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3D Animator Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Epic Games

Senior Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC · On-site

$98K - $112K/yr

As a TDiA, you will use your animation sense and technical understanding of character animation to ... and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal ...

Epic Games

Character Animation Lead

Cary, NC · On-site

You will combine strong animation fundamentals with technical fluency in Unreal Engine to build ... and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal ...

Epic Games

Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC · On-site

As a TDiA, you will use your animation sense and technical understanding of character animation to ... and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal ...

Epic Games

Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC · On-site

Build animation behavior tools, techniques, and frameworks that enable complex systems and ... and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal ...

NCSU

Assistant or Associate Professor

Raleigh, NC

Successful candidates may also by asked to teach at the foundation level instructing students on techniques of basic drawing, 2D and 3D design, digital illustration, animation and sculpture.

EROS Technologies, Inc.

UX Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Develop 2D and 3D Animation using Flash. Develop Flash /Director based customer Animations Develop Flash Based Streaming Video applications Develop Flash Based Streaming Video applications Tool ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Durham, NC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of Blender 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging, animation, physics simulation, and rendering with Cycles and Eevee engines.

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Chapel Hill, NC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of Blender 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging, animation, physics simulation, and rendering with Cycles and Eevee engines.

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Raleigh, NC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of Blender 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging, animation, physics simulation, and rendering with Cycles and Eevee engines.

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Raleigh, NC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... 3D modeling beginners through advanced users developing professional visualization and animation skills. * Effective Teaching Methods: Ability to identify concepts students commonly struggle with ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Chapel Hill, NC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... 3D modeling beginners through advanced users developing professional visualization and animation skills. * Effective Teaching Methods: Ability to identify concepts students commonly struggle with ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Durham, NC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... 3D modeling beginners through advanced users developing professional visualization and animation skills. * Effective Teaching Methods: Ability to identify concepts students commonly struggle with ...

Adecco

RQ16750 - Motion Designer

Morrisville, NC · On-site

$27/hr

As part of the Creative & Video Studio, this role develops motion graphics, animations, video packages, product demonstrations, explainers, social media content, webcast assets, event visuals, and ...

Adecco

RQ16755 - Motion Designer

Morrisville, NC · Hybrid

$27/hr

As part of the Creative & Video Studio, this role develops motion graphics, animations, video packages, product demonstrations, explainers, social media content, webcast assets, event visuals, and ...

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All Jobs3D Animator Jobs3D Animator Jobs in Raleigh, NC

3D Animator information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$30.1K

$62.1K

$128.8K

How much do 3d animator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for 3d animator in Raleigh, NC is $62,083.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,100.00 and $60,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 3D animator?

A 3D animator combines art and science to produce 3D animated creations. These artists generate visual designs on a computer and use 3D printing technology to make a tangible model of their concept. Examples of 3D animation products include gaming equipment, film props, and medical illustrations. Most 3D animators work in a studio setting among a team of other 3D animators, each person contributing to the projects based on their strengths.

What does a 3D animator do?

A 3D Animator creates three-dimensional moving images for films, video games, advertisements, and other media. They use specialized software to design characters, objects, and environments, and then animate them to bring stories or concepts to life. Their work often involves collaborating with other artists, directors, and technical staff to ensure the animation fits the overall vision of the project. 3D Animators must have strong artistic skills, technical proficiency, and attention to detail.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3D animator?

To thrive as a 3D Animator, you need a strong understanding of animation principles, modeling, texturing, and a portfolio demonstrating your creative and technical abilities, often supported by a degree in animation or related fields. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max and familiarity with rendering engines and motion capture systems are typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, collaboration, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for translating ideas into compelling visual stories and working with production teams. These skills and qualities are vital for producing high-quality animations that meet project goals and industry standards.

What are some common challenges 3D animators face when working on team-based projects?

3D Animators often collaborate closely with modelers, riggers, and technical directors, which can present challenges such as ensuring animation timing matches the project's vision and maintaining consistency across multiple characters or scenes. Communicating effectively to align on feedback and revisions is crucial, especially when working with remote teams or tight deadlines. Being adaptable and open to creative input helps animators navigate these challenges while contributing to a cohesive final product.

Is 3D animation a good career?

3D animation is a viable career that offers opportunities in entertainment, gaming, advertising, and film industries. Success typically requires strong artistic skills, proficiency with software like Maya or Blender, and continuous learning to keep up with technological advancements.

Is there a demand for 3D animators?

The demand for 3D animators remains strong across industries such as entertainment, gaming, advertising, and virtual reality, driven by ongoing growth in digital media and content creation. Skills in industry-standard software like Maya, Blender, or Cinema 4D, along with a strong portfolio, can enhance job prospects as companies seek talented animators for various projects.

What jobs can a 3D Animator do?

A 3D Animator can work in industries such as film, video games, advertising, and virtual reality, creating animated characters, environments, and visual effects. They often use software like Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max and may collaborate with designers, directors, and developers to produce visual content for various media platforms.
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3D Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3D Animator job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,083 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

Senior Technical Designer in Animation

Epic Games

Cary, NC • On-site

$98K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

WHAT MAKES US EPIC?
At the core of Epic's success are talented, passionate people. Epic prides itself on creating a collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment. Whether it's building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences, we're always innovating.
Being Epic means being a part of a team that continually strives to do right by our community and users. We're constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development.
ART
What We Do
Push your artistic talent to the limit on a team of world-class environment, character and concept artists who strive to innovate and inspire.
What You'll Do
Epic Games is looking for a Senior Technical Designer in Animation (TDiA) to join our team working across various animation systems. As a TDiA, you will use your animation sense and technical understanding of character animation to design and create gameplay animation systems that facilitate appealing, high-quality character motion. You will be the primary point of contact for animation implementation issues and any animation-related technical challenges, and you will work closely with Animation, Design, and Engineering colleagues to ensure the animation pipeline operates smoothly and efficiently. You will also help identify potential issues and deploy correct solutions, using your technical knowledge to help bridge and facilitate communication between the animation team and other departments.
In this role, you will
  • Create animation behavior tools/techniques/philosophies that allow the building of complex movement systems
  • Design and implement animation state machines/behaviors and runtime solutions
  • Work closely with the Animation, Design, and Engineering departments to analyze, troubleshoot, and solve in-game animation implementation issues and animation-related technical challenges
  • Closely collaborate with the animation leadership to maintain the style and quality bar for animations in the game
  • Look for opportunities to improve the animation pipeline/workflow and help provide solutions for technical animation problems, including performing training and creating documentation for the animation team
What we're looking for
  • A strong animation sense with a clear understanding of realistic and stylized character motion and how to achieve them with modern animation methods
  • Expertise with animation pipelines, including source content creation tools such as Maya, MotionBuilder, and the Unreal Engine, using our Control Rig toolset
  • Exceptional problem-solving ability with strong written communication and teamwork skills
  • Familiarity with gameplay animation tools and concepts, such as blend trees and state machines; experience with Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints is a plus
  • Experience with AAA game development, preferably on a large team using an established game engine (internal or commercial); experience with Unreal Engine is a plus
  • Self-motivation, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work independently
  • Coding knowledge or experience with C++ is not required
EPIC JOB + EPIC BENEFITS = EPIC LIFE
Our intent is to cover all things that are medically necessary and improve the quality of life. We pay 100% of the premiums for both you and your dependents. Our coverage includes Medical, Dental, a Vision HRA, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance & a 401k with competitive match. We also offer a robust mental well-being program through Modern Health, which provides free therapy and coaching for employees & dependents. Throughout the year we celebrate our employees with events and company-wide paid breaks. We offer unlimited PTO and sick time and recognize individuals for 7 years of employment with a paid sabbatical.
ABOUT US
Epic Games is a leading interactive entertainment company. For over 30 years we've been making award-winning games and engine technology that empowers others to make visually stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal Engine technology not only provides game developers the ability to build high-fidelity, interactive experiences for PC, console, mobile, and VR, it is also a tool being embraced by content creators across a variety of industries such as media and entertainment, automotive, and architectural design. As we continue to build our Engine technology and develop remarkable games, we strive to build teams of world-class talent.
Like what you hear? Come be a part of something Epic!
Epic Games deeply values diverse teams and an inclusive work culture, and we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Learn more about our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy here.
Note to Recruitment Agencies: Epic does not accept any unsolicited resumes or approaches from any unauthorized third party (including recruitment or placement agencies) (i.e., a third party with whom we do not have a negotiated and validly executed agreement). We will not pay any fees to any unauthorized third party. Further details on these matters can be found here.

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