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Animation Engineer Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

De Circle

Animation Engineer - EmptyVessel

Austin, TX · On-site +1

We are seeking 1-2 mid-level Animation Engineers with exceptional Unreal Engine 5 expertise to join our team in Europe. The ideal candidates will possess a strong background in animating within ...

Nintendo

Animator [Contract] (Retro Studios)

Austin, TX · On-site

... developers to stay inspired, balanced, and at the top of their game. Retro Studios is looking for ... You will be responsible for collaborating and sharing your ideas on animation as well as other ...

Apptronik

Software Engineer - Human Motion Data

Austin, TX · On-site

$113K - $136K/yr

... animation and gaming engines, to support humanoid robot development. • Implement and optimize ... Engineering, Computer Science, or a related highly technical field • 2+ years of industry or ...

Apptronik

Software Engineer - Human Motion Data

Austin, TX · On-site

$113K - $136K/yr

... animation and gaming engines, to support humanoid robot development. • Implement and optimize ... Engineering, Computer Science, or a related highly technical field. • 2+ years of industry or ...

Apptronik

Software Engineer - Human Motion Data

Austin, TX · On-site

$113K - $136K/yr

JOB SUMMARY As a Software Engineer- Human Motion Data, you will leverage your background in ... animation and gaming engines , to support humanoid robot development. * Implement and optimize ...

SciPlay

Senior Technical Artist

Austin, TX · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Proficient in Unity animation systems and knowledge of event driven programming * Proficient in implementing art into Unity prefabs complete with animations and atlases * Excellent written and verbal ...

eFulgent

iOS Swift Developer

Austin, TX · On-site

$51.25 - $70.50/hr

We are currently working on an iOS Swift Developer requirement based in Austin, TX . This is a ... Core Animation * AVFoundation (as applicable) * Experience with app lifecycle management ...

SciPlay

Senior Technical Artist

Austin, TX

$125K - $150K/yr

Proficient in Unity animation systems and knowledge of event driven programming * Proficient in implementing art into Unity prefabs complete with animations and atlases * Excellent written and verbal ...

Computer Futures

Senior Android Developer

Austin, TX · On-site

$57.50 - $72.75/hr

... UIs, animations, and transitions). • You're a kind, pragmatic communicator with a working ... engineers when needed. • Your code elicits compliments from others and displays continuous ...

Skydance

Principal Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$217K - $246K/yr

The Principal Engineer plays a critical role in driving innovation and ensuring that the ... animation divisions. Recruitment Fraud Alert It has come to our attention that there may be ...

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Animation Engineer information

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How much do animation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for animation engineer in Austin, TX is $144,047.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,000.00 and $171,400.00 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 Austin, TX? The most popular types of Animation Engineer jobs in Austin, TX are:
What are popular job titles related to Animation Engineer jobs in Austin, TX? For Animation Engineer jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animation Engineer jobs in Austin, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Engineer jobs in Austin, TX are:
Animation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Engineer job openings in Austin, TX as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 2% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 69% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,047 per year, or $69.3 per hour.

Animation Engineer - EmptyVessel

De Circle

Austin, TX • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Empty Vessel is an emerging game development studio focusing on immersive gaming experiences. With a commitment to crafting captivating narratives and engaging gameplay, we're dedicated to pushing the boundaries of interactive entertainment. As we expand our presence in Europe, we're seeking talented individuals to join our growing team and contribute to our exciting projects.
Position Overview:
We are seeking 1-2 mid-level Animation Engineers with exceptional Unreal Engine 5 expertise to join our team in Europe. The ideal candidates will possess a strong background in animating within Unreal Engine, with a focus on creating immersive experiences for players. Candidates should have experience with animation systems, interaction with environments, and troubleshooting technical issues.
Responsibilities:
  • Develop and maintain an animation system within Unreal Engine, facilitating player interaction with environments.
  • Ensure seamless interaction between characters and environments, optimizing performance and visual fidelity.
  • Collaborate closely with animation creators to implement animations effectively within the game environment.
  • Troubleshoot and debug game crashes, utilizing knowledge of C++ and Unreal Engine to identify and resolve issues promptly.
  • Utilize Autodesk Maya for keyframe animation and animation techniques, implementing key poses to enhance character movement.
  • Work within Visual Studio IDE to write and optimize code, ensuring smooth integration with the game engine.

  • Strong proficiency in Unreal Engine 5, with experience developing and implementing animation systems.
  • Experience with Autodesk Maya for keyframe animation and animation techniques.
  • Proficiency in C++ and familiarity with Visual Studio IDE.
  • Prior experience with shipping a shooter game, preferably an AAA title, demonstrating a deep understanding of large, complex game development processes.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and debug technical issues efficiently.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work closely with animation creators and other team members.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, with a commitment to meeting project deadlines and delivering high-quality work.

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