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

Technical Artist, Character

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$123K - $147K/yr

You will partner closely with Character Artists, Animators, Riggers and Engineers to ensure our cast looks and moves exactly as intended. Key Responsibilities: * Define and maintain workflows for ...

Senior AI Engineer

Cary, NC ยท On-site

$96K - $132K/yr

Experience working with AI systems (Behavior Trees, Finite State Machines, Pathfinding, Animation ... and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal ...

Senior Structural Engineer - Building Design

Durham, NC ยท On-site

$97K - $131K/yr

Familiarity with Design Software (RAM, RISA 3D, ADAPT-Builder, Enercalc) * You are curious and ... Animation specialists. Our other offices are in Charlotte NC, Charleston, SC; Newport Beach CA ...

Senior Gameplay Designer

Cary, NC ยท On-site

$94K - $101K/yr

In this role, you'll partner closely with design leadership, art, engineering, animation, UX, audio ... and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal ...

Senior Concept Artist

Cary, NC ยท On-site

$117K - $140K/yr

Produce clean, buildable production concepts that give 3D Artists, Environment Artists, and Technical Artists exactly what they need to execute proportions, materials, and clear construction intent

Senior Environment Concept Artist

Cary, NC ยท On-site

$117K - $140K/yr

Familiarity with building 3D assets is a plus * Bonus: Fluency in an additional language such as Chinese, Spanish, German, Italian, or Russian EPIC JOB + EPIC BENEFITS = EPIC LIFE Our intent is to ...

Senior Environment Artist

Cary, NC ยท On-site

$117K - $140K/yr

Being an expert in 3D asset creation in DCC tools, such as 3DS Max, Maya, Blender, ZBrush. Strong knowledge of baking and texturing tools, such as Marmoset, Substance Painter and Designer, in order ...

Principal Technical VFX Artist

Cary, NC ยท On-site

$117K - $140K/yr

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.

Senior Technical Artist

Cary, NC ยท On-site

$117K - $140K/yr

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.

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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 Jul 18, 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 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.

Will 3D animation be replaced by AI?

3D animators play a crucial role in creating complex visual content that requires creativity and artistic skill, which AI currently cannot fully replicate. While AI tools can assist with tasks like automating repetitive processes or generating basic animations, human expertise remains essential for nuanced, high-quality 3D animation work, especially in creative and client-driven projects.

What is 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.

Is 3D animation a good career?

3D animation is a viable career that involves creating visual effects and models for entertainment, advertising, and other industries. Success often requires proficiency in software like Maya or Blender, strong artistic skills, and continuous learning to keep up with technological advances.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3D Animator, and why are they important?

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.

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 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.

Are 3D animators paid well?

3D animators typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals working in film, gaming, or advertising can earn higher wages, especially with advanced skills in software like Maya or Blender. Overall, the profession offers good earning potential for skilled animators.
What are popular job titles related to 3D Animator jobs in Raleigh, NC? For 3D Animator jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching 3D Animator jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for 3D Animator jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for 3D Animator jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most 3D Animator job openings:
Infographic showing various 3D Animator job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, 8% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,083 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

Technical Artist, Character

AGBO Films LLC

Raleigh, NC โ€ข On-site

$123K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

About the Company:
Founded in 2017 by Anthony and Joe Russo, AGBO is an artist-led independent studio shaping the future of film and television. The Russo Brothers and AGBO have generated more than $7 billion at the global box office, including Avengers: Endgame. The studio's projects include Academy Award-winning Everything Everywhere All at Once, Netflix hits The Gray Man and Extraction, and Prime Video's visceral thriller The Bluff and the global Citadel franchise. Citadel Season 2 premieres in May 2026.
AGBO is currently in production with Netflix on Tygo and Mercenary, both part of the Extraction universe, as well as with Lionsgate on John Rambo, a prequel to the iconic franchise. The studio is in post-production on The Whisper Man, starring Robert De Niro, and Avengers: Doomsday, which will be released December 18, 2026. AGBO will begin shooting Avengers: Secret Wars later this year. Both upcoming Avengers films are directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and co-produced by AGBO and Marvel Studios.
In 2023, AGBO welcomed Donald Mustard-former Chief Creative Officer at Epic Games and co-creator of Fortnite-as a partner. Mustard brings a bold creative vision to AGBO: to expand what storytelling can be through immersive, interconnected worlds that span across media. We're building the future of storytelling-and we're looking for bold, creative minds to help shape it. If you're ready to help define what comes next, we'd love to meet you.
Position Summary:
AGBO is looking for a Technical Artist, Character to drive the technical quality and pipeline integrity of our characters - from high-resolution sculpts through fully rigged, characters and NPCs. You will partner closely with Character Artists, Animators, Riggers and Engineers to ensure our cast looks and moves exactly as intended.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Define and maintain workflows for mesh import, LOD generation, skinning, morph targets, and engine integration
  • Diagnose and resolve character related technical issues.
  • Author character shaders and skin subsurface scattering, hair and strange rendering, eye shaders, cloth, and layered material blending
  • Develop and maintain scripts and plugins supporting riggers and animators, including corrective shapes, space switching, and deformer optimization
  • Review and optimize skin weights, joint counts, and influence limits across hero and background character tiers
  • Configure skeletal meshes, physics assets, LOD chains, Groom assets, and control rig setups into Unreal Engine
  • Partner with animators on IK rigs, animation Blueprints, cloth and physics simulations
  • Author, maintain and troubleshoot existing character creation workflows and pipeline efficiency to ensure performance and stability
  • Interface with internal artist teams and codevelopers to maintain milestone cadences
  • Perform all other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Skills:
  • 3-5 years of professional experience as a Character TD or Character Technical Artist in games/interactive media. Experience working on and shipping AAA preferred.
  • Deep knowledge and experience working in Unreal Engine 5 - Skeletal Mesh, Control Rig, Groom, Physical Assets
  • Expert-level Maya skills - rigging, skinning, deformers, and Python/MEL scripting
  • HLSL shader authoring experience focused on skin, hair, and other character materials
  • Deep understanding of PBR texturing for character
  • Experience with facial rigging, blend shapes, and FACS-based setups
  • Ability to profile and optimize GPU skinning and character rendering costs

Additional Information:
  • This role is based in Los Angeles, CA or Raleigh, NC and only candidates located in or willing to relocate to the area will be considered.
  • Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

AGBO Labs LLC is committed to operating fair and unbiased recruitment procedures allowing all applicants an equal opportunity for employment, free from discrimination on the basis of religion, race, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, color, ethnic or national origin or any other classification as may be protected by applicable law. We aim to recruit the right people for the jobs we have to offer, and to assess applications on the basis of relevant skills, education, and experience.
AGBO participates in E-Verify - English | Spanish
The job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent to this position.