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Animation Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

VDC Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

The VDC Engineer is a unique multidisciplinary role combining a distinct skill-set of creativity ... Design and produce videos, animations, 2D & 3D graphics for interview presentations surrounding job ...

The VDC Engineer is a unique multidisciplinary role combining a distinct skill-set of creativity ... Design and produce videos, animations, 2D & 3D graphics for interview presentations surrounding job ...

VDC Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

The VDC Engineer is a unique multidisciplinary role combining a distinct skill-set of creativity ... Design and produce videos, animations, 2D & 3D graphics for interview presentations surrounding job ...

Computational Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Your work will span diagrams, parametric models, animations, and real-time content-bridging technical engineering concepts with engaging visual communication. This role is ideal for someone with a ...

Experience in engineering proposals and project management, required ... Ability to develop integrated 2-D layouts, 3-D modeling, and simulations/animations * Full ...

Proposal Engineer

Roselle, IL · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Experience in engineering proposals and project management, required ... Ability to develop integrated 2-D layouts, 3-D modeling, and simulations/animations * Full ...

Senior Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

... animation, visual FX and character design skills to help push our games to new heights. You'll play ... Foster collaboration across the art team, programmers, and other stakeholders. Artistic ...

Senior Artist

Chicago, IL

$130K - $156K/yr

... animation, visual FX and character design skills to help push our games to new heights. You'll play ... Foster collaboration across the art team, programmers, and other stakeholders. Artistic ...

Senior Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

... animation, visual FX and character design skills to help push our games to new heights. You'll play ... Foster collaboration across the art team, programmers, and other stakeholders. Artistic ...

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Animation Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$78.5K

$140.9K

$198.6K

How much do animation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for animation engineer in Illinois is $140,856.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,400.00 and $167,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Will 3D animation be replaced by AI?

As an Animation Engineer, 3D animation is unlikely to be fully replaced by AI, but AI tools are increasingly used to assist with tasks like rendering, motion capture, and procedural animation. Human creativity, technical skills, and understanding of storytelling remain essential in producing high-quality animations. AI can enhance efficiency but does not eliminate the need for skilled professionals in the field.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Animation Engineer?

As an Animation Engineer, your day-to-day tasks often include developing and optimizing animation systems, collaborating with animators and designers to implement new features, and troubleshooting technical issues related to character or object animation. You may also write scripts and tools to streamline animation workflows or assist in integrating animations into game engines or production software. Regular communication with both artistic and technical team members is essential to ensure that animations look and perform as intended. This collaborative environment supports innovation and continuous improvement, making each project engaging and dynamic.

Does Disney still hire 2D animators?

Disney Animation continues to hire 2D animators, especially for projects that preserve traditional animation techniques. While the industry has shifted toward digital and 3D animation, Disney maintains a team of skilled 2D artists for specific productions and legacy work.

What is an Animation Engineer job?

An Animation Engineer is a technical specialist who develops and optimizes animation systems for video games, films, and interactive media. They work closely with animators and software developers to create smooth, efficient, and realistic animations using programming languages, game engines, and animation tools. Their responsibilities often include developing animation rigs, physics-based movement, and real-time character interactions. Strong coding skills, knowledge of animation principles, and experience with tools like Maya, Blender, or Unreal Engine are essential for this role.

How much do animation engineers make?

Animation engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled professionals with expertise in 3D modeling, rigging, and animation software like Maya or Blender tend to earn higher salaries, especially in competitive markets or specialized fields such as gaming or film production.

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

To thrive as an Animation Engineer, you need strong programming skills—often in C++, Python, and graphics APIs—paired with a solid understanding of computer graphics, mathematics, and animation principles. Proficiency with tools like Maya, Unity, Unreal Engine, and experience working with animation pipelines or real-time rendering systems are typically required. Exceptional problem-solving, teamwork, and clear communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure seamless integration of technical and artistic requirements, efficient collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, and the creation of high-quality animated experiences.

What does an Animation Engineer do?

An Animation Engineer designs and develops animated content for video games, films, or virtual environments by creating algorithms and tools to generate realistic or stylized animations. They often work with programming languages, animation software, and physics simulations to ensure smooth, efficient motion and integration with other digital assets.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animation Engineer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Animation Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
Infographic showing various Animation Engineer job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 2% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 69% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,856 per year, or $67.7 per hour.
VDC Engineer

VDC Engineer

powercon

Chicago, IL • On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

Other

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

ABOUT POWER:

 

Power Construction is consistently regarded as one of Chicago's largest and most respected General Contractors according to Crain's Chicago. But beyond that, you can find us on the golf course, competing in beach volleyball or softball in Grant Park, brewing beer, attending neighborhood festivals, giving back to the community, and spending time together during a range of company-sponsored events. Our culture is one of the reasons we’ve been selected by our employees as a top workplace year after year and it’s reflected in our current 91% employee retention rate.

We are builders. We crave being in the field and share an appetite for innovation. We believe that bringing diverse perspectives together helps foster stronger outcomes. We are driven to wow our clients and business partners, improve our processes, hire the right people, and help them grow.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The VDC Engineer is a unique multidisciplinary role combining a distinct skill-set of creativity and technical proficiency to assist in estimating purposes, constructability reviews, design coordination, and construction sequencing animations for preconstruction and marketing visualization. Responsible for assisting and/or managing the VDC process for one or more projects reporting to a VDC Manager, assisting in the production of 3D models for all phases of the projects, and is responsible for the implementation of advanced technologies and providing support and integration to all departments.  The role also collaborates and maintains relationships with designers, engineers, subcontractors and owners throughout the project's lifecycle. The position will act without close supervision and the applicant will need to manage their own workload.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

  • Setup and manage VDC/BIM coordination process directing sub-contractor teams and keeping projects on schedule
  • Design and produce videos, animations, 2D & 3D graphics for interview presentations surrounding job pursuits, advertising, booklet materials, other marketing purposes
  • Estimating support doing quantity take-offs and modeling for estimating purposes
  • Provide training on VDC programs and workflows to staff
  • Work with superintendents to create site logistics models and drawings for field verification and use
  • Create 4D Scheduling animations from construction schedules
  • Create models from captured laser scanned site point clouds
  • Assist in laser scanning of construction sites
  • Review 3D models for accuracy against contract documents and performs internal QA/QC check for constructability review
  • Provide VDC support for project teams through development of BIM 3D Models for project needs and requirements
  • Provide model management through design team changes and issuances
  • Ensure company VDC standards are followed on all projects
  • Document technology utilization for lessons learned and process improvement

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

  • 1-6 yrs. experience in the Design or Construction Industry preferred
  • Bachelor's Degree, with preference in Architecture or Construction Management/Engineering.  Related field also acceptable
  • Proficient with Navisworks, Revit, AutoCAD, and Sketchup required.  Synchro, Assemble, Twinmotion, Faro Scene, Recap, and Illustrator is a plus
  • Interest in new and emerging design and construction technologies
  • Experience working through design coordination with MEPFP engineers
  • Must be able to read and understand contract documents and drawings and have an understanding of the documentation procedures, contracts, and specifications
  • Understanding of building code and ADA requirements
  • Ability to communicate effectively to team members including architects, engineers, sub-contractors, and owners
  • Strong understanding of construction documentation (RFI, submittal, contract document) procedures and coordination process
  • Ability to quickly adapt to drawing/modeling standards
  • Experience working on varying project types a plus (healthcare, higher education, residential, commercial, hospitality, office)
  • Position will require some travel to local area project jobsites and teams

COMPENSATION DETAILS:
Salary Range: $65,000 - $100,000