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Animation Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

ZeniMax Media

Animator (First-Person)

Rockville, MD · On-site

$70K - $155K/yr

Work In collaboration with members of the team to address animation needs and requirements for game play and cinematic content. * Actively engage with developers outside of your discipline creating a ...

Career Renew

Web Engineer

Washington, DC · Remote

$170K - $220K/yr

... animations that enhance product storytelling using technologies such as Motion and GSAP * Exercise ... software/web engineering, with a high bar quality and bias towards shipping changes often ...

OptiTrack

Machine Learning & Operations Engineer

Arlington, VA · Remote

$80K - $108K/yr

... animation, robotics, virtual production, biomechanics, and industrial applications. About the Role ... This role sits at the intersection of machine learning engineering and infrastructure, focusing on ...

OptiTrack

Machine Learning & Operations Engineer

Arlington, VA · Remote

$80K - $108K/yr

... animation, robotics, virtual production, biomechanics, and industrial applications. About the Role ... This role sits at the intersection of machine learning engineering and infrastructure, focusing on ...

OptiTrack

Machine Learning & Operations Engineer

Arlington, VA · Remote

$71K - $96K/yr

... animation, robotics, virtual production, biomechanics, and industrial applications. About the Role ... This role sits at the intersection of machine learning engineering and infrastructure, focusing on ...

J5 Consulting

Software Developer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Demonstrated experience using content creation and management tools for web design, web development, programming, graphic design, animation, videography, photography and audio recording, editing and ...

Leidos

Senior 2D and 3D Graphic Designer

Alexandria, VA

$82K - $149K/yr

In this role, you will work alongside government partners, engineers, and other industry teammates ... Develop 3D models, renderings, and animations to represent system architectures, workflows, and ...

Leidos

Senior 2D and 3D Graphic Designer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$82K - $149K/yr

In this role, you will work alongside government partners, engineers, and other industry teammates ... Develop 3D models, renderings, and animations to represent system architectures, workflows, and ...

Droisys

IOS DEVELOPER

Mclean, VA · On-site

$52.25 - $72/hr

Northern VA location Native iOS Developers with UI experience ... UIViewController, Autolayout, unit testing, GIT Hub experience, Agile, Core Animation. Provides ...

Potomac

Framer Web Developer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

Summary The Web Developer is responsible for building, optimizing, and enhancing Potomac's digital ... The ideal candidate is equally comfortable implementing advanced interactions and animations ...

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All JobsAnimation Engineer JobsAnimation Engineer Jobs in Washington

Animation Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$91.7K

$164.6K

$232.2K

How much do animation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for animation engineer in Washington is $164,633.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,400.00 and $195,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is AI replacing 3D animators?

AI technology is increasingly used to assist 3D animators by automating repetitive tasks and enhancing workflows, but it does not fully replace the need for skilled animation engineers. Human creativity, artistic judgment, and technical expertise remain essential for producing high-quality animations. Animators who develop skills in AI tools and software can stay competitive in the evolving industry.

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.

Is animator a high paying job?

Animation engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, but experienced professionals working in film, gaming, or software development can achieve high earnings, especially with specialized skills in 3D modeling and programming. Overall, it can be a well-paying career for those with technical expertise and a strong portfolio.

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. Job seekers should review current openings to determine if 2D animation skills are in demand at Disney or other studios still producing 2D content.

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.

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 develops and implements animation systems for video games, films, or virtual environments, combining programming skills with artistic understanding. They work with tools like Maya or Blender and may use programming languages such as C++ or Python to create smooth, realistic animations and optimize performance. Strong knowledge of computer graphics, physics, and real-time rendering is essential for this role.
What are popular job titles related to Animation Engineer jobs in Washington? For Animation Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animation Engineer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Animation Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Animation Engineer job openings:
Animation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Engineer job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $164,633 per year, or $79.2 per hour.

Animator (First-Person)

ZeniMax Media

Rockville, MD • On-site

$70K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Overview
Come join Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning development team behind Starfield, The Elder Scrolls and Fallout. Bethesda Game Studios strives to offer its employees a well-balanced home and work life by providing competitive salaries, a generous benefits program, and offices located in some of North America's best cities.
With a goal of creating a culture as fun and diverse as our games and our players, we welcome applicants with unique skillsets, experience levels and backgrounds. If you are passionate about making a meaningful contribution to some of the most significant games in the industry we'd love to hear from you!
We will consider candidates for any of our four Bethesda Game Studios office locations: Rockville, MD; Montreal, Quebec; Austin, TX; Dallas, TX.
Responsibilities
Your Daily Life at Bethesda Game Studios
As an Animator, you will...
  • Apply animation principles to create high-quality hand keyed animations, while making any changes based on artistic direction.
  • Work In collaboration with members of the team to address animation needs and requirements for game play and cinematic content.
  • Actively engage with developers outside of your discipline creating a positive and productive experience for all involved.
  • Assist and provide constructive feedback to other animators.
  • Communicate needs to any out-of-team or external dependencies.
  • Consistently integrate and maintain your work in the game.
Qualifications
What Makes You S.P.E.C.I.A.L.
  • You have great Animation skills displaying a strong understanding of the principles and a desire to improve.
  • You bring a strong attention to detail.
  • You are a self-motivated team player with a strong work ethic and cooperative attitude.
  • You have the ability to adapt to change and accept constructive feedback.
  • You have good problem solving and prototyping skills.
  • You are great at organization and time management.
  • You have strong oral and written communication skills.
  • You have a college education or have had guided training focused on 3D animation.
  • You are competent in Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender.
  • You have a passion for gaming and making GREAT games.
  • You have a passion for pushing animation quality to the next level.
Preferred Skills
Bonus Skills
  • You have previous experience animating in game development or as part of a team.
  • You have experience animating on 1st person focused games.
  • You have experience working with motion capture in either Maya or Motion Builder.
  • You have experience animating creatures.
  • You have animation graph experience.
Salary Range
Animator (First-Person) - The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $70,000 - $155,000 per year.
ZeniMax has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States, which allows us to pay employees competitively and consistently in different geographic markets. The range above reflects the potential base pay across the U.S. for this role; the applicable base pay range will depend on what ultimately is determined to be the candidate's primary work location. Individual base pay depends on various factors, in addition to primary work location, such as complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. Base pay ranges are reviewed and typically updated each year. Offers are made within the base pay range applicable at the time.
At ZeniMax certain roles are eligible for additional rewards, such as merit increases and discretionary bonuses. These awards are allocated based on individual performance and are not guaranteed. Benefits/perks listed here may vary depending on the nature of employment with ZeniMax and the country work location. U.S.-based employees have access to healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan and company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, wellbeing benefits, paid vacation time, paid sick and mental health time, and several paid holidays, among others.
This position is in a union and represented by the Communication Workers of America.
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