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Contract Animation Background Artist Jobs in Washington

Graphic Artist 3 (GA3)

Hanover, MD ยท On-site

$126K - $151K/yr

... graphics, animations, interactive visual elements, and templates. Organizes work products and ... Contract core hours are 1000-1400. Essential Responsibilities: * Lead development of course-level ...

Video Editor (Contract) Location: Washington, D.C. (Hybrid/Remote options available) About History ... A Visual Artist : You have a deep understanding of pacing, typography, photography, color theory ...

Graphic Arts Specialist

Quantico, VA ยท On-site

$55 - $75/hr

This position is contingent on contract award* Job purpose The Graphic Arts Specialist develops ... Minimum Tier 1 background investigation and Government-access eligibility are required; an active ...

Remote This position is contingent upon contract award. ABOUT THE ROLE Red Carrot is seeking a ... Create static and digital graphics, animations, icons, and other illustration and multimedia ...

... Arts, Web Design, etc. ALTERNATE EXPERIENCE General comment on degrees: Most contracts allow ... Experience with motion design or animations * Knowledge of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG)

Remote This position is contingent upon contract award. ABOUT THE ROLE Red Carrot is seeking a ... Create static and digital graphics, animations, icons, and other illustration and multimedia ...

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Contract Animation Background Artist information

What is a contract animation background artist?

Contract Animation Background Artists are professionals who create the visual environments and backgrounds for animated films, TV shows, and other media on a project-by-project basis. They are usually hired temporarily to work on specific productions, providing detailed and stylistically appropriate backgrounds that enhance the storytelling and overall aesthetic of the animation. These artists collaborate closely with art directors, animators, and other team members to ensure consistency with the project's visual style. Their work is crucial in setting the mood, tone, and context for animated scenes. Contract positions allow studios flexibility in scaling their teams according to project needs.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a contract animation background artist?

To thrive as a Contract Animation Background Artist, you need strong artistic ability, a keen eye for detail, proficiency in color theory, and a solid portfolio demonstrating experience in animation or illustration. Familiarity with digital painting tools like Adobe Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, or similar software is essential, and experience with animation pipelines or asset management systems is highly valued. Creativity, adaptability, and the ability to collaborate effectively with directors and other artists help you stand out in this position. These skills ensure the delivery of visually compelling backgrounds that support storytelling and maintain consistency within animated productions.

What are common workflow challenges for contract animation background artists, and how can they be addressed?

Contract animation background artists often face tight deadlines and the need to quickly adapt to different art styles across multiple projects or studios. Communication can be challenging, especially when working remotely with directors or animation teams spread across various locations. To overcome these challenges, it's important to establish clear channels for feedback, maintain organized file management, and proactively seek clarification on project expectations. Regular check-ins and sharing work-in-progress updates can help ensure alignment and smooth collaboration.

What is the difference between Contract Animation Background Artist vs Contract Character Animator?

AspectContract Animation Background ArtistContract Character Animator
Required SkillsDrawing, painting, digital art, environment designCharacter movement, acting, rigging, facial expressions
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, freelance projects, post-productionAnimation studios, freelance, post-production
Industry UsageFilm, TV, video games, commercialsFilm, TV, video games, commercials

Both roles require strong artistic skills and familiarity with animation software. The main difference lies in their focus: background artists create environments and settings, while character animators bring characters to life through movement. Understanding these distinctions helps employers and artists identify the right fit for specific projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animation Background Artist jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Animation Background Artist jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Contract Animation Background Artist jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Contract Animation Background Artist job openings:

Graphic Artist 3 (GA3)

Pae

Hanover, MD โ€ข On-site

$126K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead development of course-level visual design approaches and ensure consistency across modules.

  • Establish, maintain, and improve visual style guides and reusable templates to ensure repeatable production and cross-artist consistency.

  • Perform senior-level review of visual assets for technical accuracy, accessibility, and alignment to storyboards and learning objectives.


Job description

Purpose and Impact:

Provide senior visual design leadership supporting development and sustainment of technical training products. Leads the translation of complex technical concepts into cohesive visual systems across multiple modules/courses, establishes and enforces visual standards, and ensures consistent user experience and accessibility across deliverables. Determines the appropriate style, techniques, and medium for effective instruction, and produces advanced graphics, animations, interactive visual elements, and templates. Organizes work products and editable source files to support team continuity and rapid updates. The Level 3 Graphic Artist provides production governance and quality review for visual assets; Configuration Management retains responsibility for official version control, baselines, repository controls, and release distribution.

Work Schedule: The coursesbeing supported are active from 0800-1500 M-F. Contract core hours are 1000-1400.

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Lead development of course-level visual design approaches and ensure consistency across modules (layout systems, icon sets, diagram conventions, and visual progression).
  • Establish, maintain, and improve visual style guides and reusable templates to ensure repeatable production and cross-artist consistency.
  • Produce advanced graphics and animations (e.g., complex technical sequences, layered motion graphics, interactive visual elements where permitted by tooling) and define production standards for asset quality.
  • Ensure visual sequencing supports learning progression (later concepts build on earlier concepts; consistent visual language; reduced learner cognitive load).
  • Perform senior-level review of visual assets for technical accuracy (in coordination with SMEs), accessibility considerations, and alignment to storyboards and learning objectives; provide documented review comments and dispositions as directed.
  • Define accessibility expectations for visual assets (contrast, labeling conventions, readability) and support Section 508 remediation verification for graphics/animations as required.
  • Establish and maintain team working conventions for editable source files and reusable asset libraries (naming conventions, folder structures, templates/reusable elements) to enable transition between team members; provide required source/export bundles and documented change summaries to Configuration Management for controlled intake and release packaging as directed.

Security Clearance Required:

  • TS/SCI preferred

Minimum Education:

  • Master's degree in Graphic Design, Multimedia, Visual Communication, or related field and five (5) years of relevant experience; OR
  • Bachelor's degree in the same fields and seven (7) years of relevant experience; OR
  • Associate's degree (or 18 semester hours of military coursework/training in a related field) and a minimum of nine (9) years of relevant experience; OR
  • High school diploma/GED and a minimum of eleven (11) years of relevant experience

Minimum Years of Experience:

  • Relevant experience includes Level 2 experience plus leading visual standards/style guides, producing advanced animations/visual systems across multiple modules, conducting senior-level asset reviews, establishing reusable templates/libraries, and coordinating delivery bundles and change summaries to Configuration Management for controlled intake.
  • Must have three (3) years' experience using video equipment and video editing software for the development of training products
  • Must have three (3) years' experience with designing static graphics, animations, and interactive media using Government-approved tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud applications such as Photoshop/Illustrator/After Effects and HTML5-based workflows)
  • Must have three (3) years' experience using HTML5 and JavaScript to produce interactive elements in a web-based environment is desired.
  • Experience performing senior-level review of assets for consistency, accessibility considerations, and alignment to storyboards/objectives; documenting review comments/dispositions is required.
  • Experience defining accessibility expectations for visual assets and supporting Section 508 remediation verification is required.
  • Knowledge of 3D tools and the ability to use 3D models in training development for simulation activities. Ability to draw complex diagrams and develop illustrated characters using computer software.

#javelin

As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and compliant work environment, Amentum is a drug-free workplace and requires all personnel to comply with company drug and alcohol policies as a condition of employment. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of the drug screening process. Please note that this may include pre-hire screening for marijuana, as well as other federally controlled substances due to Amentum's role as a federal contractor and trusted partner to the US Government.

Other Responsibilities:

Safety - Amentum enforces a safety culture whereby all employees have the responsibility for continuously developing and maintaining a safe work environment. As appropriate, each employee is responsible for completing all training requirements and fulfilling all self-aid/buddy aid responsibilities, participating in emergency response tasks and serving on safety committees and teams.

Quality - Quality is the foundation for the management of our business and the keystone to our goal of customer satisfaction. It is our policy to consistently provide services that meet customer expectations. Accordingly, each employee must conform to the Amentum Quality Policy and carry out job activities in compliance with applicable Amentum Quality System documents and customer contracts. Each employee must read and understand his/her Quality Management and Customer Satisfaction responsibilities.

Procedure Compliance - Each employee must read, understand and implement the general and specific operational, safety, quality and environmental requirements of all plans, procedures and policies pertaining to his/her job. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

Compensation Details:

$135000 - $185000

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance

  • Paid time off and holidays

  • Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)

  • Educational reimbursement

  • Parental leave

  • Employee stock purchase plan

  • Tax-saving options

  • Disability and life insurance

  • Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting:

09/01/2026 - Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language atLabor Laws Posters.