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Animation Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Flying Bark Productions

3D Animation Lead

Denver, NC · On-site +1

The 3D Animation Lead role involves managing and guiding a team of animators on a show, acting as the main contact between production and supervisors, and ensuring smooth communication and workflow.

Epic Games

Character Animation Lead

Cary, NC · On-site

Lead the creation and implementation of high-quality, gameplay-driven animation in Unreal Engine * Prototype and iterate on new approaches to character movement, responsiveness, and player-driven ...

Flying Bark Productions

Animation Director

Burbank, CA · On-site

$3.2K - $3.4K/wk

Reporting to the Supervising Animation Director, the Animation Director will help lead the creative execution of animation throughout production, ensuring that character performance, acting, movement ...

Carlost Inc.

Account Manager

Burlingame, CA

Work with the animation lead on tool, system and game play prototypes. Collaborate with the Tech Art Team in the development tools that support the animation pipeline. Collaborate with Design ...

Carlost Inc.

Account Manager

Burlingame, CA · On-site

Work with the animation lead on tool, system and game play prototypes. Collaborate with the Tech Art Team in the development tools that support the animation pipeline. Collaborate with Design ...

Carlost Inc.

Customer Success Manager

New York, NY

Work with the animation lead on tool, system and game play prototypes. * Collaborate with the Tech Art Team in the development tools that support the animation pipeline. * Collaborate with Design ...

CREA Interactivity

Animation Teacher

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$20/hr

Lead workshops and activities focused on concept art, modeling, animation and game design theory. The ideal candidate will have a passion for digital art, a love for working with kids, and the ...

2K

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

As a Lead Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help ... Partner with the Animation Director and leadership to establish the animation vision, evangelize ...

Cloud Chamber

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · Remote

$123K - $182K/yr

As a Lead Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help ... Partner with the Animation Director and leadership to establish the animation vision, evangelize ...

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining ... Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick ...

Socket.dev

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123 - $182/hr

As a Lead Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help ... Partner with the Animation Director and leadership to establish the animation vision, evangelize ...

New

Cloud Chamber

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

As a Lead Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help ... Partner with the Animation Director and leadership to establish the animation vision, evangelize ...

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining ... Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick ...

2K

Lead Animator

Novato, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

As a Lead Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help ... Partner with the Animation Director and leadership to establish the animation vision, evangelize ...

31st Union

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining ... Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick ...

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Animation Lead information

See salary details

$10

$25

$72

How much do animation lead jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation lead in the United States is $25.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animation lead?

Animation Leads are senior professionals in the animation industry responsible for overseeing the creative and technical aspects of animation projects. They guide teams of animators, ensure that the artistic vision is maintained, and coordinate workflow between departments. Animation Leads often mentor junior animators, review completed work for quality, and communicate with directors or producers to align on project goals. Their expertise ensures that animation sequences are delivered on time and meet both artistic and technical standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animation lead, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animation Lead, you need advanced animation skills, a strong portfolio, and experience overseeing projects or teams, often supported by a degree in animation or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard software like Autodesk Maya, Adobe After Effects, and familiarity with project management tools is essential. Leadership, creativity, clear communication, and the ability to mentor team members are standout soft skills. These competencies ensure high-quality animation output, efficient team collaboration, and successful project delivery.

How does an animation lead typically collaborate with other departments during a production?

As an Animation Lead, you'll work closely with directors, storyboard artists, rigging and modeling teams, and occasionally sound designers to ensure that animated sequences align with the project's creative vision. You’ll be responsible for communicating feedback, coordinating workflow, and resolving technical or artistic challenges across departments. Effective collaboration is essential, as you'll often need to balance the creative intent with production schedules and technical constraints, helping to facilitate seamless integration of animation with other elements of the project.

What is the difference between Animation Lead vs Animation Supervisor?

AspectAnimation LeadAnimation Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees animation teams, manages project timelines, and ensures animation qualityManages multiple animation teams, reviews work, and coordinates with production managers
Required SkillsStrong animation skills, leadership, project managementAdvanced animation expertise, team management, quality control
Work EnvironmentCreative studios, film, TV, gamingLarge production studios, animation houses, film and TV projects
Common UsageUsed in project-specific roles, often as a team leadUsed in larger teams or productions overseeing multiple projects

The main difference between an Animation Lead and an Animation Supervisor lies in scope and responsibility. An Animation Lead typically manages a specific animation team and focuses on day-to-day project tasks, while an Animation Supervisor oversees multiple teams and ensures overall quality and consistency across projects. Both roles require strong animation skills and leadership, but the Supervisor position involves broader oversight and strategic coordination.

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Animation Lead jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Lead job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,524 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

3D Animation Lead

Flying Bark Productions

Denver, NC • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Flying Bark Productions is a dynamic and innovative animation studio dedicated to pushing the boundaries of character animation and storytelling. We are working on exciting projects such as Avatar: The Last Airbender feature film, Netflix's Ghostbusters animated series and Stranger Things animated series as well as upcoming feature film, Zac Power.


The 3D Animation Lead role involves managing and guiding a team of animators on a show, acting as the main contact between production and supervisors, and ensuring smooth communication and workflow. This role requires strong leadership skills, technical knowledge of animation tools (especially Maya), and the ability to solve creative and technical challenges while meeting deadlines. The lead also coaches junior artists, collaborates with other departments, and supports production needs to maintain high-quality animation output.


About the role:

  • Lead a team of animators on a show
  • Be the key contact for production and supervisor/s. Maintain clear communication, deal with creative challenges, provide solutions and adapt to changes in production & scheduling
  • Set and manage team assignments in collaboration with the animation supervisor
  • Have a good understanding of the animation tasks the team will be working on and the potential technical and creative challenges involved
  • Be prepared to deputise for the animation supervisor if necessary
  • Be aware of workflow templates, methodology and documentation; provide to the team where necessary
  • Work with technology teams to ensure that department tools are available for the team and properly set up for the show
  • Inform supervisors and Head of Department (HOD) of any advances made on a project for integration into other shows
  • May be required to work with HOD and supervisors on bids when requested
  • Effectively manage team to avoid potential conflict or disagreement
  • Maintain positive relationships with all other departments and address any issues promptly
  • Attend dailies and present the work of your team; guide artists on how to present their work
  • Coach, share knowledge and assume some responsibility for the progression of more junior members of the team
  • Provide regular feedback to the team to ensure that work is always delivered on time to the highest possible standard
  • Work with the technical animators to ensure that show wikis are kept up to date


About you:

  • Previous experience mentoring or leading a team
  • Thorough knowledge of Maya
  • An understanding of physical motion, weight, balance, texture and form
  • An understanding of rigs and typical rigging set-ups, animation pipelines and transferring data between tools
  • The proven ability to work under pressure
  • Being open to direction and able to embrace change
  • Attention to detail
  • Reliable, with good time keeping and the ability to meet deadlines
  • Excellent organisation, communication and interpersonal skills
  • A demonstrable commitment to creative collaboration within a team and with other departments
  • Adaptability and the willingness to learn new processes and technical skills
  • Working knowledge of modelling, rigging and Mel/Python scripting
  • Knowledge of human and animal anatomy as well as life drawing skills


What do we do?

Flying Bark Productions is a renowned independent producer of family-focused animation entertainment. For over 50 years, our 2D and 3D production facility hascreated award-winning feature films and TV series.


Why work with us?

  • We work on some pretty cool projects - check out our website: https://www.flyingbark.com.au/
  • We love dogs and you will often see some of our regular fluffy companions in the studio.
  • We have a hybrid approach to work. For this particular position, full remote could be an option.
  • Career development is important to us so we offer training and support opportunities whenever possible.
  • Our employees say our culture is the best they've ever experienced - everyone is welcome and celebrated!


Flying Bark Productions is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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