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Animation Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

DevSelect

UX Motion Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

Title: UX Motion Engineer Location: Redmond, WA Openings: 1 Type: Long-term Contract We are looking ... Animation Libraries * D3 * Three JS * GreenSock

Holospark

Gameplay Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

Work directly with game designers, animators, and other engineers to deliver state-of-the-art gameplay features. * Integrate with first and third party services to give our players a seamless ...

DevSelect

Front End Designer/Developer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$116K - $135K/yr

Title: Front End Designer/Developer Location: Redmond, WA Openings: Multiple Type: Long-Term ... Any of the following Vanilla JavaScript, Interaction / Animation, ReactJS, MongoDB, PWA, Building ...

RUN Studios

Technical Motion Designer (6422)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$51 - $61.25/hr

It's closer to a front-end engineer who deeply understands motion-someone who can build, structure, and ship interactive animations using Rive in real products. You'll work on expressive, real-time ...

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All JobsAnimation Engineer JobsAnimation Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Animation Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$92.2K

$165.4K

$233.3K

How much do animation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for animation engineer in Seattle, WA is $165,420.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $132,000.00 and $196,900.00 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 popular job titles related to Animation Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA? For Animation Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animation Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Animation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 59% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 69% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $165,420 per year, or $79.5 per hour.
Adjunct Faculty - Animation and Production (Evergreen)

Adjunct Faculty - Animation and Production (Evergreen)

DigiPen Institute of Technology

Redmond, WA • On-site

$3.8K - $10K/wk

Part-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Animation and Production Department (Evergreen) Adjunct
Located in Redmond, Washington, DigiPen Institute of Technology is a small college that offers undergraduate degree programs in Computer Science, Game Design, Digital Audio and Music, Computer Engineering, and Digital Art and Animation, as well as Master's degree programs in Computer Science and Digital Art. DigiPen Institute of Technology has been ranked one of the top 5 game design schools in the country by the Princeton Review for more than a decade.
To learn more, visit: https://www.digipen.edu/ .
Position: Adjunct Faculty - Animation and Production Department
Reports to: Animation and Production Department Chair
The Animation and Production Department at DigiPen Institute of Technology invites applicants for potential future positions of Adjunct Faculty - Animation and Production Instructor. Join our faculty team and help students develop the necessary skills to succeed in their chosen fields.
Animation and Production courses cover the history, methods, and specialized topics in the field of animation in game and film production. From character rigging to cinematography, students both learn and practice how to tell compelling stories through the magic of moving images. Comprising of talented and creative traditional and CG animators, and filmmakers from the game and film industry, our diverse department faculty bring a deep well of knowledge and industry experience to the classroom.
After completing the application process, you may be invited to participate in the interview process. If accepted, you will be added to our pool of pre-approved adjuncts. The Animation and Production Department hires adjunct faculty from the pool of pre-approved adjuncts each semester on an as-needed basis.
The Animation and Production Department is accepting applications for adjunct instructors for courses in:
  • Animation Fundamentals
  • 3D Character Animation
  • 3D Character Rigging
  • Film and Animation History
  • Other specialized courses in animation and film as needed

This is an ongoing posting. For more information about DigiPen's offerings, visit:
Current Courses | DigiPen
Essential Functions/Duties
  • Teach courses in accordance with departmental policies and procedures
  • Prepare and submit (on Moodle) timely grade reports and other reports on student performance
  • Organize class activities, demos, and assignments and assignments to meet learning outcomes
  • Manage Student Teaching Assistants, if required; supervising their timecards and reviewing their weekly hours
  • Provide input, create, and improve course materials
  • Offer weekly office hours
  • In-person teaching, with online classes when necessary, in Redmond, WA

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Extensive knowledge of the subject areas in which the individual is responsible for instruction
  • Knowledge and understanding of principles of curriculum development
  • Knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of effective communication and of effective instruction
  • Specialized knowledge in Fine and Applied Art such as: Art, Illustration and/or Visual Development, etc.
  • Skills in Word, PowerPoint, Moodle, and MS Teams

Qualifications / Competencies
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Animation or related field
  • Relevant academic experience and/or four years of relevant industry experience
  • Demonstrate evidence of teaching experience that supports a diverse student body and individuals from a variety of backgrounds and experiences
  • Team player with ability to solve problems independently
  • Solid grounding in interdisciplinary teaching
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills
  • Comfortable with technology
  • Ability to accommodate a wide variety of learning styles, special needs, etc.

Salary Range:
$3,888 - $10,887 per term, depending on credit hours, class size, and faculty rank
Not benefits eligible.
Application Procedure:
Applications should include, or you will be asked to provide, the following:
  • A cover letter
  • Current curriculum vitae / résumé
  • Digital Art portfolio website
  • Academic Transcripts of most recently attended educational institutions
  • Statement of teaching philosophy
  • Statement of experience on maximizing quality and engagement across broad subjects and perspectives

Upon accepting an offer of employment with us, the candidate will receive an invitation for a required background check, employment verification, and 5-panel drug screen as a part of the hiring process.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Complete application files will be accepted on a continuous basis and remain active for one year. While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Additional Notes:
  • All Adjunct positions are part-time, temporary assignments (for no more than one semester at a time), dependent upon student enrollment and instructional needs, and subject to budget consideration and approval. DigiPen Institute of Technology reserves the right to extend application deadlines and/or not to offer advertised positions.

Equal opportunity is a priority of DigiPen Institute of Technology, as the institution is committed to fostering a positive learning environment for all.
The Institute's intent is to hire the most qualified individuals for faculty and staff, attracting candidates from diverse backgrounds of race and ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, veteran status, nationality, culture, religion, and physical abilities. We are committed to broadening our candidate pool to include more diverse individuals and ensuring fairness in hiring by avoiding bias and determining criteria to judge all candidates prior to posting each new position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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