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2K · 1 day ago

Principal Animator

Los Angeles, California, United States

Full-time

Onsite

Lead/Staff

$154K/yr - $220K/yr

2K is a global video game company known for publishing titles developed by influential studios. They are seeking a Principal Animator to lead R&D efforts in creating high-fidelity character systems, focusing on motion synthesis and procedural physics for both players and NPCs.

Developer APIsPublishingSoftwareSportsVideo Games

H1B Sponsor Likely

Responsibilities

Pioneer R&D Workflows: Research and automate motion synthesis, cleanup, and secondary motion

Architect Character Systems: Design fluid animation states for traversal, combat, and stealth

Drive Motion Matching: Use generative models to synthesize transitions and label massive mocap libraries

Reach Film Standards: Deliver lifelike facial nuance and seamless cinematic-to-gameplay transitions

Optimize Pipelines: Partner with tools programmers to automate rigging, FACS, and cleanup in Maya/Engine

Maintain Control & Quality: Ensure R&D tools prioritize artistic intent and meet 2K’s high-quality bar

Qualification

AAA ExperienceMotion MatchingControl RigAnim BlueprintsRigging KnowledgeInnovation Focused

Required

AAA Experience: Shipped at least one AAA title as a Lead/Principal Animator (UE5 preferred)

Technical Mastery: Deep knowledge of Motion Matching, Control Rig, and Anim Blueprints

Rigging Knowledge: Strong foundation in skinning, blendshapes, and FACS

Innovation Focused: A passion for replacing legacy workflows with scalable, R&D-driven solutions

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage

14 paid holidays per calendar year

Paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company’s discretionary time off program

Up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year

Paid parental and compassionate leave

Wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support

Family planning support through Maven

Commuter benefits

Reimbursements for fitness-related expenses

Company

2K

Glassdoor3.6

2K is a development studio that develops and publishes sports-based video games. It is a sub-organization of Take-Two Interactive Software.

Founded in 2005

Novato, California, USA

1001-5000 employees

http://2k.com

H1B Sponsorship

2K has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)

Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship

Represents job field similar to this job

Trends of Total Sponsorships

2025 (18)

2024 (11)

2023 (19)

2022 (15)

2021 (24)

2020 (19)