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Animation Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

M&S Consulting

3D Animator

Pasadena, CA · On-site +1

... engineering or scientific concepts into clear visual narratives * Iterate efficiently based on creative and technical feedback Required Skills: * Strong portfolio demonstrating cinematic 3D animation ...

M&S Consulting

3D Animator

Pasadena, CA · Remote

... engineering or scientific concepts into clear visual narratives * Iterate efficiently based on creative and technical feedback Required Skills: * Strong portfolio demonstrating cinematic 3D animation ...

Bonfire Studios

Lead Gameplay Animator

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

Partnering with cross-discipline leads (design, engineering, art, production) to align animation with gameplay systems, technical realities, and the overall player experience. * Owning combat feel ...

Bonfire Studios

Lead Gameplay Animator

Irvine, CA

Partnering with cross-discipline leads (design, engineering, art, production) to align animation with gameplay systems, technical realities, and the overall player experience. * Owning combat feel ...

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How much do animation developer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 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 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 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 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.

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Animation Developer jobs near you
Senior Research Engineer - Computer Graphics, Next Generation AI/ML Animation R&D

Senior Research Engineer - Computer Graphics, Next Generation AI/ML Animation R&D

Sony

Culver City, CA • On-site

$116K - $132.40K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Sony Corporation of America is the U.S. headquarters of Sony Group Corporation, known for delivering entertainment experiences worldwide. The Senior Research Engineer will lead technical efforts in developing AI/ML based animation core technologies and produce next-generation photo-real 3D CG animation content.
Responsibilities:
• Individual contributor in fundamental theories, principles and algorithm development in the field of AI/ML 3D CG animation and visualization based on scientific survey, analysis, benchmark and validation.
• Support manager’s new initiatives and strategy. Support, propose and contribute to project plan for new business creation.
• Document all phases of research and development.
• Oversee submission of intellectual property.
• Travel to visit project collaborators overseas.
Qualifications:
Required:
• PhD in Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering, or related scientific field, is required.
• Solid publication record in AI/ML based 3D CG animation algorithm research, particularly in the field of facial animation, hair or garment modeling/simulation.
• 0-3 years of industry experience, preferably in 3D Computer Graphics.
• Excellent communication skills are required.
• Highly proficient with Unreal Engine (MetaHuman), Maya, or related CG platforms.
• All candidates must be authorized to work in the USA.
Company:
Sony develops and manufactures audio, video, communications, and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. It is a sub-organization of Sony Biz Networks Corporation. Founded in 1946, the company is headquartered in Tokyo, JPN, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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