ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animation Programmer Jobs in British Columbia (NOW HIRING)

Final Strike Games

Animation Engineer

Vancouver, BC

Final Strike Games is looking for a passionate Animation Engineer to join our Vancouver, BC studio and help us build the animation systems for an upcoming multiplayer title. The ideal candidate is an ...

Sony Pictures Imageworks

Animation TD

Vancouver, BC

CA$25.96 - CA$34.62/hr

Animation Assistant Technical Director Sony Pictures Imageworks is located on the unceded ... Programming experience in Python. * C++ experience is a plus * Excellent problem-solving and ...

2K

Gameplay Animator

Burnaby, BC

CA$60K - CA$89K/yr

In this role, you will work closely with AI and Animation Engineers, Designers and Producers to implement authentic sports behaviors to build highly polished world - class gameplay for what will be ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Designer

Burnaby, BC

In this role, you will work with a production partner to creatively lead AI Engineers, Animation Engineers, and Animators to set the vision for and implement authentic sports behaviors to build ...

Netflix

Post Engineer

Vancouver, BC · On-site

Netflix Animation Studios is on a mission to entertain the world with bold, immersive animated ... Job Summary: We're looking for a Junior Post Engineer to join our Post Engineering team in ...

Netflix

Post Engineer

Vancouver, BC

Netflix Animation Studios is on a mission to entertain the world with bold, immersive animated ... Job Summary: We're looking for a Junior Post Engineer to join our Post Engineering team in ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimation Programmer JobsAnimation Programmer Jobs in British Columbia

Animation Programmer information

See British Columbia salary details

$33K

$98.5K

$176K

How much do animation programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for animation programmer in British Columbia is $98,450.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $125,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Animation Programmer vs 3D Animator?

AspectAnimation Programmer3D Animator
Required SkillsProgramming, scripting, technical knowledge of animation pipelinesArtistic skills, character animation, storytelling
Work EnvironmentGame studios, software companies, technical teamsGame studios, film, advertising, freelance
Tools & SoftwareUnity, Unreal Engine, scripting languagesMaya, Blender, 3ds Max
FocusImplementing animation systems, optimizing performanceCreating and refining character animations

While both roles involve animation, an Animation Programmer focuses on coding and technical implementation of animations within software, whereas a 3D Animator emphasizes creating artistic character movements. Understanding these differences helps employers and professionals identify the right skill set for each role.

How do Animation Programmers typically collaborate with animators and game designers during a project?

Animation Programmers work closely with animators to ensure that character movements and environmental animations are seamlessly integrated into the game engine. They often participate in regular meetings with animators and designers to discuss technical constraints, workflow improvements, and creative solutions for complex animation systems. This collaboration ensures that artistic vision aligns with technical feasibility, resulting in smooth, responsive animations. Effective communication and an understanding of both creative and technical perspectives are essential for success in this role.

What is the highest paid animation job?

The highest paid animation jobs typically include lead or senior roles such as Animation Director, VFX Supervisor, or Creative Director, often earning six-figure salaries. These positions require extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and proficiency with industry-standard tools like Maya or Houdini.

What does an animation programmer do?

An animation programmer develops and implements the code that brings character and object animations to life in video games and multimedia projects. They work with animation tools, game engines, and scripting languages to ensure smooth, realistic movement and interactions, often collaborating with artists and designers. Proficiency in programming languages like C++ or Python and understanding of animation principles are essential for this role.

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

To thrive as an Animation Programmer, you need strong programming skills in languages like C++ or Python, a solid understanding of mathematics (especially linear algebra), and experience with animation systems in game engines. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Unreal Engine, Unity, and Autodesk Maya, as well as relevant APIs and scripting languages, is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the creation of smooth, realistic animations and seamless integration with gameplay, which are vital for engaging and immersive user experiences.

What are animation programmers?

Animation programmers are software developers who specialize in creating and implementing animation systems within video games or interactive media. They work closely with animators and designers to ensure that character and object movements are smooth, realistic, and responsive. Their responsibilities often include building tools for animators, optimizing animation performance, and integrating animations with game mechanics. Animation programmers use programming languages like C++ or C# and often work with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine.

Are animators still in demand?

Animation programmers are still in demand as the entertainment, gaming, and virtual reality industries continue to grow, requiring skilled professionals to develop and implement animated content. Proficiency in programming languages like C++ and tools such as Maya or Unity enhances job prospects in this field.
What are popular job titles related to Animation Programmer jobs in British Columbia? For Animation Programmer jobs in British Columbia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animation Programmer jobs in British Columbia look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Programmer jobs in British Columbia are:
Animation Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Programmer job openings in British Columbia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 37% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,450 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

Expert Animation Programmer (R&D)

CD PROJEKT RED

Vancouver, BC • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Company Description

To create revolutionary, story-driven RPGs which go straight to the hearts of gamers — this is our mission. Want to dive deeper into our company’s culture? Explore our social media and check out our YouTube channel and Beyond the Game Blog where we share behind-the-scenes insights and stories direct from our team members!

Job Description

CD PROJEKT RED is looking for an experienced Expert Animation Programmer to join our R&D team based in Vancouver, British Columbia. This role is focused on the development and implementation of cutting-edge, next-generation character animation systems that leverage animation generation models. You have a deep expertise in animation technology, character rigging, and tool development, and will be instrumental in defining the future of character animation in our titles. Experience in generative models and machine learning is a bonus but not required. 

Key Responsibilities

  • Design, implement, and maintain advanced animation systems and tools to complement generative models for realistic character motion.
  • Collaborate with machine learning researchers, engineers, animators and game designers to define and achieve high-quality animation features and workflow improvements.
  • Optimize and debug animation code and systems for usability, performance, memory and stability across multiple target platforms.
  • Prototype new animation techniques, including procedural generation and physics-based systems.
  • Mentor junior programmers and contribute to code reviews, ensuring high standards for code quality and documentation.
  • Work with lead engineers to plan project milestones and deliver high-quality work on schedule.
Qualifications
  • 7+ years of experience in game programming, with a focus on character animation systems.
  • Strong proficiency of C++ and experience with performance optimization.
  • Deep understanding of real-time 3D animation principles, kinematics (IK/FK), and rigging systems.
  • Strong math skills, particularly linear algebra and vector math.
  • Experience working with large-scale game engines, e.g. Unreal Engine, Unity, or proprietary engines (Unreal Engine preferred).

Nice to have
(please note these skills are not required for to apply for the position)

  • Experience with Motion Matching, procedural animation techniques, and physics simulation.
  • Familiarity with animation pipelines and DCC tools (Maya, Blender).
  • Prior experience shipping a AAA title.
  • Knowledge of parallel programming and GPU optimization techniques (e.g., CUDA, compute shaders).

Additional Information

The application window for this position will close by 2 October 2026.

This job can be hybrid/in-office or fully remote.

Health & Well-Being

  • Company-paid medical healthcare (dental, vision, and mental).
  • Free mental health support, including access to counseling, psychiatric care, and a variety of well-being webinars.
  • Paid leave — 26 days of vacation, 10 sick days, & 12 calendar holidays per year
  • RRSP with employer matching.
  • Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) – $100 per month to use towards fitness, wellness, internet, home office equipment, learning, streaming services, and more.
  • Menstrual leave — employees who menstruate can take one extra day off when experiencing period pain.
  • RED Parents Network — support for working parents.
  • Flexible working hours.

Perks & Professional Growth

  • Trainings, lectures, and courses — internal workshops, knowledge-sharing initiatives, online tutorials, and e-learning classes are all available.
  • A welcome pack filled with goodies — to help you feel right at home once you join the team.

Life in the Office

  • Dog-friendly office — bring your pooch with you and look after them while working! There’s always a furry friend or two to meet.
  • Truly international working environment — a chance to meet and work with a diverse selection of people from all around the world.
  • No dress-code — we like to keep it casual.

This position is a new role.

Estimated pay range for this position: $180,100 - $247,600 CAD annually. 

At CD PROJEKT RED compensation for our roles in North America are determined based on competitive market data, geographic location, and individual factors tied to business needs. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. Final offers are dependent on job-related factors like experience, qualifications, and location.

If you've observed any irregularities (i.e. legal or ethical violations) in our recruitment process, please click here to report them anonymously.

#LI-REMOTE
#LI-HYBRID