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Animation Programmer Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Cyberhill Partners

WordPress Developer

Austin, TX · On-site

The WordPress Developer will lead the design, development, maintenance, and optimization of ... of basic animation libraries or interactive web experiences • Experience supporting B2B ...

Prophecy Technologies

iOS Developer

Austin, TX · On-site

$51.25 - $70.50/hr

Experience working with iOS frameworks such as Core Data, Core Animation, Core Graphics and Core Text * Experience with third-party libraries and APIs * Unit-test code for robustness, including edge ...

Skydance

Senior Systems Engineer

Austin, TX · Hybrid

$160K - $185K/yr

Demonstrated collaboration with creative teams and other engineers to establish system ... animation divisions. Recruitment Fraud Alert It has come to our attention that there may be ...

Skydance

Senior Systems Engineer

Austin, TX · Hybrid

$160K - $185K/yr

Demonstrated collaboration with creative teams and other engineers to establish system ... animation divisions. Recruitment Fraud Alert It has come to our attention that there may be ...

Skydance

Principal Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$217K - $246K/yr

The Principal Engineer plays a critical role in driving innovation and ensuring that the ... animation divisions. Recruitment Fraud Alert It has come to our attention that there may be ...

Skydance

Principal Engineer

Austin, TX · Remote

$217K - $246K/yr

The Principal Engineer plays a critical role in driving innovation and ensuring that the ... animation divisions. Recruitment Fraud Alert It has come to our attention that there may be ...

Skydance

Principal Engineer

Austin, TX · Hybrid

$217K - $246K/yr

The Principal Engineer plays a critical role in driving innovation and ensuring that the ... animation divisions. Recruitment Fraud Alert It has come to our attention that there may be ...

Ask IT consulting

Senior Android developer

Austin, TX · On-site

$57.50 - $72.75/hr

Android Studio and Git) Experience with custom views and animations Experience working in an agile development environment Experience with integrating Android apps with social networks Knowledge of ...

TecTammina

Android Developer

Austin, TX · On-site

$55.25 - $72.50/hr

Can manage animation, typography and pixel-perfect layouts, while still understanding that perfect can be the enemy of good in any project. You've been doing this long enough to have survived a few ...

Aquent

Motion Designer

Austin, TX · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

A robust portfolio showcasing a diverse range of work, including motion design, graphics animation ... Experience with sound design and audio engineering. About Aquent Talent Aquent Talent connects the ...

Socket.dev

React Native Mobile Engineer II

Austin, TX · On-site

$115 - $125/hr

You'll join a smart, collaborative team of mobile engineers as we take on a ground-up rebuild of ... Proven ability to accurately implement Figma designs with animations and microinteractions

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Showing results 21-40

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.

Technology Engineer (Retro Studios)

Nintendo

Austin, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Nintendo rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

154th of 244 rated software companies

Job description

RETRO STUDIOS: 
Founded in 1998, Retro Studios is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nintendo Co., Ltd., and a powerhouse in game development. Working hand-in-hand with Nintendo, we craft award-winning titles for the company's cutting-edge platforms, blending innovation, artistry, and gameplay excellence.

Our home base is Austin, Texas, a vibrant city known for its creative energy, live music, stunning natural scenery, and forward-thinking culture. With year-round sunshine and endless options for outdoor adventures, Austin offers the perfect backdrop for world-class developers to stay inspired, balanced, and at the top of their game.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

  • Assist in developing and maintaining core engine subsystems, including rendering, physics, audio, or memory management.
  • Maintain existing codebase and support the wider development team in diagnosing problems and coming up with good solutions.
  • Research coding techniques and algorithms to keep current technological developments and advancements in the game industry.
  • Work with content and engineering partners to identify problems and identify new solutions where required.
  • Participate in development, optimization, and debugging of low-level systems like physics, animation, and memory management.

*This job description outlines primary duties and requirements and is not intended to identify all tasks that may be performed; individuals occupying the position may be required to perform other duties.  The company may modify job duties from time to time, either in practice or in writing.

SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS:

  • Strong foundation in C/C++ skills.
  • Strong understanding of linear algebra, calculus and 3D mathematics.
  • Demonstrable prior work product: Personal projects, game jams, or a portfolio showcasing custom game development or engine work.
  • Excellent communication skills and a desire to work in a collaborative environment.
  • Strong debugging and analytical skills
  • Experience working independently and comfort with self-direction.
  • Undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related field required, or specific experience with video game programming.
  • 0-2 years of professional experience or a strong portfolio demonstrating engine-level systems, tooling, or low-level game technology work.

PREFERRED SKILLS

  • Experience or familiarity with commercial engines (Unreal Engine or Unity) to understand the differences from proprietary systems.
  • Experience with crash dumps and disassembly.

Retro Studios is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home. We do all of this with kindness, empathy, and respect for each other.

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