> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2238870-lead-gameplay-animation-programmer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2238870-lead-gameplay-animation-programmer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Lead Gameplay Animation Programmer - **Company:** Cloud Imperium Games - **Location:** Manchester, UK - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Computer Animation, Computer Programming, Multithreading, Production Code - **Published:** August 26, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.collegerecruiter.com/job/2815153329-lead-gameplay-animation-programmer ## About the Role * A strong passion for making games with a keen interest in animation. * Programming background in animation, including managerial duties. * Proficiency in 3D math and animation, including procedural solutions, run-time rigging, layer blending, and optimization. * Capable of working well in a co-located yet collaborative team environment. * Friendly and approachable for all team members across all roles and levels. * Ability to explain and present technical solutions to all disciplines. ## Description We are a crowdfunded company with a dedicated community of backers helping us create the "Best Damn Space Sim Ever". Our bespoke, ground-breaking, multi-threaded engine requires a Lead Gameplay Animation Programmer to deliver high-fidelity animated characters, vehicles, and environments across our large-scale interactive universe. Responsibilities * Oversee design and implementation of well-engineered, reliable, scalable, and robust code. * Document and peer-review technical designs across multidisciplinary teams. * Provide mentorship, day-to-day management, and career progression support for other animation programmers. * Collaborate closely with animators to assist with asset pipeline, provide procedural solutions, handle complex transition flows, and ensure the end result achieves expected fidelity. * Drive engineering principles and practices for the team, push boundaries, and promote innovative ways of working. Qualifications * A strong passion for making games with a keen interest in animation. * Programming background in animation, including managerial duties. * Proficiency in 3D math and animation, including procedural solutions, run-time rigging, layer blending, and optimization. * Capable of working well in a co-located yet collaborative team environment. * Friendly and approachable for all team members across all roles and levels. * Ability to explain and present technical solutions to all disciplines. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and celebrate diversity, ensuring a welcoming workplace for all backgrounds. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. ## Related Videos - [Designing the Future of Human<>Agent Collaboration](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1447-designing-the-future-of-human-agent-collaboration) - [Seriously gaming your cloud expertise: from cloud tourist to cloud native](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/373-seriously-gaming-your-cloud-expertise-from-cloud-tourist-to-cloud-native) - [Live Coding an Augmented Reality Game with WebXR](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/199-live-coding-an-augmented-reality-game-with-webxr) - [Asynchronicity and multithreading in C#](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/447-asynchronicity-and-multithreading-in-c) - [Challenges and Solutions for Efficient, Large-Scale Video Analysis](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2022-challenges-and-solutions-for-efficient-large-scale-video-analysis) - [WeAreDevelopers LIVE - "Fun and games - and all that comes with it", Back to BASIC & more](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1719-wearedevelopers-live-fun-and-games-and-all-that-comes-with-it-back-to-basic-more) ## Related Articles - [What Developers Can Learn from Indie Games](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/650-what-developers-can-learn-from-indie-games) - [John Romero - What AI Can, Can’t, and Shouldn’t do for Games](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/478-john-romero-what-ai-can-can-t-and-shouldn-t-do-for-games) - [10 Coding Games to Teach You How to Code](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/151-10-coding-games-to-teach-you-how-to-code) - [What is Agentic Programming and Why Should Developers Care?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/625-what-is-agentic-programming-and-why-should-developers-care) - [WWC24 Talk - Brenda Romero - Stay: Surviving and Thriving in Tech](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/467-wwc24-talk-brenda-romero-stay-surviving-and-thriving-in-tech) - [Dev Digest 129 - Now that's what I call private data!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/468-dev-digest-129-now-that-s-what-i-call-private-data)