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Animation Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

DevSelect

Front End Designer/Developer

Redmond, WA

$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 ...

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 ...

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 Jun 24, 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.

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 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 June 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.
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 26 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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