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Animation Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ... Career development is important to us so we offer training and support opportunities whenever ...

Epic Games

Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC · On-site

We're constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development. ART What We Do Push ... Build animation behavior tools, techniques, and frameworks that enable complex systems and ...

Epic Games

Animation Systems Programmer

Larkspur, CA · On-site

$167K - $245K/yr

We're constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development. ENGINEERING - SPECIAL ... What You'll Do Epic Games is looking for an experienced Animation Systems Programmer for our ...

Progressive Gaming

Animator IV

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

Drive and collaborate on the creative vision for animation across multiple game development projects, establishing high standards for quality, style, and player engagement. * Develop storyboards ...

Jobgether

Contribute to the development of new game projects by creating polished animation assets from concept through implementation. * Refine and optimize animations based on feedback while maintaining ...

Madison College

PT Instructor Pool - Animation

Madison, WI · On-site

$16.75 - $22/hr

To instruct adult students in Animation - Concept Development at the vocational, associate degree and college transfer credit levels. Instructors develop instructional strategies and curriculum as a ...

IGT

Animator IV

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

Drive and collaborate on the creative vision for animation across multiple game development projects, establishing high standards for quality, style, and player engagement. * Develop storyboards ...

Fox

Producer, AI Animation - FoxNXT

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Built around four integrated pillars, including R&D, Production, Talent, and Education, FoxNXT develops and deploys AI powered pipelines that redefine creative workflows across animation, unscripted ...

Bsu

Instructor of Animation

Muncie, IN

$3.0K - $9.0K/wk

Instructor of Animation Compensation: $3000-$9000 per course Department: School of Art - Temp Start ... Course development support and pedagogical mentoring will be offered. All instructors are expected ...

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Animation Development information

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$50K

$107.7K

$173.5K

How much do animation development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for animation development in the United States is $107,697.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,000.00 and $121,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Animation Development?

Animation development is the process of conceptualizing, planning, and outlining animated projects before full production begins. This phase involves creating story ideas, scripts, character designs, storyboards, and sometimes animatics to visualize the final product. Animation development is crucial for setting the creative direction and ensuring all stakeholders are aligned before significant resources are committed to production. It typically involves collaboration between writers, directors, producers, and artists. Successful development lays the groundwork for a smooth and efficient animation production process.

What are the typical challenges faced by professionals in Animation Development, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Animation Development often encounter challenges such as aligning creative vision with production constraints, managing tight deadlines, and ensuring clear communication between artists, writers, and technical teams. To address these, it's important to develop strong project management and collaboration skills, stay adaptable to feedback, and be proactive in resolving issues early. Building fluency with industry-standard tools and keeping up with evolving animation trends can also help overcome common obstacles and contribute to a smoother production process.

What is the difference between Animation Development vs Animation Design?

AspectAnimation DevelopmentAnimation Design
Primary FocusCreating animated content through coding and technical processesDesigning visual styles and characters for animations
Skills RequiredProgramming, software engineering, technical animation toolsArt, illustration, storytelling, visual creativity
Work EnvironmentSoftware studios, tech companies, multimedia firmsDesign studios, advertising agencies, entertainment industry
Common CertificationsAnimation software certifications, programming coursesArt degrees, illustration certifications

Animation Development focuses on the technical creation of animated content, often involving coding and software engineering. In contrast, Animation Design emphasizes visual storytelling, character creation, and artistic design. Both roles are essential in the animation industry but serve different aspects of the production process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Animation Development, and why are they important?

To excel in Animation Development, you need strong artistic abilities, storytelling skills, and a background in animation or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Toon Boom, or Maya, along with knowledge of production pipelines, is typically required. Creativity, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with diverse teams and bringing stories to life. These competencies are essential for producing high-quality animations that captivate audiences and meet production standards.
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Animation Development jobs near you

3D Animation Lead

Flying Bark Productions

Denver, NC • On-site

Other

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Salary:

Flying Bark Productions is a dynamic and innovative animation studio dedicated to pushing the boundaries of character animation and storytelling. We are working on exciting projects such as Avatar: The Last Airbender feature film, Netflix's Ghostbusters animated series and Stranger Things animated series as well as upcoming feature film, Zac Power.


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. This role requires strong leadership skills, technical knowledge of animation tools (especially Maya), and the ability to solve creative and technical challenges while meeting deadlines. The lead also coaches junior artists, collaborates with other departments, and supports production needs to maintain high-quality animation output.


About the role:

  • Lead a team of animators on a show
  • Be the key contact for production and supervisor/s. Maintain clear communication, deal with creative challenges, provide solutions and adapt to changes in production & scheduling
  • Set and manage team assignments in collaboration with the animation supervisor
  • Have a good understanding of the animation tasks the team will be working on and the potential technical and creative challenges involved
  • Be prepared to deputise for the animation supervisor if necessary
  • Be aware of workflow templates, methodology and documentation; provide to the team where necessary
  • Work with technology teams to ensure that department tools are available for the team and properly set up for the show
  • Inform supervisors and Head of Department (HOD) of any advances made on a project for integration into other shows
  • May be required to work with HOD and supervisors on bids when requested
  • Effectively manage team to avoid potential conflict or disagreement
  • Maintain positive relationships with all other departments and address any issues promptly
  • Attend dailies and present the work of your team; guide artists on how to present their work
  • Coach, share knowledge and assume some responsibility for the progression of more junior members of the team
  • Provide regular feedback to the team to ensure that work is always delivered on time to the highest possible standard
  • Work with the technical animators to ensure that show wikis are kept up to date


About you:

  • Previous experience mentoring or leading a team
  • Thorough knowledge of Maya
  • An understanding of physical motion, weight, balance, texture and form
  • An understanding of rigs and typical rigging set-ups, animation pipelines and transferring data between tools
  • The proven ability to work under pressure
  • Being open to direction and able to embrace change
  • Attention to detail
  • Reliable, with good time keeping and the ability to meet deadlines
  • Excellent organisation, communication and interpersonal skills
  • A demonstrable commitment to creative collaboration within a team and with other departments
  • Adaptability and the willingness to learn new processes and technical skills
  • Working knowledge of modelling, rigging and Mel/Python scripting
  • Knowledge of human and animal anatomy as well as life drawing skills


What do we do?

Flying Bark Productions is a renowned independent producer of family-focused animation entertainment. For over 50 years, our 2D and 3D production facility hascreated award-winning feature films and TV series.


Why work with us?

  • We work on some pretty cool projects - check out our website: https://www.flyingbark.com.au/
  • We love dogs and you will often see some of our regular fluffy companions in the studio.
  • We have a hybrid approach to work. For this particular position, full remote could be an option.
  • Career development is important to us so we offer training and support opportunities whenever possible.
  • Our employees say our culture is the best they've ever experienced - everyone is welcome and celebrated!


Flying Bark Productions is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.