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Animation Developer Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

Hitachi

Simulation Engineer

Lake Orion, MI · On-site +1

Provide high quality realistic imaging and 3D animation videos for marketing. Note: This list of ... Programming experience is preferred. * Strong mechanical aptitude with a focus on safety and ...

Hitachi

Simulation Engineer

Lake Orion, MI · On-site +1

Provide high quality realistic imaging and 3D animation videos for marketing. Note: This list of ... Programming experience is preferred. * Strong mechanical aptitude with a focus on safety and ...

EDAG, Inc.

CAE Intern

Troy, MI · On-site

$14 - $18.75/hr

Who we are: EDAG Inc. is a globally leading, independent engineering services provider that ... works, Oasys Suite, and Animator. * Introduction to linear, non-linear optimization ...

General Motors

Branded UI Visual Designer

Warren, MI · On-site +1

You will work with designers, researchers, engineers, and cross-functional partners to create clear ... Contribute to prototypes, storyboards, animations, and presentations that communicate visual design ...

General Motors

Branded UI Visual Designer

Warren, MI · On-site

You will work with designers, researchers, engineers, and cross-functional partners to create clear ... Contribute to prototypes, storyboards, animations, and presentations that communicate visual design ...

General Motors

Senior Designer - In Vehicle

Warren, MI · On-site +1

$95K - $102K/yr

... animations, and prototypes to clearly communicate design intent * Release production specifications and assets to software engineering teams * Present design work to peers, partners, and leadership

General Motors

Senior Designer - In Vehicle

Warren, MI · On-site

$95K - $102K/yr

... animations, and prototypes to clearly communicate design intent * Release production specifications and assets to software engineering teams * Present design work to peers, partners, and leadership

Stellantis

UI Visual Designer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

Develop UI style guides and design specifications to clearly communicate intent to developers ... Animation/Motion design using After Effects or similar programs * Experience using AI as a tool and ...

General Motors

Designer - Advanced UX team

Warren, MI · Hybrid

Motion, animation, or conceptual 3D * 3+ years of professional experience in UX Design, Product ... Understanding of engineering and software constraints Relocation: This job may be eligible for ...

General Motors

Designer - Advanced UX team

Warren, MI · On-site

Motion, animation, or conceptual 3D * 3+ years of professional experience in UX Design, Product ... Understanding of engineering and software constraints Relocation: This job may be eligible for ...

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All JobsAnimation Developer JobsAnimation Developer Jobs in Detroit, MI

Animation Developer information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$34

$57

$73

How much do animation developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation developer in Detroit, MI is $57.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52.02 and $63.65 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.

How much do Disney animators get paid?

Disney animators' salaries vary based on experience and role, but entry-level animators typically earn around $60,000 to $80,000 annually, while more experienced or senior animators can earn over $100,000. Compensation often includes benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, and proficiency in industry-standard tools like Maya or Toon Boom is common.

Is there a high demand for animators?

The demand for animation developers is strong across industries such as entertainment, gaming, and advertising, driven by increasing digital content creation. Skills in software like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender, along with a strong portfolio, can enhance job prospects as companies seek skilled animators to produce engaging visual content.

What is the highest paid animation job?

The highest paid animation jobs are typically senior roles such as Lead Animator, Animation Director, or VFX Supervisor, especially in film, television, or gaming industries. These positions often require extensive experience, advanced skills in software like Maya or Houdini, and leadership responsibilities, with salaries reaching six figures or more depending on the project and location.

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.

Does Disney still hire 2D animators?

Disney Animation Studios has largely shifted focus from traditional 2D animation to 3D computer-generated imagery, but they occasionally hire 2D animators for specific projects or legacy work. Opportunities for 2D animation roles are limited and often require strong skills in traditional techniques and relevant software like Toon Boom or Adobe Animate.
What are popular job titles related to Animation Developer jobs in Detroit, MI? For Animation Developer jobs in Detroit, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animation Developer jobs in Detroit, MI look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Developer jobs in Detroit, MI are:
Animation Developer jobs near you
Simulation Engineer

Simulation Engineer

Hitachi

Lake Orion, MI • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Location:

Holland, Michigan, United States

Job ID:

R0064590

Date Posted:

2024-11-07

Company Name:

J.R. AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC

Profession (Job Category):

Engineering & Science

Job Schedule:

Full time

Remote:

No

Job Description:

The Opportunity:

JR Automation, a Hitachi Group Company, is driven to deliver customer success worldwide. We provide intelligent automated manufacturing and distribution technology solutions that transform how the world's leading manufacturers make and distribute products. Our strength is our people and we're always looking to get stronger across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Join us as a Simulation Engineer in Holland, MI or Lake Orion, MI as we work together to bring innovative automation solutions to life.

Location Type: This role can be located at our headquarters in Holland, MI or our facility in Lake Orion, MI.

How You'll Make an Impact:

  • Work with customers, sales, and engineering teams to develop solutions requiring simulations.

  • Work with the Application Engineers if simulations are needed in proposals.

  • Balance project priority and cross-business unit work.

  • Initiate, facilitate and cultivate external relationships and partnerships.

  • Build processes and retain relationships to share simulation capabilities, processes and knowledge across all JR Automation companies and business units.

  • Adhere to JR Automation and Simulation Engineering standards and processes.

  • Maintain the quality, respectability, and professionalism that JR Automation requires.

Simulation Capabilities:

  • Perform robotic reach & cycle time studies.

  • Perform system throughput studies.

  • Work with the design teams to validate tooling, layout, and robot selection.

  • Provide engineering teams with robot paths, OLPs and data.

  • Produce simulation videos and images.

  • Professionally present the simulation and findings to the team and customer.

Additional Opportunities:

  • Develop simulations for virtual commissioning, including digital twins.

  • Develop advanced simulation tools.

  • Develop simulation standards, processes, models, and scripts/control.

  • Provide high quality realistic imaging and 3D animation videos for marketing.

Note: This list of responsibilities is by no means inclusive; however, it is intended to be a guideline for activities.

What You'll Bring:

  • Minimum 3+ years of direct experience with robotics, preferably within the industrial automation or comparable industry.

  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or Software engineering preferred.

  • Experience with robotic and/or discrete simulation software preferred, software such as:
    o RobotStudio
    o RoboGuide
    o Visual Components
    o Emulate3D
    o Process Simulate
    o Plant Simulate

  • Industrial robotic automated work cell design experience.

  • Ability to experiment while reviewing concepts, think out-of-the-box, and providing solutions.

  • Strong logical and critical thinking. Programming experience is preferred.

  • Strong mechanical aptitude with a focus on safety and quality.

  • Time management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects/initiatives with varying priorities.

  • Some travel required and willingness to commit to extended travel periods for project-based work, training, sales events, and conferences. Some international traveling could be required.

Disclaimer: JR Automation requires candidates to successfully complete a 10-panel drug screen, physical examination, and background check.

Company Overview:

At JR Automation, A Hitachi Group Company, we discover potential, reimagine limits, and advance industry. When faced with a problem, we find a solution. Together, we push what's possible to automate for tomorrow.

Join our team of 2,000+ at one of our 20+ facilities around the world and be a part of the most experienced team of advanced automation integrators.

Fueled by Possible.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)-Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job at JR Automation, please send the nature of request and contact information to jrcareers@jrautomation.com. Queries other than accommodation requests will not be responded to.

Hitachi Vantara logo

About Hitachi Vantara

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Hitachi Rail is a fully integrated, global provider of rail solutions across rolling stock, signaling, service & maintenance, digital technology and turnkey. With a presence in 38 countries across three continents and over 13,000 employees, our mission is to contribute to society through the continuous development of superior rail transport solutions.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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