ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animation Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

2K

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

We will work closely and constructively across design, art, engineering, animation, and audio teams to realize our creative ambitions. Together, we will stay current on technological advancements and ...

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and ... Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick ...

NetEase Games

Character Performance Animator

Collaborate closely with Art, Design, and Engineering teams to establish and maintain production pipelines and quality standards for performance animation, ensuring consistency in character emotions ...

Cloud Chamber

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · Remote

$123K - $182K/yr

We will work closely and constructively across design, art, engineering, animation, and audio teams to realize our creative ambitions. Together, we will stay current on technological advancements and ...

Socket.dev

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123 - $182/hr

We will work closely and constructively across design, art, engineering, animation, and audio teams to realize our creative ambitions. Together, we will stay current on technological advancements and ...

New

Cloud Chamber

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

We will work closely and constructively across design, art, engineering, animation, and audio teams to realize our creative ambitions. Together, we will stay current on technological advancements and ...

2K

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

We will work closely and constructively across design, art, engineering, animation, and audio teams to realize our creative ambitions. Together, we will stay current on technological advancements and ...

Insomniac Games

Senior Gameplay Animator (CONTRACT)

OR · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

... animation direction across the game, providing constructive feedback as necessary. * Communicate effectively with other disciplines, including Designers, Programmers, Writers, Project Managers, Art ...

Jam City

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

As a leading mobile games developer, Jam City is looking to "level up" our talent. We're on the ... You will work alongside our world-class animation team to create intuitive rigs and visually ...

Jam City Inc

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90 - $110/hr

As a leading mobile games developer, Jam City is looking to "level up" our talent. We're on the ... You will work alongside our world-class animation team to create intuitive rigs and visually ...

Bonfire Studios, Inc

Lead Gameplay Animator

Irvine, CA · On-site

$196.50 - $247.13/hr

Partnering with cross‑discipline leads (design, engineering, art, production) to align animation with gameplay systems, technical realities, and the overall player experience. * Owning combat feel ...

Jam City

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA

$90K - $110K/yr

As a leading mobile games developer, Jam City is looking to "level up" our talent. We're on the ... You will work alongside our world-class animation team to create intuitive rigs and visually ...

Mydigicode

2D Animator

Dallas, TX · On-site

$45 - $75/hr

Gambling/slots animation experience. FUNCTIONS * Deliver high quality animations assets using ... Coordinate with illustrators and developers when necessary to ensure efficient deliveries * Make ...

New

Bonfire Studios

Lead Gameplay Animator

Irvine, CA

Partnering with cross-discipline leads (design, engineering, art, production) to align animation with gameplay systems, technical realities, and the overall player experience. * Owning combat feel ...

Jam City

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA

$90K - $110K/yr

As a leading mobile games developer, Jam City is looking to "level up" our talent. We're on the ... You will work alongside our world-class animation team to create intuitive rigs and visually ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsArts and Entertainment JobsEntertainment Production JobsMultimedia Designer JobsAnimation Programmer Jobs

Animation Programmer information

See salary details

$12

$39

$68

How much do animation programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation programmer in the United States is $39.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.72 and $51.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

More about Animation Programmer jobs

What cities are hiring for Animation Programmer jobs?

Cities with the most Animation Programmer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Animation Programmer jobs?

The most popular types of Animation Programmer jobs are:

What states have the most Animation Programmer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Animation Programmer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Animation Programmer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Animation Programmer jobs are:

Animation Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Programmer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,234 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

Lead Animator

2K

Novato, CA • On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

As a Lead Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help shape the character performance and movement systems of our project. In this role, you'll collaborate with a passionate group of game developers to craft high-end player characters and AI animations that support responsive, immersive gameplay-bringing the richly imagined world of BioShock to life.
What You'll Do:
  • Manage, support, and mentor a team of animators in developing high-end gameplay and AI animations, conducting regular 1:1s, annual evaluations, and setting clear, actionable goals.
  • Partner with the Animation Director and leadership to establish the animation vision, evangelize studio values, and shape a positive and inclusive team culture.
  • Develop and refine animation pipelines, workflows, and tools, setting up onboarding, Unreal Engine 5 training, and motion capture planning.
  • Deliver exceptional hand-key animations and edit motion capture data for first-person and third-person characters, taking on animation tasks as time permits.
  • Collaborate with Production on milestone roadmaps, sprint planning, and task delegation while addressing blocking issues and participating in hiring efforts.
  • Take an active role in the animation leadership circle by sharing your voice and best practices to help guide the team's culture, as well as updating the group on new or outstanding issues

What We'll Do Together:
At Cloud Chamber, we are champions of high standards, pushing for progress and embracing change. We will work closely and constructively across design, art, engineering, animation, and audio teams to realize our creative ambitions. Together, we will stay current on technological advancements and identify solutions to overcome developmental obstacles to deliver a world-class AAA experience.
Skills & Experiences:
  • Shipped multiple AAA titles as a Lead, Team Lead, or Senior Animator ideally utilizing Unreal Engine.
  • Deep knowledge of gameplay and AI animation systems, animation graph/data integration, motion capture pipelines, and rigging/prototyping processes.
  • Strong practical skill in hand-key facial animation (such as FaceFX) alongside high proficiency in animating human bipeds, organic forms, quadrupeds, and mechanical objects.
  • Exceptional understanding of traditional animation principles, human anatomy, caricature, form, gesture, and silhouette as applied to real-time interactive gameplay.

Who You Are:
  • A reliable, positive force multiplier, actively seeking opportunities to integrate work across disciplines and contribute to a healthy, supportive team environment.
  • A solid communicator with excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, package information for diverse audiences, and deliver difficult feedback with empathy and professionalism.
  • Experienced in working in cross-disciplinary teams with strong communication skills.
  • Persistent and self-motivated with a proactive mindset.
  • Able to maintain effectiveness and quality under pressure, ambiguity, and fast-changing priorities.
  • An active listener able to build and maintain trust-based relationships across all levels of the organization, understand differing perspectives, and navigate organizational complexity with tact and emotional intelligence.
  • Highly open to feedback and direction, possessing a desire to learn new skills, and capable of producing quick, quality revisions based on new insights or constraints.
  • A strong ownership of tasks, striving to drive work forward autonomously while maintaining a critical eye for detail and organization, ensuring high standards of quality.
  • Dedicated to upholding Cloud Chamber's core values, contributing to a positive and respectful company culture while striving for excellence in all endeavors.

Who We Are:
At Cloud Chamber we strive to make BioShock games that move people: evocative, immersive, and meaningful experiences that stay with you long after you've rolled credits. Great games are born from great collaborations, supported by a culture that brings out the best in our teams. We work openly, learn through play, take ownership, push ourselves to be better, and deliver for our players.
The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $123,200 - $182,360 USD per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program. Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company's discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses.
For candidates located in Quebec:This position requires professional proficiency in both French and English. Proficiency in English is required to collaborate with our U.S. teams and international partners, as well as to handle specialized technical documentation (reading, writing, and communication).
As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform their essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need reasonable accommodation.
Please note that 2K Games and its studios never use instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews. When emailing prospective employees, we only use 2K.com accounts.

Apply