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Animation Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

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

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

Work collaboratively with front-end engineering teams to ensure seamless animation implementation and performance optimization * Help establish scalable workflows, best practices, and reusable motion ...

Front End Designer/Developer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$116.50K - $135.50K/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 ...

Front End Designer/Developer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$116.50K - $135.50K/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 ...

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 ...

Technical Motion Designer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$57.48 - $63.87/hr

Experience integrating animation into real products, not just prototypes * Strong front-end engineering skills, preferably with JavaScript or TypeScript * Ability to collaborate effectively across ...

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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 May 29, 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.

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 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.

What does an Animation Engineer do?

An Animation Engineer develops and implements animated content for video games, films, or virtual environments by creating algorithms and tools to produce realistic or stylized animations. They often work with programming languages, animation software, and physics simulations to ensure smooth, efficient motion and visual effects. Strong coding skills and knowledge of animation principles are essential in this role.
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:
Infographic showing various Animation Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Internship, 46% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 82% In-person, 9% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $165,420 per year, or $79.5 per hour.
Junior Animation Programmer - Remote or OnSite

Junior Animation Programmer - Remote or OnSite

Studio Wildcard

Seattle, WA • On-site, Remote

$50K - $70K/yr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

We're Studio Wildcard, developers of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved -- one of the most popular and original video games in recent years. Despite our massive success, we've been able to stay independent, so that we can steer our own future in games and beyond. There's never been a better time for you to join this adventure and help us build ARK Survival Ascended, the next chapter of our original hit franchise! We're expanding and updating many of the ARK community's most beloved features while taking full advantage of the latest tools and technologies.
And now we're searching for an exceptionally talented and passionate Animation Programmer who can create high-impact work for the expanding ARK franchise.
Responsibilities:
  • Design, write, and implement animation systems, using Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints and Control Rigs
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams to improve current solutions and create new ones
  • Create documentation and provide pipeline improvements

Requirements:
  • Minimum of 1 year of experience in game development as an animation programmer
  • Advanced understanding of animation systems
  • Strong self-motivation and willingness to participate in many areas of game development
  • Experience using Unreal Engine 5

Pluses:
  • C++ experience
  • Degree in computer science or a related field
  • Experience with Rigging and Animation
  • Tool Programming, MEL, PyMel Python
  • Houdini experience

Required Application Materials:
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter which should include
    • Why you are interested in working for Studio Wildcard
    • What games you are currently playing

About Studio Wildcard
Studio Wildcard was founded in 2014 by industry veterans Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak, with the mission of bringing AAA quality to ambitious indie productions designed for core gamers. With countless years of combined industry experience across multiple independent and studio-backed titles, Wildcard's core team continues to grow, with offices in Redmond, WA, and Gainesville, FL including distributed team members across multiple continents.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Wildcard is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws, regulations or ordinances. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to disability during the application or the recruiting process, please let us know.
Pay Transparency Information
The expected annual base pay range(s) for this position vary based on a variety of factors, which include: (but aren't limited to) skills, competencies, qualifications, knowledge, and experience. Each pay range is only relevant to those residing in WA state and can vary based on geographical location.
Wildcard Benefits
We pay 100% of all premiums for the employee and discounted rates for dependent premiums. Our coverage includes Medical (5 different plans to choose from), Dental, Vision, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, 401(k) option, 100% covered Parental Leave, PTO, Paid Holidays, Unlimited Sick Time, and FSA/ HSA options