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Animation Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Progressive Gaming

Animator IV

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

In this senior-level role, you will lead animation efforts from concept to final implementation, establishing the visual tone and quality standards for groundbreaking gaming experiences while ...

Launch Focus

2d Animator

Rochester, NY · On-site

We are looking for a Lead 2d Animator. Main duties of the job are designing assets, sketching, creating large animations, maintaining style, making vector graphics, and more. Knowledge of Adobe ...

AGBO

Expression of Interest - Animator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

This role will help lead the development of animation assets to support the execution of the overall production's creative vision. This is an Expression of Interest role. Key Responsibilities: * Show ...

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How much do animation lead jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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 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.

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 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.
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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 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% 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.

Animator IV

Progressive Gaming

Reno, NV • On-site, Remote

$105K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 hours ago

Job description

IGT, where innovation meets entertainment on a global scale!  From the casino floor to your mobile screen, we deliver thrilling, responsible, and unforgettable gaming experiences-powered by worldclass content, strong technical and commercial capabilities and nurtured by a culture of collaboration, accountability, and ownership.

 

Whether it's spinning reels, placing bets, or enabling secure payments, we turn innovation into impact through disciplined execution and longterm value creation. With a team of over 6,000 employees across 30+ countries and products delivered in more than 100 jurisdictions worldwide, we operate at scale while staying closely connected to costumers we serve. If you're ready to bring your talent to a team shaping the future of entertainment, your next big move starts here - www.igt.com.

Overview

Step into a lead role within IGT's Vibe Game Studio in Reno, Nevada, as an Animator IV, where your creativity, technical expertise, and artistic vision will help shape both our next generation of games and the culture of innovation within the studio. In this senior-level role, you will lead animation efforts from concept to final implementation, establishing the visual tone and quality standards for groundbreaking gaming experiences while mentoring and elevating fellow animators.

Working closely with Game Designers, Engineers, Technical Artists, and Art peers, you will drive a collaborative and holistic approach to game development that pushes the boundaries of casino gaming entertainment. Your contributions will directly support IGT's mission to pioneer the future of gaming by creating animations that captivate players, enhance gameplay, and deliver memorable experiences.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Create and lead the development of complex animations and dynamic visual effects for EGM (Electronic Gaming Machine) development, including both real-time and pre-rendered content.
  • Drive and collaborate on the creative vision for animation across multiple game development projects, establishing high standards for quality, style, and player engagement.
  • Develop storyboards, animatics, and gameplay sequences that maximize excitement and enhance the overall player experience.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to define animation strategies, artistic direction, and final animation assets that align with gameplay and narrative goals.
  • Spearhead the creation of specialized animation techniques supporting advanced game mechanics such as progressive bonuses, jackpots, immersive bonus rounds, and attract sequences.
  • Mentor and coach junior animators, helping them refine their artistic skills and technical expertise while fostering a culture of growth and collaboration.
  • Review and provide feedback on animation assets from peers and junior team members to ensure successful integration into the game engine and adherence to visual and performance standards.
  • Play and evaluate games in studio test environments, Unity builds, and standalone game versions, providing constructive feedback to elevate animation quality and player impact.
  • Innovate new animation workflows, tools, and techniques, incorporating advanced visual effects such as particle systems and motion graphics to enhance gameplay experiences.
  • Ensure all animations maintain the intended tone, atmosphere, and visual integrity of the game experience, making adjustments and providing direction as needed.
  • Collaborate closely with Game Designers, Technical Artists, and Art peers to conceptualize animation sequences that strengthen storytelling, gameplay clarity, and player interaction.
Work Location

This role is based onsite at our Reno office. While it isn't remote-eligible, we welcome applicants who already live in Reno/surrounding areas or are excited about the opportunity to relocate.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Animation, Art, Game Design, or a related field - or equivalent professional experience.
  • 8+ years of professional animation experience, including at least 5 years focused on game development.
  • Proven success leading animation projects or mentoring teams within the gaming industry, particularly in EGMs or other real-time interactive experiences.
  • Strong demo reel showcasing visual storytelling, choreography, timing, and mastery of animation principles across effects, symbols, environments, and gameplay sequences.
  • Expert-level proficiency in 2D and 3D animation tools such as After Effects, Spine, Maya, and Blender.
  • Experience creating and implementing real-time animations in Unity.
  • Strong understanding of EGM-specific animation elements including reel spins, transitions, base and bonus features, math screens, attract sequences, and jackpot effects.
  • Familiarity with slot game or casino gaming animation pipelines, including integration into proprietary game engines and development platforms.
  • Exceptional attention to detail in animation principles, movement, composition, and timing within fast-paced production environments.
  • Animation test required as part of the interview process.
Keys to Success

 Building collaborative relationships
Decision making
Drive results
Foster innovation
Personal energy
Self-leadership
#LI-CK1

At IGT, we believe compensation should be as individual as you are, reflecting your skills, experience, background, and location. For this role, the starting compensation range is $117,400 to $145,450, with flexibility to adjust higher or lower based on the full scope of qualifications. We proudly comply with all applicable local pay transparency laws and collective bargaining agreements.

And compensation is just the beginning. Our Total Rewards program is designed to support your success, both professionally and personally, and may include:

  • Commission opportunities for eligible sales roles
  • Discretionary bonus potential for non-sales positions
  • Comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, accident, and disability insurance
  • A 401(k) Savings Plan with company contributions to help you plan for the future
  • Tuition reimbursement to support continued learning and growth
  • Paid time off to rest, recharge, and reset
  • Wellness programs that support your overall well-being
  • Identity theft protection for added peace of mind

Apply