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Animation Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

De Circle

Animation Engineer - EmptyVessel

Austin, TX · On-site +1

We are seeking 1-2 mid-level Animation Engineers with exceptional Unreal Engine 5 expertise to join our team in Europe. The ideal candidates will possess a strong background in animating within ...

TechLink Systems

Flash - Animator

Torrance, CA · On-site

... animation and mobile content, and in object-oriented designed methodologies and programming languages is a must (e.g. ActionScript, CSV, XML, and HTML5, etc.) Bachelor's degree or equivalent in ...

TechLink Systems

Flash - Animator

Torrance, CA · On-site

... animation and mobile content, and in object-oriented designed methodologies and programming languages is a must (e.g. ActionScript, CSV, XML, and HTML5, etc.) Bachelor's degree or equivalent in ...

Epic Games

Animation Systems Programmer

Larkspur, CA · On-site

$167K - $245K/yr

What You'll Do Epic Games is looking for an experienced Animation Systems Programmer for our Special Projects team. As a member of our team, you will play a critical role in driving future projects ...

Epic Games

Senior Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC · On-site

$98K - $112K/yr

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 ...

Epic Games

Character Animation Lead

Cary, NC · On-site

You will act as a bridge between animation and engineering - helping to define workflows, shape systems, and solve complex problems at the intersection of gameplay and motion. This role requires both ...

Mattel

Sr Manager, TV Animation

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$112K - $128K/yr

Mattel Studios is seeking a Sr. Manager, Adult & Four-Quad TV Animation to help drive the development and execution of a slate of premium animated programming based on Mattel's dynamic portfolio of ...

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Animation Developer information

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How much do animation developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation developer in the United States is $58.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52.64 and $64.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an animation developer do?

An Animation Developer is responsible for creating and integrating animations into digital products like video games, apps, websites, and interactive media. They combine artistic skills with technical knowledge, using tools such as Unity, Unreal Engine, or Adobe Animate to bring characters and environments to life. Animation Developers also collaborate with designers, programmers, and artists to ensure smooth, visually appealing animations that enhance user experiences. Their work often involves coding, testing, and troubleshooting animations to achieve the desired effects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animation developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animation Developer, you need a strong grasp of animation principles, computer graphics, and programming languages like JavaScript or C++, often backed by a degree in computer science, digital media, or a related field. Proficiency with animation software such as Adobe Animate, Unity, Blender, or Maya, and familiarity with relevant APIs or frameworks, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills that help bring concepts to life and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills enable the creation of engaging, technically sound animations that meet project goals and user expectations.

What are some common challenges animation developers face when working on cross-functional teams?

Animation Developers often collaborate closely with designers, programmers, and project managers, which can present challenges in aligning creative vision with technical constraints. Effective communication is key, as developers must interpret design briefs into functional animations while ensuring performance and compatibility across platforms. Balancing the artistic aspects of animation with optimization for different devices and game engines is also a frequent challenge. Staying adaptable and fostering open dialogue within the team can help address these issues and lead to successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Animation Developer vs Motion Designer?

AspectAnimation DeveloperMotion Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Graphics, Animation, or related field; knowledge of programming languagesBachelor's in Graphic Design, Animation, or related field; strong design portfolio
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in tech companies, gaming, or software development; focus on interactive animationsAdvertising agencies, media, or entertainment; focus on visual storytelling and branding
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in software, gaming, and interactive media industriesCommon in advertising, film, and digital media industries

Animation Developers focus on creating interactive and programmatic animations often for digital platforms, requiring coding skills. Motion Designers primarily craft visual animations for branding, advertising, and media, emphasizing design and storytelling. While both roles involve animation, their tools, environments, and objectives differ significantly.

Are animation developers in demand right now?

Animation developers are in high demand due to the growth of digital media, gaming, and entertainment industries. Skills in 3D modeling, animation software, and programming languages like Python or C++ increase employability, especially in environments requiring real-time rendering and interactive content.
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Animation Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Developer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,649 per year, or $58.5 per hour.

Animation Engineer - EmptyVessel

De Circle

Austin, TX • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Empty Vessel is an emerging game development studio focusing on immersive gaming experiences. With a commitment to crafting captivating narratives and engaging gameplay, we're dedicated to pushing the boundaries of interactive entertainment. As we expand our presence in Europe, we're seeking talented individuals to join our growing team and contribute to our exciting projects.
Position Overview:
We are seeking 1-2 mid-level Animation Engineers with exceptional Unreal Engine 5 expertise to join our team in Europe. The ideal candidates will possess a strong background in animating within Unreal Engine, with a focus on creating immersive experiences for players. Candidates should have experience with animation systems, interaction with environments, and troubleshooting technical issues.
Responsibilities:
  • Develop and maintain an animation system within Unreal Engine, facilitating player interaction with environments.
  • Ensure seamless interaction between characters and environments, optimizing performance and visual fidelity.
  • Collaborate closely with animation creators to implement animations effectively within the game environment.
  • Troubleshoot and debug game crashes, utilizing knowledge of C++ and Unreal Engine to identify and resolve issues promptly.
  • Utilize Autodesk Maya for keyframe animation and animation techniques, implementing key poses to enhance character movement.
  • Work within Visual Studio IDE to write and optimize code, ensuring smooth integration with the game engine.

  • Strong proficiency in Unreal Engine 5, with experience developing and implementing animation systems.
  • Experience with Autodesk Maya for keyframe animation and animation techniques.
  • Proficiency in C++ and familiarity with Visual Studio IDE.
  • Prior experience with shipping a shooter game, preferably an AAA title, demonstrating a deep understanding of large, complex game development processes.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and debug technical issues efficiently.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work closely with animation creators and other team members.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, with a commitment to meeting project deadlines and delivering high-quality work.

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