Lead 3D Games Animator at Super Spline Studios, UK

At Super Spline Studios , we don’t just move characters; we give them a soul. Nestled in the historic game development hub of Leamington Spa—and stretching across Europe via our robust remote network—we are a premier animation powerhouse dedicated to high-fidelity movement. Whether it’s the snap of a stylized cartoon jump or the nuanced weight of a hyper-realistic cinematic performance, we strive for excellence in every frame.

We are currently looking for a Lead 3D Games Animator to steer our creative ship. This is a role for a veteran of the craft—someone who has mastered the curve editor but also understands the logistical complexity of shipping AAA and indie titles alike. If you are a mentor, a technical problem-solver, and a world-class artist, we want to help you make awesome games.

Job Overview

• Company Name: Super Spline Studios
• Job Title: Lead 3D Games Animator
• Location: Leamington Spa , United Kingdom (Office) or Remote (Europe-wide)
• Salary Range: Competitive / Negotiable based on seniority
• Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
• Working Hours: 4-day work week with flexible hours
• Core Software: Autodesk Maya , Unreal Engine (4/5), Unity
• Application Email: View email address on festybay.com

Key Responsibilities: Leadership & Artistry

Your mission is two-fold: to lead the people and to perfect the pixels. You will be accountable for the animation department’s output and the professional growth of your team members.

1. Team Leadership & Mentorship

• Direct Supervision: Manage a team of internal animators and external freelancers, assigning workloads and ensuring all milestones are met.
• Mentorship: Conduct regular 1-to-1 feedback sessions, helping junior and mid-level animators hone their craft and adopt new workflows.
• Client Liaison: Act as the technical and creative point of contact for external clients, interpreting briefs and ensuring the final delivery exceeds expectations.
• Scheduling: Create realistic production schedules and take full accountability for delivery dates.

2. High-Level Animation Production

• Hand-Keyed Excellence: Create top-tier character, creature, and environmental animations using traditional hand-keyed techniques.
• Mocap Direction: Lead motion capture shoots and oversee the cleaning, editing, and implementation of mocap data into the game environment.
• Versatility: Seamlessly switch between art styles, ensuring “character and personality” are injected into every movement, regardless of the aesthetic.

3. Technical Integration & Pipeline

• Engine Implementation: Work directly within Unreal Engine 4/5 and Unity , setting up state machines, blend spaces, and animation Blueprints.
• Rigging & Skinning: Utilize your in-depth knowledge of Maya to troubleshoot rigs and ensure characters are optimized for the intended performance.
• Problem Solving: Proactively identify pipeline bottlenecks and implement new technologies to improve efficiency.

Candidate Requirements

Super Spline Studios is seeking a candidate who has “been in the trenches” and knows what it takes to get an animation-heavy title across the finish line.

Experience & Professionalism

• Proven Track Record: Minimum of 7 years of industry experience in video games. Shipped titles are a must.

• Self-Management: Exceptional ability to manage your own time and the time of others without constant oversight.

• Communication: You must be a “pleasant professional”—someone who communicates clearly, takes feedback with grace, and offers constructive critiques to others.

Technical Mastery

• Maya Expert: You should know Maya inside and out, specifically for character animation and rigging workflows.

• Engine Knowledge: Practical experience with state machines and animation implementation in UE4/UE5 and/or Unity .

• Mocap Literacy: Experience leading shoots and working with various motion capture technologies.

• Adaptability: A constant hunger to learn new tools and processes as the industry evolves in 2026 and beyond.

What We Offer: The Super Spline Culture

We believe that rested artists are better artists. That’s why we’ve built a studio culture that prioritizes your well-being and creative freedom.

• The 4-Day Week: We work hard, then we rest. Our four-day work week is designed to prevent burnout and give you a genuine life outside of the studio.

• Total Flexibility: Choose between our “relaxed” office in the heart of Leamington Spa—surrounded by fellow devs—or work from the comfort of your home anywhere in Europe.

• Variety of Work: One month you might be working on a high-octane FPS, the next a whimsical cartoony platformer. You will never get bored here.

• Professional Perks: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and the opportunity to attend “awesome events” throughout the gaming calendar.

• Continuous Learning: We encourage “Hack Days” and skill-sharing sessions to ensure you stay at the top of your game.

How to Apply

If you have the desire to make world-class games and the leadership skills to guide a team, we want to hear from you.

Please send a concise but nice introductory email to View email address on festybay.com with the following:

1. Subject Line: Lead Animator

2. An updated Resume/CV .

3. A link to your Showreel (highlighting both hand-keyed and technical engine work).

Note: Due to the high volume of applications, we can only respond to successful candidates.

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