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Contract Animation Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Contract We are seeking a Cinematics Animator for a contract role focused on delivering high-quality character and creature acting in cinematic cutscenes. The ideal candidate will work with a ...

Redmond, WA Openings: 1 Type: Long-term Contract We are looking for someone who has deep history ... Animation Libraries * D3 * Three JS * GreenSock

Front End Designer/Developer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$116K - $135K/yr

Multiple Type: Long-Term Contract Expertise: Any of the following Vanilla JavaScript, Interaction / Animation, ReactJS, MongoDB, PWA, Building custom HTML,CSS, JavaScript Frameworks. Project ...

Front End Developers

Redmond, WA · On-site +1

$116K - $135K/yr

Multiple Type: Long-term Contract or Hire Summary: This is a highly-visible, next-gen design and ... Experience in user experience, coding for user interaction and web page animations * Web/(possibly ...

Front End Developers

Redmond, WA · On-site

$116K - $135K/yr

Multiple Type: Long-term Contract or Hire Summary: This is a highly-visible, next-gen design and ... Experience in user experience, coding for user interaction and web page animations * Web/(possibly ...

... contract lifecycle management (CLM). What you'll do The Sr. Brand Designer, Events will be a core ... animation, and supporting content ladder up to a unified event narrative * Develop scalable asset ...

SENIOR CINEMATIC DESIGNER

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Contract Key Responsibilities * Work with Cinematic Leadership, Narrative, Design, and technical ... animation, vfx, and audio. * Refine pipelines and tooling for Cinematic Design, ensuring ...

Contract Animation information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$12

$44

$79

How much do contract animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract animation in Seattle, WA is $44.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.90 and $72.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract animator?

Contract animators are professionals who create animations for clients or companies on a contractual basis, rather than as full-time employees. They may work independently as freelancers or through agencies, producing animations for films, video games, advertisements, websites, or other media. Their responsibilities typically include developing storyboards, designing characters, and using animation software to bring visual concepts to life. Contract animators often have flexible schedules and may work remotely or on-site, depending on the project's needs. Their contracts can range from short-term assignments to longer projects, depending on the scope and complexity of the work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract animator?

To thrive as a Contract Animator, you need strong artistic ability, proficiency in animation principles, and experience with industry-standard tools, often supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Expertise in software such as Adobe After Effects, Toon Boom, Maya, or Blender is typically required, along with familiarity with project management and file-sharing systems. Creativity, time management, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with clients and meeting deadlines. These skills ensure the delivery of high-quality animations that align with client expectations and project timelines in a competitive freelance environment.

What are some typical challenges faced by contract animators when working with multiple clients simultaneously?

Contract animators often juggle projects for several clients at once, which can lead to challenges in managing deadlines, adapting to different animation styles, and communicating effectively with diverse teams. Balancing varying expectations and feedback cycles requires strong organizational and time-management skills. Staying adaptable and maintaining clear communication with each client helps ensure project success and fosters positive professional relationships.

What is the difference between Contract Animation vs Freelance Animator?

AspectContract AnimationFreelance Animator
CredentialsTypically requires a portfolio, relevant animation software skills, and sometimes a degree in animation or related fieldSimilar credentials; portfolio and software proficiency are essential
Work EnvironmentUsually employed by a company or agency for a fixed term or projectOperates independently, often from home or personal studio
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in media, advertising, and entertainment industries for short-term projectsUsed across various industries, including advertising, gaming, and independent projects

Contract Animation involves working for a company or agency on specific projects for a set period, often with structured contracts. Freelance Animators operate independently, managing their own clients and schedules. Both roles require strong animation skills and portfolios, but Contract Animators typically work within a team environment, while Freelance Animators have more flexibility and autonomy.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animation jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Animation jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Contract Animation jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Contract Animation job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Animation job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 67% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,288 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

CINEMATICS CUTSCENE ANIMATOR

Apex Systems

Bellevue, WA • On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Work with a cinematic layout artist to deliver high-quality performances for cinematic cutscenes.

  • Animate using both hand-key techniques and motion capture data.

  • Set up and implement animation files using Unreal, Unreal Sequencer, Autodesk Maya, and the Metahuman Performance Asset auto lip sync tool.


Job description

CINEMATICS ANIMATOR - CutscenesRole Overview

Location: United States (Remote)

Work Type: Contract

We are seeking a Cinematics Animator for a contract role focused on delivering high-quality character and creature acting in cinematic cutscenes. The ideal candidate will work with a cinematic layout artist to create compelling performances through both hand-key animation and motion capture data enhancement.

Key Responsibilities
  • Work with a cinematic layout artist partner to deliver high-quality performances for cinematic cutscenes.
  • Animate using both hand-key techniques and motion capture data.
  • Collaborate with Tech Art, Character, and Creature teams to test rigs.
  • Set up and implement animation files using Unreal, Unreal Sequencer, Autodesk Maya, and the Metahuman Performance Asset auto lip sync tool.
  • Utilize a proprietary Round Trip Tool to assist the layout artist with animation-related issues.
  • Implement feedback from Cinematics management and the Cinematics Animation supervisor.
  • Post captured work for review and contribute input during team meetings.
Required Qualifications
  • Experience: 2+ years of relevant animation experience in gaming.
  • Technical Skills: Strong portfolio demonstrating skills in performance animation, both body and face.
  • Proficiency in lip sync animation.
  • Ability to hand-key animate and enhance motion capture data.
  • Strong skills in Maya.
  • Experience with an auto lip sync tool.
  • Experience in Unreal.
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate and take direction from stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Knowledge of other cinematic-related skills, such as editing, storyboarding, layout, camera, lighting, and audio collaboration.
  • A passion for games, animation, and storytelling.
About Us

Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing® in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work® in the United Kingdom and Mexico.

Benefits Overview
  • Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection.
  • We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure.
  • Everforth Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts.
  • In terms of professional development, Everforth Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA.
  • Everforth Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach.
Disability Accommodations

If you require an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in an interview with a virtual recruiter or to use our website for a search or application, please contact our Benefits Department at accommodations@apexsystems.com or 804-523-8228. Please note that this contact information is strictly to be used for medical ADA accommodations and that no other inquiries will be answered.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Everforth Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Everforth Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law.

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