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Animation Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

UX Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$122K - $130K/yr

... animations, and performance optimization. • Experience integrating design systems into engineering pipelines (e.g., npm packages, monorepos). • Familiarity with UX design principles, motion ...

Students learn about software engineering, computer graphics, artificial intelligence, animation, software architecture and networking. The game programing degree addresses the real-world needs of ...

Advanced proficiency in HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript, including experience with modular design, CSS animations, and performance optimization. Experience integrating design systems into engineering ...

UX Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$114K - $130K/yr

... animations, and performance optimization. • Experience integrating design systems into engineering pipelines (e.g., npm packages, monorepos). • Familiarity with UX design principles, motion ...

You are a versatile developer comfortable navigating everything from front-end interfaces (React ... Develop polished CSS animations that elevate the interface, ensuring that motion is both visually ...

As a leading provider of world-class art, animation, VFX, and engineering services for the video game industry, we partner with AAA studios and publishers to bring their creative visions to life. Our ...

As a leading provider of world-class art, animation, VFX, and engineering services for the video game industry, we partner with AAA studios and publishers to bring their creative visions to life. Our ...

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Animation Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$36

$60

$77

How much do animation developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation developer in Chicago, IL is $60.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54.28 and $66.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Animation Developer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Animation Developer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Animation Developer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Animation Developer job openings:
STEAMbassador Intern (Chicago Youth Works)

STEAMbassador Intern (Chicago Youth Works)

City Colleges of Chicago

Chicago, IL

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

CHICAGO YOUTH WORKS - STEAMBASSADOR INTERN
TRUMAN COLLEGE 

City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), the largest community college system in Illinois, is made up of seven colleges and five satellite sites, providing more than 70,000 students each year access to a quality, affordable education. 

Chicago Youth Works is an initiative that provides youth with employment and enrichment opportunities during the summer months. Chicago Youth Works offers summer employment to youth between the ages of 14 and 24. Most programs are between 20 and 25 hours per week.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

The Chicago Youth Works initiative encourages students to gain experience in their prospective fields by placing them in areas and departments aligned with their area of study whenever possible. Students are able to use their wages towards educational and living expenses.

Chicago Youth Works jobs are available in areas such as academic departments, laboratories, libraries, administrative offices, student centers and off-campus locations.

DEPARTMENT LOCATIONS

Become a STEAMbassador this summer and you will be a specially trained mentor that engages elementary and middle-school aged youth in STEAM activities such as:

         Lego Robotics - Lego robotics is a platform centered around building robots and other vehicles, and programming them to move and perform other functions.

         Mobile App Development - People often wonder how to build an app you can use on your iOS device, or even your Apple Watch. A lot of moving parts need to work together to make an app run, and Xcode, which is Apple's coding platform, is the best tool for putting them all together.

         Spheros - Spheros are spherical programmable robots that can be operated and coded using a phone or an iPad.

         3D Printing - 3D printing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file. The creation of a 3D printed object is achieved using additive processes. In an additive process an object is created by laying down successive layers of material (filament) until the object is created. Each of these layers can be seen as a thinly sliced cross-section of the object.

         VR Class - A virtual reality headset (or VR headset) is a head-mounted device that provides virtual reality for the wearer. VR headsets are widely used with VR video games but they are also used in other applications, including simulators and trainers. VR headsets typically include a stereoscopic display (providing separate images for each eye), stereo sound, and sensors like accelerometers and gyroscopes for tracking the Pose of the user's head to match the orientation of the virtual camera with the user's eye positions in the real world.

         Podcasting - Podcasting is the preparation and distribution of audio files to the computers of subscribed users. These files may then be uploaded to streaming services, which users can listen to on their smartphones or digital music and multimedia players, like an iPod. A podcast can easily be created from a digital audio file.

         Animation - Animation is the illusion of movement created via a series of images displayed in rapid succession.

         Sports Tech - Sports tech is an opportunity to learn about various sports and how technology can help train and develop athletes to make them better. Technology can also be used in traditional and social media to capture film and create highlight videos for all sports. This will be an interactive program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

         Completes necessary STEAM training provided by Truman College and/or its partner in preparation for working with elementary and middle school students within spaces and in communities throughout Chicago.

         Leads and works with youths on various types of sessions, activities, and projects that enforces knowledge and skills in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) content areas.

         Facilitates virtual or in-person camps as needed for designated sites, working with youth on STEAM activities such as coding music, flying drones, building machines, and writing stories. 

         Provides support on various STEAMbassador or Innovation One projects and assignments as needed. 

         Receives on-going professional development as needed or provided by Truman or and/or its partner organizations.

QUALIFICATIONS

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Applicants must be 18 years or older, have work permit consent, and eligible to work in the United States
  • Be a City of Chicago resident
  • Current college students
  • Current City Colleges of Chicago students that were or are enrolled in Spring 2026, Summer 2026, or Fall 2026
  • Complete Chicago Youth Works online application here

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Available to participate in the program starting June 8, 2026 and end on July 31, 2026. These dates may be subject to change depending on the department/partner organization.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office programs
  • Excellent oral communication skills.
  • Excellent customer service skills.
  • Promotes a positive role model and favorable public image as City Colleges of Chicago representative.
  • Adheres to the City Colleges of Chicago Customer Services Excellence Standards.
  • Good interpersonal skills with a positive attitude and demonstrably self-motivated.
  • Demonstrated interest in a STEAM related field

Additional Information

     Salary: $17.00 per hour

                           City Colleges of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Additional Information