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Animation Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Scopely

Artists, animators, designers, and developers are unblocked quickly and supported by reliable workflows. * Tools and pipelines improve team efficiency and reduce repeated manual work. * Content is ...

M&S Consulting

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 ...

M&S Consulting

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 ...

Bonfire Studios

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 ...

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 ...

IGT

Animator

Reno, NV

$114K - $141K/yr

Collaborate with designers, engineers, and artists to define and execute creative vision * Bring ... Strong portfolio/reel showcasing animation, timing, and visual storytelling * Expertise in 2D/3D ...

Progressive Gaming

Animator IV

Reno, NV

$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 ...

Progressive Gaming

Animator

Reno, NV

$114K - $141K/yr

Collaborate with designers, engineers, and artists to define and execute creative vision * Bring ... Strong portfolio/reel showcasing animation, timing, and visual storytelling * Expertise in 2D/3D ...

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA

$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 ...

IGT

Animator IV

Reno, NV · On-site

$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 ...

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Animation Programmer information

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$12

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How much do animation programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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?

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.
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Animation Programmer jobs near you
Senior Software Engineer, Gameplay Systems & Animation - Unpublished R&D Product

Senior Software Engineer, Gameplay Systems & Animation - Unpublished R&D Product

Riot Games

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Riot engineers bring deep knowledge of specific technical areas but also value the opportunity to work in a variety of broader domains. As a Software Engineer, you'll also dive into projects that focus on team cohesiveness and cross-team objectives. You'll drive important features and provide other engineers with a clear illustration of extraordinary engineering.
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 responsive, expressive, and high-quality animation systems. You'll work at the intersection of gameplay engineering and content creation - partnering closely with animators, designers, and technical artists to build scalable systems that power movement, locomotion, and moment-to-moment feel. This role collaborates with multiple groups within the gameplay team, contributing directly to the quality, polish, and performance of our core combat experience. The ideal candidate is passionate about player feel, thrives in cross-disciplinary collaboration, and takes pride in building robust systems that unlock content at scale.
Responsibilities:
  • Design, prototype, and implement robust, scalable gameplay and animation systems, evolving underlying systems to improve reuse, polish, maintainability, and performance.
  • Contribute to locomotion, movement feel, and animation-driven gameplay systems across multiple gameplay domains.
  • Partner closely with animators and technical artists to improve workflows, clarify handoff points, and enable efficient content production.
  • Identify technical risks in animation and gameplay systems and collaborate with technical leaders to implement sustainable architectural solutions.
  • Contribute to adjacent gameplay domains such as combat systems, camera, VFX integration, or other core gameplay systems as needed.
  • Mentor peers across disciplines by sharing insights on animation systems, gameplay feel, and technical problem-solving.

Required Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of professional experience in game development.
  • 3+ years of experience developing or supporting animation systems.
  • Strong C++ programming skills and solid computer science fundamentals.
  • Experience working with Unreal Engine, including its animation systems.
  • Experience implementing gameplay systems closely tied to animation
  • Strong debugging, optimization, and performance-tuning skills.
  • Experience collaborating effectively in cross-disciplinary teams, with strong product sense and player empathy.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with Unreal Engine internals and extending or modifying engine animation systems.
  • Experience improving content pipelines and animation workflows.
  • Exposure to related domains such as gameplay VFX, camera systems, etc.
  • Experience working on mid-sized engineering teams in a live or in-development game environment.

For this role, you'll find success through craft expertise and a collaborative spirit that prioritizes the delight of players. We will look at your past studies and experience, but for this role, we also look for dedicated people with a personal relationship with games. If you embody player empathy and care about players' experiences, this is the role for you!
Our Perks:
Riot focuses on work/life balance, shown by our open paid time off policy and other perks such as flexible work schedules. We offer medical, dental, and life insurance, parental leave for you, your spouse/domestic partner, and children, and a 401k with company match. Check out our benefits pages for more information.
At Riot Games, we put players first . That mission drives every decision in our quest to create games and experiences that make it better to be a player. Whether you're working directly on a new player-facing experience or you're supporting the company as a whole, everyone at Riot is part of our mission. And just like in our games, we're better when we work together. Our goal is to create collaborative teams where you are empowered to bring your unique perspective everyday. If that sounds like the kind of place you want to work, we're looking forward to your application.
It's our policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and members of Riot Games, Inc. Riot Games makes reasonable accommodations for handicapped and disabled Rioters and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, handicap, veteran status, marital status, criminal history, or any other category protected by applicable federal and state law. We consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state and local law, including the California Fair Chance Act, the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the Washington Fair Chance Act.
Per the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the following core duties may create a basis for disqualifying candidates with relevant criminal histories:
  • Safeguarding confidential and sensitive Company data
  • Communication with others, including Rioters and third parties such as vendors, and/or players, including minors
  • Accessing Company assets, secure digital systems, and networks
  • Ensuring a safe interactive environment for players and other Rioters

These duties are directly related to essential operations, safety, trust, and compliance obligations within our organization. Please note that job duties may evolve based on business needs and additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary to maintain operational efficiency and security.
  • (Los Angeles Only) Base salary range between $161,500.00 - $227,000.00 USD + incentive compensation + equity + 401K with company match + medical, dental, vision, and life insurance + short and long-term disability + open PTO.
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About Riot Games

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Riot Games was founded in 2006 by Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill with the intent to change the way video games are made and supported for players. In 2009, Riot released its debut title League of Legends to worldwide acclaim. The game has since gone on to become the most played PC game in the world and a key driver of the explosive growth of esports. Players are the foundation of our community and it's for them we continue to evolve and improve the League of Legends experience.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2006

Social media

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