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Animation Programmer Jobs in Toronto, ON (NOW HIRING)

DEPT

Senior Frontend Developer - Creative

Toronto, ON

CA$90K - CA$125K/yr

Senior Frontend Developer - Creative Toronto, hybrid DEPT is a Growth Invention company built to ... Create fluid scripted animations and interactions that enhance usability and user experience

TOPOLIO

Software Engineer, CTO

Toronto, ON

... with Core Animation Post-secondary degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or equivalent academic/professional experience required * Github experience Preferably living in or near the ...

TOPOLIO

Software Engineer, CTO (Remote)

Toronto, ON · Remote

Good eye for design and detail, passion for software architecture & innovation, and experience with Core Animation * Post-secondary degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or equivalent ...

Autodesk

Senior Frontend Developer (3D)

Toronto, ON · On-site +1

You will work closely with Engineering and UX Research teams to move from concepts and designs to ... Strong understanding of animation principles (easing, timing, physics-based motion) and experience ...

GPL Technologies

Cloud Engineer

Toronto, ON · On-site

Cloud Engineer - Media & Entertainmen Workflows At GPL Technologies, our mission is to provide ... nature of animation, inspiration, and storytelling in a simple expression: "Art challenges ...

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All JobsAnimation Programmer JobsAnimation Programmer Jobs in Toronto, ON

Animation Programmer information

See Toronto, ON salary details

$31.5K

$94K

$168K

How much do animation programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for animation programmer in Toronto, ON is $93,954.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,940.00 and $119,769.00 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 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 are popular job titles related to Animation Programmer jobs in Toronto, ON? For Animation Programmer jobs in Toronto, ON, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animation Programmer jobs in Toronto, ON look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Programmer jobs in Toronto, ON are:
Animation Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Programmer job openings in Toronto, ON as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, and 48% Part Time. Highlights an 70% In-person, and 30% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,954 per year, or $45.2 per hour.
Animation Tools Programmer (All Levels)

Animation Tools Programmer (All Levels)

Rockstar Games

Oakville, ON • On-site

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

At Rockstar Games, we create world-class entertainment experiences. 

Become part of a team working on some of the most rewarding, large-scale creative projects to be found in any entertainment medium - all within an inclusive, highly-motivated environment where you can learn and collaborate with some of the most talented people in the industry. 

Rockstar is on the lookout for a passionate Animation Tools Programmer. This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with our game development teams, across all animation disciplines, and help drive our animation tools technology forward to support the creation of all of Rockstar Games projects. 

The Animation Tools Programmer role will involve developing and maintaining animation related tools and pipelines for our advanced animation systems for large scale games. We're looking for someone with the skills to iterate with our animation and rigging teams to implement the very best tools for character, camera and facial animation.

This is a full-time, in-office position based out of Rockstar's unique game development studio in Oakville, ON.

WHAT WE DO
  • The Rockstar Games Tools Team create and maintain software tools that are used by all game development disciplines to support the creation of all Rockstar Games projects.
  • These software tools range from digital content exporters, a data processing asset pipeline to game, CI/CD automation systems and UI editors.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Work within the Tools team on all animation related technology, mainly focused on animation exporters, editors and pipelines.
  • Implement tasks to specification defined by the Lead Tools programmers.
REQUIREMENTS
  • A degree in Computer Science, Mathematics or equivalent.
  • Experience with C++ and/or C#.
  • Strong math skills.
  • Strong team communication skills.
  • Ability to work within a team.
  • Ability to work within a schedule and deliver effectively to deadlines.
PLUSES

Please note that these are desirable skills and are not required to apply for the position.

  • Experience with MotionBuilder and/or Maya.
  • Experience working with animators and riggers.
  • Games industry experience working on AAA titles.
HOW TO APPLY

Please apply with a CV and cover letter demonstrating how you meet the skills above. If we would like to move forward with your application, a Rockstar recruiter will reach out to you to explain next steps and guide you through the process.

Rockstar is committed to creating a work environment that promotes equal opportunity, dignity and respect. In line with this commitment, Rockstar will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process in order for such applicants to be considered for the position for which they are applying, as well as to qualified employees to enable them to perform the essential functions of their roles. If you need more information about Rockstar's reasonable accommodation policies or process, or need to request an accommodation, please notify your recruiter during the interview process.  

** For those based in Toronto, Rockstar will provide accommodations to job applicants and employees as long as such accommodations do not pose an undue hardship on Rockstar, and consistent with its obligations under the Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

If you've got the right skills for the job, we want to hear from you. We encourage applications from all suitable candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief, race, or any other protected category.

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