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Animation Programmer Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

De Circle

Animation Engineer - EmptyVessel

Austin, TX · On-site +1

We are seeking 1-2 mid-level Animation Engineers with exceptional Unreal Engine 5 expertise to join our team in Europe. The ideal candidates will possess a strong background in animating within ...

Socket.dev

Senior Software Engineer - Animation

Austin, TX · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

It's a difficult problem that requires brilliant people and tremendous effort over time. Level is looking for a Senior Software Engineer - Animation. You'll build the systems that make characters ...

CesiumAstro

Senior 3D Motion Designer

Austin, TX

$105K - $119K/yr

Establish and maintain modular 3D animation assets and standards for reuse across videos, campaigns, and presentations. * Translate complex engineering concepts into beautiful and technically ...

CesiumAstro

Senior 3D Motion Designer

Austin, TX

$105K - $119K/yr

Establish and maintain modular 3D animation assets and standards for reuse across videos, campaigns, and presentations. * Translate complex engineering concepts into beautiful and technically ...

CesiumAstro

Senior 3D Motion Designer

Austin, TX · On-site

$105K - $119K/yr

Establish and maintain modular 3D animation assets and standards for reuse across videos, campaigns, and presentations. * Translate complex engineering concepts into beautiful and technically ...

Gunfire Games

Senior Gameplay Programmer

Austin, TX · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

The gameplay programmer will work with the technical leadership to implement gameplay features ... Deep understanding of animation systems and inverse kinematics. * Experience working on AI systems ...

Delan Associates, Inc

IOS Developer

Austin, TX · Hybrid

$51.25 - $70.50/hr

... Data, Core Animation, Core Graphics and Core Text Experience with third-party libraries and APIs Unit-test code for robustness, including edge cases, usability, and general reliability Excellent ...

Delan Associates, Inc.

IOS Developer

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$51.25 - $70.50/hr

IOS Developer - Ex_Apple Candidates ONLY!! Austin, TX (Hybrid) Role Descriptions: * Apple exp is ... Experience working with iOS frameworks such as Core Data, Core Animation, Core Graphics and Core ...

Delan Associates, Inc

IOS Developer (Remote)

Austin, TX · Remote

$53 - $73/hr

IOS Developer - Ex_Apple Candidates ONLY!! Austin, TX (Hybrid) Role Descriptions: * Apple exp is ... Experience working with iOS frameworks such as Core Data, Core Animation, Core Graphics and Core ...

eFulgent

iOS Swift Developer

Austin, TX · On-site

$51.25 - $70.50/hr

We are currently working on an iOS Swift Developer requirement based in Austin, TX . This is a ... Core Animation * AVFoundation (as applicable) * Experience with app lifecycle management ...

SciPlay

Senior Technical Artist

Austin, TX · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Proficient in Unity animation systems and knowledge of event driven programming * Proficient in implementing art into Unity prefabs complete with animations and atlases * Excellent written and verbal ...

SciPlay

Senior Technical Artist

Austin, TX · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Proficient in Unity animation systems and knowledge of event driven programming * Proficient in implementing art into Unity prefabs complete with animations and atlases * Excellent written and verbal ...

Computer Futures

Senior Android Developer

Austin, TX · On-site

$57.50 - $72.75/hr

... UIs, animations, and transitions). • You're a kind, pragmatic communicator with a working ... engineers when needed. • Your code elicits compliments from others and displays continuous ...

Certain Affinity, Inc.

Senior Technical Artist

Austin, TX · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

You will partner closely with Art, Design, Engineering, VFX, and Rendering to develop tools ... Experience supporting animation or technical animation workflows (e.g., Control Rig, Animation ...

Certain Affinity, Inc

Senior Technical Artist

Austin, TX · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

You will partner closely with Art, Design, Engineering, VFX, and Rendering to develop tools ... Experience supporting animation or technical animation workflows (e.g., Control Rig, Animation ...

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All JobsAnimation Programmer JobsAnimation Programmer Jobs in Austin, TX

Animation Programmer information

See Austin, TX salary details

$11

$39

$68

How much do animation programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation programmer in Austin, TX is $39.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.48 and $51.01 per hour, 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 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 is an animation programmer?

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.

What are popular job titles related to Animation Programmer jobs in Austin, TX?

For Animation Programmer jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animation Programmer jobs in Austin, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Animation Programmer jobs in Austin, TX are:

Animation Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Programmer job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 8% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,512 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Animation Engineer - EmptyVessel

De Circle

Austin, TX • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Empty Vessel is an emerging game development studio focusing on immersive gaming experiences. With a commitment to crafting captivating narratives and engaging gameplay, we're dedicated to pushing the boundaries of interactive entertainment. As we expand our presence in Europe, we're seeking talented individuals to join our growing team and contribute to our exciting projects.
Position Overview:
We are seeking 1-2 mid-level Animation Engineers with exceptional Unreal Engine 5 expertise to join our team in Europe. The ideal candidates will possess a strong background in animating within Unreal Engine, with a focus on creating immersive experiences for players. Candidates should have experience with animation systems, interaction with environments, and troubleshooting technical issues.
Responsibilities:
  • Develop and maintain an animation system within Unreal Engine, facilitating player interaction with environments.
  • Ensure seamless interaction between characters and environments, optimizing performance and visual fidelity.
  • Collaborate closely with animation creators to implement animations effectively within the game environment.
  • Troubleshoot and debug game crashes, utilizing knowledge of C++ and Unreal Engine to identify and resolve issues promptly.
  • Utilize Autodesk Maya for keyframe animation and animation techniques, implementing key poses to enhance character movement.
  • Work within Visual Studio IDE to write and optimize code, ensuring smooth integration with the game engine.

  • Strong proficiency in Unreal Engine 5, with experience developing and implementing animation systems.
  • Experience with Autodesk Maya for keyframe animation and animation techniques.
  • Proficiency in C++ and familiarity with Visual Studio IDE.
  • Prior experience with shipping a shooter game, preferably an AAA title, demonstrating a deep understanding of large, complex game development processes.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot and debug technical issues efficiently.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work closely with animation creators and other team members.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, with a commitment to meeting project deadlines and delivering high-quality work.

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