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Animation Director Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

The Studio X Digital Design Chief reports to the Director of Design Operations and leads Design ... Oversee high-fidelity rendering, narrative animation, real-time visualization, and immersive ...

New

Contribute to prototypes, storyboards, animations, and presentations that communicate visual design ... This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a ...

Contribute to prototypes, storyboards, animations, and presentations that communicate visual design ... This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a ...

Create design deliverables including sketches, wireframes, mockups, animations, and prototypes to ... This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a ...

Senior Designer - In Vehicle

Warren, MI ยท On-site +1

$95K - $102K/yr

Create design deliverables including sketches, wireframes, mockups, animations, and prototypes to ... This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a ...

Create design deliverables including sketches, wireframes, mockups, animations, and prototypes to ... This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of GM as the immigration employer of record on a ...

Direct Client Description Produces and edits web-site content. Creates and designs graphics, animation and other multimedia objects for the County web sites. Develops and documents style guides ...

Sr. Serial Life Manager

Auburn Hills, MI ยท On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Direct report performance tracking and reviews * Initiate and maintain a strong relationship with ... Network animation and influencing skills * Planning and organizing skills * Ability to work in a ...

Senior Creative Designer

Dearborn, MI ยท On-site

$93K - $100K/yr

Direct 3D digital sculptors in executing and refining surface models * Provide design direction and ... Basic skills in video animation * Ability to work overtime as needed including weekends If you ...

The purpose of this role is to support the Creative Director with the implementation of the vision ... modeling and animation skills (ie Blender, Maya) Our Benefits - Designed with You in Mind ...

Reporting to the Digital Creative Director, this role directly manages a Digital Designer and ... Strong understanding of responsive design, animation and front-end best practices; familiarity with ...

Showing results 21-40

Animation Director information

See Michigan salary details

$9.6K

$150.3K

How much do animation director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for animation director in Michigan is $149,042.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $149,000.00 and $149,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Animation Director, you need a strong background in animation principles, storytelling, visual design, and often a degree in animation or related fields. Proficiency with animation software such as Adobe After Effects, Maya, Toon Boom, or Blender, along with experience in project management tools, is typically required. Leadership, creative vision, and excellent communication are essential soft skills for guiding teams and collaborating with clients or stakeholders. These skills ensure cohesive, high-quality animations delivered on time, aligned with the project's creative goals.

What are some common challenges animation directors face when leading a team on a large project?

Animation Directors often encounter challenges such as aligning the creative vision across a diverse team, managing tight production schedules, and ensuring consistent animation quality throughout the project. Balancing creative input from animators, storyboard artists, and producers while adhering to budget and time constraints can be demanding. Effective communication, regular feedback sessions, and strong organizational skills are essential for overcoming these challenges and delivering a cohesive final product.

What does an animation director do?

An animation director is responsible for performing and overseeing a number of creative duties during the design, production, and post-processing of an animation. You may work at a film studio or video game company, collaborating with writers, illustrators, and visual designers to develop stories and graphics, and to define guiding aesthetic principles. You work closely with voice actors, animators, and sound design artists to create the final product, such as an animated movie, web short, TV show, or animation for a website.

How much does an animation director make?

Animation directors typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the studio. Senior animation directors or those working on major projects can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with bonuses and benefits. Strong leadership skills and proficiency with animation software like Maya or Toon Boom are important for higher earning potential.

What is the difference between Animation Director vs Animation Supervisor?

AspectAnimation DirectorAnimation Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees the overall animation style, guides creative vision, and manages animation teams to ensure consistency and quality.Manages day-to-day animation production, assigns tasks, and ensures deadlines are met within the animation team.
Required SkillsStrong artistic vision, leadership, and experience in animation production.Technical expertise, team management, and workflow coordination.
Work EnvironmentCreative leadership in studios, overseeing multiple animation projects.Supervisory role within animation teams, often reporting to the Animation Director.

The Animation Director focuses on the creative and artistic vision of the animation, guiding the overall style and quality. The Animation Supervisor handles the operational aspects, managing the team to meet production goals. Both roles are essential in animation production, with the Director setting the creative tone and the Supervisor ensuring smooth execution.

How much does an animation director earn?

Animation directors typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the studio. Senior animation directors or those working on major projects can earn higher salaries, often supplemented with bonuses and benefits.

What is an animation director?

Animation Directors are creative professionals who oversee the visual development and production of animated projects such as films, TV shows, or video games. They manage teams of animators, guide the artistic direction, and ensure that the animation aligns with the project's vision and story. Animation Directors collaborate closely with producers, writers, and other departments to maintain consistency and quality throughout the animation process. Their role is crucial in bringing characters and worlds to life in a cohesive and engaging manner.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animation jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Animation jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Animation Director jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Animation Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Animation Director job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $149,042 per year, or $71.7 per hour.

Studio X Chief Designer

Ford Motor Company

Dearborn, MI โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description


We made history and now we work to transform the future - for our customers, our communities and our families. You'll see your work on the road every day, helping people move freely and pursue their dreams. At Ford, you can build more than vehicles. Come build what matters.
Join us in shaping the future of Ford Motor Company, as part of a global organization with exceptional colleagues in world-class facilities. As part of Ford Design, you'll be at the cutting edge of Ford's most strategically critical work, designing people and society's needs into the heart of our next generation of products, services, and experiences.
The Studio X Digital Design Chief reports to the Director of Design Operations and leads Design Visualization, Research & Development, and Digital Technologies globally. This leader defines the strategic digital roadmap for the Global Design organization while ensuring operational excellence, rigorous data security, and high-performing team management.
Responsibilities
What you'll do...
Strategic Leadership & Digital Transformation
  • Digital Roadmap: Define and execute a long-term global digital support strategy and transformation roadmap to enhance creativity and efficiency across Global Design.
  • Emerging Tech & AI: Evaluate and implement emerging digital tools, including AI, procedural workflow automation, and immersive technologies (AR/VR/MR).
  • Cross-Functional Alignment: Partner with Program teams, Engineering, IT, Corporate Security, and Marketing to align digital initiatives with brand vision and future product strategies.

Digital Production & Visualization
  • End-to-End Pipelines: Oversee high-fidelity rendering, narrative animation, real-time visualization, and immersive digital simulation pipelines.
  • Media Services: Manage comprehensive photography (including drone and documentary) and professional videography/editing services for the Design studio.
  • Quality & Delivery: Establish and enforce rigorous quality standards and review processes to ensure on-time delivery of all Studio X assets.
  • Executive Presentation: Support Marketing and Strategy teams with Executive Leadership Team (ELT) presentations and Market Research stimuli; confidently pitch and facilitate project reviews for senior leadership.

Operations, Budget, & IT Asset Management
  • Hardware Lifecycle: Manage procurement, maintenance, and lifecycles for high-performance workstations, AR/VR head-mounted displays, MicroLED displays, printers, and data management systems.
  • Software & SaaS: Oversee software licensing, SaaS usage, vendor negotiations, enterprise agreements, and corporate compliance.
  • ROI Optimization: Ensure maximum ROI on all hardware and software acquisitions through pipeline automation and licensing efficiencies.

Data Governance & Studio Security
  • IP Protection: Implement data governance and security protocols for design imagery and highly sensitive, pre-production data.
  • Access Control: Create, implement, and enforce strict physical access-control policies for all secure design studios and spaces.

People Leadership & Talent Development
  • Culture & Performance: Foster a highly collaborative, accountable, and engaged studio culture. Lead OKR/KPI development and performance management.
  • HR & Personnel Management: Assist the Design Operations Director with personnel programs, including performance reviews, salary planning, employee counseling, and training plans.
  • Mentorship & Coaching: Serve as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, and mentor team members through complex, ambiguous challenges.

Qualifications
You'll have...
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Transportation Design, Industrial Design, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
  • Experience: 10+ years in Automotive Design, high-end product visualization, or digital design (in-studio program experience preferred).
  • Project Management: Proven experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder multimedia projects and budgets.
  • Technical Expertise: Extensive knowledge of modern digital tools, hardware, data governance, IP protection, and the overall Product Development/Design process.
  • Leadership: Strong business acumen with demonstrated leadership skills in hiring, developing, and inspiring creative technical teams.

Even better, you may have...
  • Prior experience working within large, complex corporate environments and creative cultures.
  • Deep understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and global automotive design trends.
  • Proven track record of presenting to and influencing executive-level audiences.

You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor Company, we encourage you to apply!
As an established global company, we offer the benefit of choice. You can choose what your Ford future will look like: will your story span the globe, or keep you close to home? Will your career be a deep dive into what you love, or a series of new teams and new skills? Will you be a leader, a changemaker, a technical expert, a culture builder...or all of the above? No matter what you choose, we offer a work life that works for you, including:
โ€ข Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
โ€ข Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
โ€ข Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
โ€ข Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
โ€ข Tuition assistance
โ€ข Established and active employee resource groups
โ€ข Paid time off for individual and team community service
โ€ข A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year's Day
โ€ข Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.
This position is leadership level 5 and ranges from $141,700-$268,300.
Final determination of salary grade will be based on candidate's skills and experience, and base salary will be set within the applicable range according to job scope, responsibility and competitive market value.
For more information on salary and benefits, click here: https://fordcareers.co/LL5
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Candidates for positions with Ford Motor Company must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status. In the United States, if you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please call 1-888-336-0660.
This position is hybrid with a requirement to be onsite four or more days per week. #LI-Hybrid
#DesignTeam #LI-SC3

Ford logo

About Ford

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Ford Motor Company, we believe freedom of movement drives human progress. With our incredible plans for the future of mobility, we have a wide variety of opportunities for you to accelerate your career and help us define tomorrow's transportation.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Doral, FL, US

Year founded

1982