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Animation Programmer Jobs in Philadelphia, PA (NOW HIRING)

Key services include embedded product design, industrial design, animation & visual effects and ... SAS and/or SQL programming experience Experience working with Patient-level and/or medical claims ...

Web Engineer

Philadelphia, PA · Remote

$170K - $220K/yr

... animations that enhance product storytelling using technologies such as Motion and GSAP * Exercise ... software/web engineering, with a high bar quality and bias towards shipping changes often ...

iOS Developer - Onsite

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$50.25 - $69.25/hr

Job Title: iOS Developer Work Location: Jersey City, NJ/Wilmington, DE - Onsite Duration ... Core Animation, etc. * Familiarity with RESTful APIs to connect iOS applications to back-end ...

AEM Developer

Malvern, PA · On-site

$55 - $60/hr

Experience with animation libraries such as GSAP ScrollTrigger. * Experience in React/Angular frameworks. * Experience using Intersection Observer API for scroll-based interactions and animations.

iOS Engineer

Conshohocken, PA · Remote

$51 - $70.25/hr

Senior Software Engineer Client is a leading communications and engineering company that delivers ... Animation, Core Graphics and Core Text Experience with third-party libraries and APIs Working ...

Simulation Engineer

Moorestown, NJ · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Simulation Engineer - Customer Solutions Position Summary OPEX Corporation is looking for a ... Apply models to create full-system simulations and animations * Prepare and analyze model input and ...

Simulation Engineer - Customer Solutions Position Summary OPEX Corporation is looking for a ... Apply models to create full-system simulations and animations * Prepare and analyze model input and ...

Simulation Engineer - Customer Solutions Position Summary OPEX Corporation is looking for a ... Apply models to create full-system simulations and animations * Prepare and analyze model input and ...

Education, training, or experience in Computer Science, Education, Engineering, Graphic Design, Digital Art, Digital Animation, Film, or related STEM fields * A background in working with kids and ...

Paid STEM Instructor/Intern

Narberth, PA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Education, training, or experience in Computer Science, Education, Engineering, Graphic Design, Digital Art, Digital Animation, Film, or related STEM fields * A background in working with kids and ...

Education, training, or experience in Computer Science, Education, Engineering, Graphic Design, Digital Art, Digital Animation, Film, or related STEM fields * A background in working with kids and ...

Paid STEM Instructor/Intern

Narberth, PA

$14.25 - $19/hr

Education, training, or experience in Computer Science, Education, Engineering, Graphic Design, Digital Art, Digital Animation, Film, or related STEM fields * A background in working with kids and ...

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Animation Programmer information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$12

$39

$69

How much do animation programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation programmer in Philadelphia, PA is $39.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.96 and $51.92 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 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.
What job categories do people searching Animation Programmer jobs in Philadelphia, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Programmer jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:
Adjunct - Westphal - Animation and Visual Effects

Adjunct - Westphal - Animation and Visual Effects

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Drexel University rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

346th of 534 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Adjunct - Westphal - Animation and Visual Effects

Apply now Job no: 506412
Work type: Part-Time
Location: University City - Philadelphia, PA
Categories: Drexel University, Westphal College of Media Arts & Design

About the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design:

The creative heart of Drexel University, the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design trains the next generation of scholars, thinkers, makers, and doers in the fields of media, entertainment, design, and the visual and performing arts. Westphal offers 18 undergraduate and nine graduate majors, housed in award-winning facilities that encourage collaboration across creative disciplines. At Westphal, we reimagine the role of design, media, and the arts in building a better future. Our programs challenge students to center sustainability, access, and equity in their approaches to art, fashion, architecture, gaming, entertainment, and scholarship. Through experiential learning, studio-based curriculum, and Drexel's widely-recognized Cooperative Education program (co-op), our students are uniquely positioned to face the world's challenges and define the creative careers of the 21st century. 

About the Program

The Animation & Visual Effects major provides students with the artistic, technological, storytelling, and design skills necessary to succeed as 3D animators and visual effects artists in the highly competitive entertainment, design, and communications industries.

Animation and Visual Effects has grown beyond its traditional applications in the entertainment industry. In addition to film, television, and internet-based programming, these production techniques are also widely used in medical research, engineering, virtual and augmented reality systems, immersive media, web content, the performing arts, interactive game systems, corporate communications, and higher education. The depth and complexity of this field necessitates a rigorous course of study.

To best prepare students for the demands of careers in these cutting-edge disciplines, our program provides a foundational understanding of design and technology with core courses in digital media, the option to choose between a 6- or 18-month co-op plan, and a curriculum of rigorous coursework covering specialized aspects of digital animation, visual effects, and immersive media. Students will learn the underlying principles of animation, along with advanced, industry-standard software and hardware technologies. The entire creative pipeline from storyboarding to modeling and animation to rendering and compositing is covered in depth, allowing students to experience all aspects of a production. 

Job Summary

The Adjunct instructor will employ a variety of strategies to foster student artistic development, learning and discussions, as well as encourage active learning in all students, maintain proper course-related records, and evaluate student work and provide students with feedback as to the progress toward meeting the objectives of the course. Each adjunct faculty member is responsible for effectively teaching students in the assigned classroom or remote settings.  Each adjunct faculty member is responsible for effectively implementing the mission of the Department of Digital Media within Drexel's Westphal College of Media Arts & Design. Responsibilities may include teaching days, evenings, nights, or weekends, with the potential for online only, in-person only, or a combination of both.

Courses within the Animation & VFX (ANFX) program cover a wide range of topics at different skill levels.  All aspects of the CG pipeline are covered using industry standards such as Maya, Houdini, Nuke, Adobe Suite, Unreal Engine, and more. 

Essential Functions

  • Teach required number of credit hours per quarter based on their contract
  • Teach studio, lecture, and/or practicum courses per their contract
  • Plan and provide instructional experiences that reflect an understanding of the philosophy, objectives, and curriculum of the program
  • Evaluate student achievement of curricular objectives/outcomes
  • Maintain communication with the program director regarding any course or student issues
  • Perform other similar duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Animation, Digital Media, Computer Science, or related field.
  • Minimum of 2 years of teaching or professional experience.

Location

University City, Philadelphia PA

Special Instructions to the Applicant

Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter that indicates your strong areas of expertise when submitting your application. In your cover letter, please list any applications, render engines, and program languages you have experience in and your skill level. Also include links to personal demo reels and portfolios.

Advertised: May 4 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Jun 5 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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