Animation Intern

Crystal Dynamics is constantly seeking the best gaming talent worldwide to add to our 30-plus year legacy of game development creating new and iconic franchises. We are committed to making great games with great people and living the dream while doing it.

Benefits for our regular full-time positions include but are not limited to a competitive regional salary 100% employer-paid medical dental and vision insurance options professional development reimbursement flexible hybrid on-site/off-site work opportunities company paid holidays plus additional paid days in December when the studio is closed for holiday break and the ability to accrue additional paid time-off.

Join us and help shape an amazing studio culture where were building award-winning franchises like Tomb Raider and more!

Crystal Dynamics invites dedicated individuals to apply for an internship at our Crystal San Carlos studio. As part of this 12-week program you will take part in meaningful hands-on work that contributes directly to active AAA projects. Throughout the program you will step into a professional development environment where ongoing projects experienced mentors and collaborative teams give you a direct view into AAA game creation. This internship is designed to help you build industry ready skills form strong professional relationships and deepen your understanding of how world class games are made!

Eligibility Criteria:

• Enrolled as a college Junior or Senior (Seniors could have graduated in Fall/Winter 2025 or will be graduating in Spring 2026).
• Pursuing a degree in Animation Art Game Art Technical Art Game Design Game Development Engineering or related fields.
• Availability to work full-time (40 hrs / week) for the duration of the program (June 1st August 21st 2026).
• Able to work onsite at our studio in San Carlos CA for the first 1- 2 weeks for onboarding.
  • The work arrangement for the remainder of the program (onsite hybrid or remote) will be confirmed prior to the start date and will vary based on assigned team and project needs.
• Legal eligibility to work in the United States.
• Submission of a complete application that includes a resume cover letter and a link to your portfolio.

What You Will Gain:

• Practical Project Involvement:Contribute to active game development efforts while learning production scope workflows and the advanced tools used across modern AAA pipelines.
• Professional Mentorship:Receive guidance from experienced professionals with deep industry knowledge.
• Skill Development:Expand your skill setestablishinga solid foundation for your professional journey.
• Team Collaboration:Work alongside our dedicated onsite and remote teams including fellow interns building valuable professional relationships within the gaming industry.

WhatYou WillDo:

• Acquire essential skills using industry-standard tools and software such as Unreal Engine Maya and/or MotionBuilder.
• Participate in various game development aspects of the full animation pipeline including motion capture processing keyframe animation workflows and engine implementation.
• Support mid senior and lead artists by polishing existing animation assets helping fix issues and any other tasks assigned.
• Enhance your understanding of advanced game development technology focusing on Unreal Engine.

What Makes You Stand Out:

• Portfoliodemonstratingfoundational Animation skills including one or more of the following:
  • Animation work demonstrating understanding of animation fundamentals such as timing pacing weight and posing
  • Motion capture cleanup or animation retargeting work.
• Exposure to industry-standard development software tools and engines.
• Industry involvement outside classroom curriculum such as game jams personal projects and/or contributions to group projects that show going above and beyond.
• Willingness to tackle challenges learn from feedback and adapt to new tools or workflows.
• Ability to communicate your ideas with eagerness to learn and turn feedback into action.

Compensation & Benefits:
Compensation for this internship is $20-25 per hour plus a stipend to help with expenses duringthedurationof the program. Compensation is location-based and will be aligned to the interns confirmed work location during the program. Interns are also eligible for a medical dental and vision benefits package. Your recruiter can provide more information about total compensation.

Check out our Crystal Dynamics Internship FAQpageforadditionalquestions.
Thank you for your interest in an internship at Crystal Dynamics. Wecantwait to see what you bring to our world of game development!

Not sure if you are qualified We hope that you will still choose to apply so we may review your application!

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Crystal Dynamics is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to identifying and implementing positive and persistent measures to ensure equal opportunity in the recruitment hiring development training promotion and compensation of a diverse team employee group. This includes persons of different race color creed religion sex gender identity or gender expression pregnancy breastfeeding or medical conditions related to breastfeeding genetic characteristic sexual orientation national origin ancestry medical condition political affiliation age veteran status uniform service member status marital status physical or mental disability or citizenship as well as any other classifications protected by applicable federal state or local Dynamics is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. If you require any accommodations please notify us at your earliest convenience during the interview process.

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