeline (In-Game Animation, Ragdoll, Facial Animation, Rigging, Motion Capture, Cinematics, etc.).
- Develop or identify the best possible tools and methods to improve and streamline the work of animators across all animation-related topics (characters as well as gear/equipment).
- Optimize animation graphs and their underlying architecture.
- Provide daily support to the animation team by resolving technical issues and helping them make decisions to optimize in-game animation graphs.
- Act as the technical owner for compliance with constraints established in partnership with other disciplines (memory usage, FPS/performance targets, across different console platforms).
- Serve as the technical owner for all multiplayer and customization/modularity-related topics.
- Produce documentation covering tools, methodologies, training materials, processes, and engine constraints for future reference and consultation.
- Coordinate with and act as the primary liaison between the animation team and the programming team.
- Regularly communicate technical constraints and the rationale behind them to the animation team.
- Act as the technical point of contact for animation-related technical issues.
- Perform any other related duties as required.
Technical and artistic innovation does not intimidate you it will be a key part of achieving the desired level of quality.
QualificationsA strong background as an Animation Technical Director, preferably in the video game industry.
- Excellent knowledge of real-time animation systems in video games and/or pipeline development.
- Extensive experience with MotionBuilder and/or Maya; knowledge of both body and facial motion capture is a strong asset.
- Advanced proficiency in Python.
- Knowledge of another DCC package (Maya, 3ds Max, Blender, etc.).
- Strong teamwork skills and the ability to take on complex challenges.
- Strong ability to influence and carry a vision
- Experience in management appreciated
- Fluent English is essential to successfully carry out the responsibilities of the role.
- Knowledge of Rigging and Ragdoll systems (Havok) is highly desirable.
Founded in 1996, Ubisoft Annecy has contributed to many of the Group’s blockbuster franchises, collaborating on series such as Splinter Cell and Assassin’s Creed®, as well as developing major gameplay experiences including the raid for Tom Clancy’s The Division 2® and Ghost Recon Wildlands. We are also proud to have created our own original IPs, Steep and later Riders Republic.
Beyond our AAA productions, we contribute to the Group’s technological innovation through our center of expertise around the Snowdrop game engine, as well as through the Technology Group in collaboration with Ubisoft Montréal.
Located in one of France’s most dynamic regions, Ubisoft Annecy enjoys an exceptional setting between lake and mountains, in the heart of the “Venice of the Alps,” just 30 minutes from Geneva International Airport. As a continuously growing studio, we place employee engagement and teamwork at the center of everything we do. Our ambition is driven by innovation and excellence, with one ultimate goal: delivering outstanding experiences for our players.
Skills Required
- Proven experience as an Animation Technical Director
- Experience working in the video game industry
- Excellent knowledge of real-time animation systems and pipeline development
- Extensive experience with MotionBuilder and/or Maya
- Knowledge of body and facial motion capture workflows
- Advanced proficiency in Python
- Knowledge of another DCC package (3ds Max, Blender, etc.)
- Strong teamwork and ability to take on complex challenges
- Ability to influence and carry a technical vision
- Fluent English
- Knowledge of Rigging and Ragdoll systems (Havok)
- Experience in management
Ubisoft Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Ubisoft and has not been reviewed or approved by Ubisoft.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage in the U.S. includes medical, dental, and vision options with HSA funding to cover the deductible, plus access to One Medical and a mental‑health program. Several studios also provide telemedicine and, in some regions, on‑site clinic services.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off includes paid vacation, holidays, wellness time, volunteer PTO, and a sabbatical available after five years in the U.S. Canadian studios highlight six weeks of vacation and additional local days tied to occasions or seasonal reduced hours.
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Parental & Family Support — Enhanced parental leave with salary top‑ups is emphasized in multiple regions, including Canada. In the U.S., a travel‑expense program supports access to reproductive healthcare when services are out of state.
Ubisoft Insights
What We Do
Ubisoft’s 20,000 team members, working across more than 40 locations around the world, are bound by a common mission to enrich players’ lives with original and memorable gaming experiences. Their dedication and talent has brought to life many acclaimed franchises such as Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Watch Dogs, Just Dance, Rainbow Six, and many more to come. Ubisoft is an equal opportunity employer that believes diverse backgrounds and perspectives are key to creating worlds where both players and teams can thrive and express themselves.
