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3D Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kitware

3D Computer Vision Researcher

Arlington, VA · On-site

$155K - $215K/yr

Current 3D projects have an emphasis on aerial and satellite imagery sources, but capabilities are often adapted to other problem domains. These projects have created and continue to support the ...

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

As a Senior Gameplay Animator, you will conceptualize, design, develop and execute 3D animations. You will collaborate across teams to bring these animations and Ember Lab work to life! Description

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA

$88K - $120K/yr

As a Senior Gameplay Animator, you will conceptualize, design, develop and execute 3D animations. You will collaborate across teams to bring these animations and Ember Lab work to life! Description

Kitware

3D Computer Vision Researcher

Clifton Park, NY

$125K - $170K/yr

Our 3D computer vision team develops algorithms and open source applications for photogrammetry: reconstructing 3D models of objects from images and video. Current 3D projects have an emphasis on ...

Kitware

3D Computer Vision Researcher

Arlington, VA · On-site

$155K - $215K/yr

Current 3D projects have an emphasis on aerial and satellite imagery sources, but capabilities are often adapted to other problem domains. These projects have created and continue to support the ...

Progressive Gaming

Animator IV

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

Expert-level proficiency in 2D and 3D animation tools such as After Effects, Spine, Maya, and Blender. * Experience creating and implementing real-time animations in Unity. * Strong understanding of ...

IGT

Animator IV

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

Expert-level proficiency in 2D and 3D animation tools such as After Effects, Spine, Maya, and Blender. * Experience creating and implementing real-time animations in Unity. * Strong understanding of ...

The Pennsylvania State University

The ideal candidate is a 3D animator/generalist with considerable experience in 3D animation workflows that can instruct and mentor 3d animation students and who stays abreast of 3D professional ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Exemplary skills in keyframe, stylized 3D animation, using Maya and/or Motion Builder. * Experience working in Unreal Engine for animation implementation and debugging. * Strong understanding of ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

Exemplary skills in keyframe, stylized 3D animation, using Maya and/or Motion Builder. * Experience working in Unreal Engine for animation implementation and debugging. * Strong understanding of ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Exemplary skills in keyframe, stylized 3D animation, using Maya and/or Motion Builder. * Experience working in Unreal Engine for animation implementation and debugging. * Strong understanding of ...

Flying Bark Productions

3D Animation Lead

Denver, NC · On-site

The 3D Animation Lead role involves managing and guiding a team of animators on a show, acting as the main contact between production and supervisors, and ensuring smooth communication and workflow.

ARTHREX

3D Artist II

Naples, FL

Works productively and harmoniously with Department Managers, 3D animators, Product managers, and medical education. * Observes surgical demonstrations including cadaver dissections. * Produces well ...

Arthrex

3D Artist II

Naples, FL · On-site

Works productively and harmoniously with Department Managers, 3D animators, Product managers, and medical education. * Observes surgical demonstrations including cadaver dissections. * Produces well ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Exemplary skills in keyframe, stylized 3D animation, using Maya and/or Motion Builder. * Experience working in Unreal Engine for animation implementation and debugging. * Strong understanding of ...

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3d Animator information

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How much do 3d animator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for 3d animator in the United States is $63,866.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $62,500.00 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.
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3D Computer Vision Researcher

3D Computer Vision Researcher

Kitware

Arlington, VA • On-site

$155K - $215K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Team Description:
Kitware's computer vision team is a leader in the creation of cutting-edge algorithms and software for automated image and video analysis. Our solutions embrace deep learning and add measurable value to government agencies, commercial organizations, and academic institutions worldwide. We understand the difficulties in extracting, interpreting, and utilizing information across images, video, metadata, and text, and we recognize the need for robust, affordable solutions. We seek to advance the fields of computer vision and deep learning through research and development and through collaborative projects that build on our open source software platforms, such as VIAME and Telesculptor.

About the Projects: 
Kitware’s 3D computer vision team develops algorithms and open source applications for photogrammetry: reconstructing 3D models of objects from images and video. Current 3D projects have an emphasis on aerial and satellite imagery sources, but capabilities are often adapted to other problem domains. These projects have created and continue to support the development of TeleSculptor, an open source application for aerial 3D reconstruction built on KWIVER, and Danesfield, an open source Python framework and web application for urban 3D modeling from satellite imagery. Our 3D vision research projects support the continued development of these tools, development and publication of new cutting edge 3D reconstruction and camera calibration algorithms, and opportunities to leverage 3D vision to assist with broader computer vision topics. The team is exploring how 3D vision algorithms can aid in object detection and tracking, change detection, super resolution, video compression, super resolution, and various other problems. We frequently explore opportunities to adapt our work to new customers with new challenges and new data domains such as underwater imagery or synthetic aperture radar.

Kitware’s employees have unique opportunities to interact and collaborate directly with customers, visit interesting customer sites, and participate in live field tests and demonstrations. Much of Kitware’s work involves applying state-of-the-art artificial intelligence approaches to dynamic, real-world problems. In this case, you will have the opportunity to contribute your skills to projects focused on national security, making a difference on a daily basis to protect our country. Research and Development Engineers at Kitware also enjoy benefits commonly associated with a position in academia, such as support and encouragement for the publication of novel work.

We partner with premier government R&D agencies such as DARPA, IARPA, AFRL, NVESD, NOAA, ONR, other branches of the US military, and multiple members of the Intelligence Community on a range of efforts including prime contracts, SBIRs, and STTRs. In addition, we provide commercial services to companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies. Kitware employs an open source business model to foster extended, collaborative communities, and to provide flexible, high-quality technical solutions. If you’ve used CMake, ITK, or VTK, you know our work and the impact it has on the communities we help build.
In This Position You Will:
  • Conduct research and develop solutions for problems related to camera calibration, registration, and 3D reconstruction from images
  • Contribute to the development of open source software such as TeleSculptor, KWIVER, or Danesfield
  • Collaborate with other researchers to brainstorm ideas and peer review work
  • Prepare and present research findings to customers and collaborators
  • Enjoy support and encouragement for participation in national and international conferences (such as CVPR, ICCV, ECCV, WACV, and 3DV)
  • Be encouraged to seek funding to grow and develop your own research areas, if you desire
Required Qualifications
  • PhD in Computer Science or related field
  • Experience using multiview geometry to develop algorithms for building 3D point clouds or meshes from imagery or video
  • Experience with AL/ML methods for 3D reconstruction or camera calibration
  • Experience with good software development practices and proficiency in C++ and/or Python
  • Strong publication record in top-tier research publications and conferences such as CVPR, ICCV, and ECCV
  • Highly innovative and demonstrated track record for solving difficult technical challenges using imagery
  • Experience collaborating successfully with others and thriving in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment
  • Candidates should include a detailed list of publications as part of their resume/CV
  • Due to contractual restrictions, only US Citizens will be considered for this position
  • If not already cleared TS/SCI, willingness and ability to apply for and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with geospatial coordinates systems and transformation is desirable, but not required
Company Description:
Kitware is a research and development software solutions provider with a mission to advance science, make a positive impact, and share our results all within a collaborative, employee-focused work environment that is friendly, fair, and flexible. Our work is improving healthcare outcomes, increasing national security, and advancing our national computing infrastructure. Our customers and collaborators include top universities from around the world, government organizations, national research labs, medical device manufacturers, car manufacturers, financial institutions, and many others.  

Kitware is proud to be 100% employee-owned, and Great Place to Work-Certified™.  

Additional Information:
Our team members enjoy a small company environment, flexibility in work assignments, and high levels of independence and responsibility. Besides a great work environment, our comprehensive benefits package includes a competitive compensation plan, tuition reimbursement program, flexible working hours, six weeks paid time off, 401(k), health insurance, life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, bonus plan, and free coffee, drinks, and snacks. 

For more information on our benefit offerings please visit: https://www.kitware.com/careers/.

Kitware actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, protected veteran status, uniformed service member status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. 

Any unsolicited resume sent to Kitware, including to Kitware's mailing addresses, fax machines or email addresses, whether directly to Kitware employees or to Kitware's applicant tracking system, will be considered Kitware property.  Kitware will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume, and will consider any candidate submitted by a recruitment agency without a fully executed contract with Kitware to have been referred free of any charges or fees.

If you need assistance with applying or interviewing for a role due to a disability or special need, please reach out directly to our HR team at hr@kitware.com at any time during the hiring process. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.