... engineers to understand what the robot can physically do and what interactions need to feel like - Work with motion capture to create base animations, then adapt and refine them for our robot's form ...
... engineers to understand what the robot can physically do and what interactions need to feel like - Work with motion capture to create base animations, then adapt and refine them for our robot's form ...
... engineers to understand what the robot can physically do and what interactions need to feel like - Work with motion capture to create base animations, then adapt and refine them for our robot's form ...
... engineers to understand what the robot can physically do and what interactions need to feel like - Work with motion capture to create base animations, then adapt and refine them for our robot's form ...
Senior Software Engineer, Gameplay Systems & Animation - Unpublished R&D Product
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
As a Senior Software Engineer (Gameplay Systems & Animation ) on an unpublished R&D product, you will report to the Gameplay Engineering Lead, you'll help bring our characters to life through ...
Senior Software Engineer, Gameplay Systems & Animation - Unpublished R&D Product
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
As a Senior Software Engineer (Gameplay Systems & Animation ) on an unpublished R&D product, you will report to the Gameplay Engineering Lead, you'll help bring our characters to life through ...
3D Animator
Pasadena, CA · On-site +1
... engineering or scientific concepts into clear visual narratives * Iterate efficiently based on creative and technical feedback Required Skills: * Strong portfolio demonstrating cinematic 3D animation ...
3D Animator
Pasadena, CA · On-site +1
... engineering or scientific concepts into clear visual narratives * Iterate efficiently based on creative and technical feedback Required Skills: * Strong portfolio demonstrating cinematic 3D animation ...
Work closely with engineers to implement animation state machines/animgraphs, node based editing, blend trees, and IK/FK systems within the game engine. * Scripting, Tooling & Automation: Develop ...
New
Work closely with engineers to implement animation state machines/animgraphs, node based editing, blend trees, and IK/FK systems within the game engine. * Scripting, Tooling & Automation: Develop ...
New
This is a part-time opportunity to collaborate with world-class AI researchers, engineers, and ... Character Animation (human or character performance-focused) * Character Technical Design * Acting ...
This is a part-time opportunity to collaborate with world-class AI researchers, engineers, and ... Character Animation (human or character performance-focused) * Character Technical Design * Acting ...
3D Animator
Pasadena, CA · Remote
... engineering or scientific concepts into clear visual narratives * Iterate efficiently based on creative and technical feedback Required Skills: * Strong portfolio demonstrating cinematic 3D animation ...
Quick apply
3D Animator
Pasadena, CA · Remote
... engineering or scientific concepts into clear visual narratives * Iterate efficiently based on creative and technical feedback Required Skills: * Strong portfolio demonstrating cinematic 3D animation ...
Senior Simulation Machine Learning Engineer - Special Projects
Cupertino, CA · On-site
$128K - $177K/yr
We are looking for a hardworking, dedicated, and results-oriented Animation Engineer. You would join a team building simulation art assets. Apple is where individual imaginations gather together ...
Senior Simulation Machine Learning Engineer - Special Projects
Cupertino, CA · On-site
$128K - $177K/yr
We are looking for a hardworking, dedicated, and results-oriented Animation Engineer. You would join a team building simulation art assets. Apple is where individual imaginations gather together ...
Lead Gameplay Animator
Irvine, CA · On-site +1
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 ...
Lead Gameplay Animator
Irvine, CA · On-site +1
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 ...
... engineers to understand what the robot can physically do and what interactions need to feel like - Work with motion capture to create base animations, then adapt and refine them for our robot's form ...
... engineers to understand what the robot can physically do and what interactions need to feel like - Work with motion capture to create base animations, then adapt and refine them for our robot's form ...
Senior Technical Artist, Animation - Unpublished R&D Product
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$136K - $163K/yr
Working at the intersection of animation, design, and engineering, you'll build scalable animation graphs, ensure believable motion, and optimize performance across a vast, dynamic world. You'll ...
Senior Technical Artist, Animation - Unpublished R&D Product
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$136K - $163K/yr
Working at the intersection of animation, design, and engineering, you'll build scalable animation graphs, ensure believable motion, and optimize performance across a vast, dynamic world. You'll ...
Acting & Animation Performance Consultant
New York, NY · On-site +1
$60 - $90/hr
This is a part-time opportunity to collaborate with world-class AI researchers, engineers, and ... Character Animation (human or character performance-focused) * Character Technical Design * Acting ...
Acting & Animation Performance Consultant
New York, NY · On-site +1
$60 - $90/hr
This is a part-time opportunity to collaborate with world-class AI researchers, engineers, and ... Character Animation (human or character performance-focused) * Character Technical Design * Acting ...
... team of engineers, artists and designers and help us take our state of the art character animation systems to the next level. This position focuses on creating high-quality, stylized character ...
... team of engineers, artists and designers and help us take our state of the art character animation systems to the next level. This position focuses on creating high-quality, stylized character ...
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 ...
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 ...
Senior Technical Artist, Animation - Unpublished R&D Product
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$136K - $163K/yr
Working at the intersection of animation, design, and engineering, you'll build scalable animation graphs, ensure believable motion, and optimize performance across a vast, dynamic world. You'll ...
Senior Technical Artist, Animation - Unpublished R&D Product
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$136K - $163K/yr
Working at the intersection of animation, design, and engineering, you'll build scalable animation graphs, ensure believable motion, and optimize performance across a vast, dynamic world. You'll ...
Animator IV
Reno, NV · On-site +1
$105K - $120K/yr
In this senior-level role, you will lead animation efforts from concept to final implementation ... Working closely with Game Designers, Engineers, Technical Artists, and Art peers, you will drive a ...
Animator IV
Reno, NV · On-site +1
$105K - $120K/yr
In this senior-level role, you will lead animation efforts from concept to final implementation ... Working closely with Game Designers, Engineers, Technical Artists, and Art peers, you will drive a ...
Senior Technical Gameplay Animator
$119K - $135K/yr
... with the Animation, Design, and Engineering teams to analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve in-game animation implementation issues and animation-related technical challenges Create high quality ...
Senior Technical Gameplay Animator
$119K - $135K/yr
... with the Animation, Design, and Engineering teams to analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve in-game animation implementation issues and animation-related technical challenges Create high quality ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
Orange, CA · On-site
$88K - $120K/yr
... animation systems * Collaborate with the design and engineering teams to ensure animations align with gameplay mechanics and technical constraints. * Iterate and refine animations based on feedback ...
Senior Gameplay Animator
Orange, CA · On-site
$88K - $120K/yr
... animation systems * Collaborate with the design and engineering teams to ensure animations align with gameplay mechanics and technical constraints. * Iterate and refine animations based on feedback ...
Animator IV
Reno, NV · On-site +1
$105K - $120K/yr
In this senior-level role, you will lead animation efforts from concept to final implementation ... Working closely with Game Designers, Engineers, Technical Artists, and Art peers, you will drive a ...
Animator IV
Reno, NV · On-site +1
$105K - $120K/yr
In this senior-level role, you will lead animation efforts from concept to final implementation ... Working closely with Game Designers, Engineers, Technical Artists, and Art peers, you will drive a ...
Acting & Animation Performance Consultant
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$60 - $90/hr
This is a part-time opportunity to collaborate with world-class AI researchers, engineers, and ... Character Animation (human or character performance-focused) * Character Technical Design * Acting ...
Acting & Animation Performance Consultant
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$60 - $90/hr
This is a part-time opportunity to collaborate with world-class AI researchers, engineers, and ... Character Animation (human or character performance-focused) * Character Technical Design * Acting ...
Animation Programmer information
See salary details
$12.02 - $17.18
4% of jobs
$17.18 - $22.33
9% of jobs
$26.04 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$22.33 - $27.49
17% of jobs
$27.49 - $32.65
13% of jobs
The median wage is $35.66 / hr.
$32.65 - $37.81
13% of jobs
$37.81 - $42.96
10% of jobs
$42.96 - $48.12
9% of jobs
$49.09 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$48.12 - $53.28
9% of jobs
$53.28 - $58.44
7% of jobs
$58.44 - $63.59
6% of jobs
$63.59 - $68.75
4% of jobs
$12
$39
$68
How much do animation programmer jobs pay per hour?
As of Jul 1, 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 the difference between Animation Programmer vs 3D Animator?
| Aspect | Animation Programmer | 3D Animator |
|---|---|---|
| Required Skills | Programming, scripting, technical knowledge of animation pipelines | Artistic skills, character animation, storytelling |
| Work Environment | Game studios, software companies, technical teams | Game studios, film, advertising, freelance |
| Tools & Software | Unity, Unreal Engine, scripting languages | Maya, Blender, 3ds Max |
| Focus | Implementing animation systems, optimizing performance | Creating 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 is the highest paid animation job?
The highest paid animation jobs typically include lead or senior roles such as Animation Director, VFX Supervisor, or Creative Director, often earning six-figure salaries. These positions require extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and proficiency with industry-standard tools like Maya or Houdini.
What does an animation programmer do?
An animation programmer develops and implements the code that brings character and object animations to life in video games and multimedia projects. They work with animation tools, game engines, and scripting languages to ensure smooth, realistic movement and interactions, often collaborating with artists and designers. Proficiency in programming languages like C++ or Python and understanding of animation principles are essential for 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.
Are animators still in demand?
Animation programmers are still in demand as the entertainment, gaming, and virtual reality industries continue to grow, requiring skilled professionals to develop and implement animated content. Proficiency in programming languages like C++ and tools such as Maya or Unity enhances job prospects in this field.
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:
Amazon rating
7.4
Based on 6,918 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
6th of 39 rated national retailers
Job description
We are seeking a Design Technologist to define the expressive motion vocabulary that makes our robot feel alive: how it gestures when speaking, how it shows curiosity, excitement, hesitation, and calm. You will work with motion capture, hand animation, and procedural techniques to build a library of movements that bring our robots to life in real time.
This role sits at the intersection of character animation and robotics.
You need strong animation instincts - timing, weight, personality - and enough technical fluency to work within the constraints of physical robots that must work in the real world.
Key job responsibilities
- Author expressive robot animations that articulate the robot's core personality: locomotion styles, conversational gesture, emotional reactions, interactive behaviors
- Partner closely with HRI researchers and robotics engineers to understand what the robot can physically do and what interactions need to feel like
- Work with motion capture to create base animations, then adapt and refine them for our robot's form factor and joint constraints
- Develop tools and workflows (Python, Blender/Maya scripting) to accelerate animation authoring and integrate with the robot's behavior pipeline
- Test animations on real hardware and iterate based on how they read in person, from all angles
About the team
Fauna Robotics, an Amazon company, is building capable, safe, and genuinely delightful robots for everyday life. Our goal is simple: make robots people actually want to live and interact with in everyday human spaces.
We believe that future won't arrive until building for robotics becomes far more accessible. Today, too much effort is spent reinventing the fundamentals. We're changing that by developing tightly integrated hardware and software systems that make it faster, safer, and more intuitive to create real-world robotic products.
Our work spans the full stack: mechanical design, control systems, dynamic modeling, and intelligent software. The focus is not just functionality, but experience. We're building robots that feel responsive, expressive, and genuinely useful.
At Fauna, you'll work at the frontier of this space, helping define how robots move, manipulate, and interact with people in natural environments. It's an opportunity to solve hard problems across hardware and software with a team focused on making robotics accessible and joyful to build.
If you care about making robotics real for everyone and building systems that are as delightful as they are capable, we're interested in hearing from you.
About Amazon
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.
Industry
It services, book publishers, retail, real estate and computer and electronic product manufacturing
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Seattle, WA, US