About the role
Company Overview
Electronic Arts creates next-level entertainment experiences that inspire players and fans around the world. EA SPORTS is one of the most iconic brands in entertainment, connecting hundreds of millions around the world to the sports they love through a portfolio of industry-leading video games. The Character Animation Research Team (A-Team) is a small team based in Vancouver, British Columbia, committed to advancing the field of character animation to ensure video-game characters look believable and move convincingly. Technology developed by this team is shared across multiple games in EA including FC, Madden, NHL, skate.™, Battlefront, Dragon Age and more.
Internship Details
- Role: Undergraduate Animator Co-op student
- Duration: 8 months
- Start Date: May 2027
- Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Responsibilities
- Become familiar with EA’s proprietary game engine, the Frostbite Engine.
- Refine and polish motion capture animation to AAA game quality.
- Learn to build modern animation systems such as state machines, motion matching, and node based programming.
- Brainstorm and collaborate side-by-side with engineers and UX designers to design and refine animation workflows/pipelines.
- Learn how partner game teams work across EA by assisting with tool adoption, debugging, and workflow feedback.
Requirements
- Legally authorized to work in Canada for the entire internship (visa sponsorship is not available).
- Enrolled in an accredited degree program and returning to school for at least one semester following the internship.
- Must be graduating in May 2028 or later.
- Currently pursuing a degree in Animation or a related technical discipline.
- Entry-level experience; prior internship, coursework, or personal projects in animation.
- Experience creating high-quality character animation.
- Solid foundation in character animation principles and body mechanics.
- Familiarity with industry-standard 3D software tools such as Autodesk Maya, MotionBuilder, or equivalent.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to quickly identify and resolve issues.
Preferred Technical Skills
- Python scripting.
- Node-based programming.
- Interest in vibe-coding and using AI agents in their work.
- Interest in motion capture data, rigging, or scripting (Python/DCC tools).
Application Requirements
- Clearly indicate expected graduation date on the resume.
- Submit a portfolio/demo reel with animations.
- Provide examples of projects, games, or tools with major contributions (include descriptions of specific roles if collaborative).
- Detail interest in games (game jams, mods, engine projects in Unreal, Unity, Godot, etc.).
- List involvement in extra-curricular activities or clubs.
- Submit a cover letter explaining interest in this position with EA.
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary: $60,000 - $65,000 CAD (depending on location within British Columbia).
- Relocation: Support may be available if eligibility criteria are met.
- Benefits: EA offers a holistic approach to wellness including physical, emotional, financial, career, and community support. Packages may include healthcare coverage, mental well-being support, retirement savings, paid time off, family leaves, and complimentary games.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Electronic Arts is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, religion, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, family status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. EA considers qualified applicants with criminal records in accordance with applicable law and provides workplace accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.