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Full Time Technical Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Senior Technical Animation Designer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$108.90K - $161.16K/yr

What We Need: We are looking for a Senior Technical Animation Designer to be responsible for ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

CD PROJEKT RED

Senior Gameplay Animator (Locomotion)

Boston, MA · On-site

$115.20K - $131.50K/yr

... Technical Animation, and Engineering. Your goal will be to ensure animation content and runtime ... Working mode: in-office in a hybrid or full-time capacity. Health & Well-being * Company paid ...

CD PROJEKT RED

Senior Gameplay Animator (Locomotion)

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$115.20K - $131.50K/yr

... Technical Animation, and Engineering. Your goal will be to ensure animation content and runtime ... Working mode: in-office in a hybrid or full-time capacity. Health & Well-being * Company paid ...

2K

Principal Character Technical Artist

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$133.40K - $198K/yr

Establish and own the technical standards for character rigging, technical animation, and dynamic ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

The Walt Disney Company

Manager, Animation

Bristol, CT

$126.80K - $170K/yr

Identify and drive resolutions to technical, operational, and organizational challenges ... Graphic Design & Motion Graphics Design - Sports Employment Type: Full time Primary City, State ...

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How much do full time technical animator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time technical animator in the United States is $39.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $63.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Full Time Technical Animator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time Technical Animator, you need a strong background in animation principles, rigging, and scripting, often supported by a degree in computer animation or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, Python scripting, and game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity is essential. Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills help you bridge creative and technical teams. These abilities are crucial for delivering high-quality, efficient animation pipelines and ensuring seamless integration of assets into interactive projects.

How does a Full Time Technical Animator typically collaborate with other departments in a game development studio?

A Full Time Technical Animator works closely with both the animation and engineering teams to ensure that character and object animations function smoothly in the game engine. This role often serves as a bridge, translating artistic vision into technical implementation by developing animation rigs, solving technical issues, and optimizing animation assets. Regular communication with artists, programmers, and designers is essential to maintain consistency and address any integration challenges, making teamwork and adaptability key components of the job.

What are Full Time Technical Animators?

Full Time Technical Animators are professionals who bridge the gap between art and technology in game development, film, and animation industries. They work on creating, rigging, and optimizing character models and animations, ensuring they move realistically and efficiently in digital environments. Technical Animators also collaborate closely with animators, modelers, and programmers to develop tools, troubleshoot animation issues, and implement animation systems. Their role is essential in bringing lifelike movement and interactivity to digital characters and assets.

What is the difference between Full Time Technical Animator vs 3D Animator?

AspectFull Time Technical Animator3D Animator
Required SkillsRigging, scripting, technical problem-solvingModeling, texturing, animation
Work EnvironmentGame studios, animation houses, VFX companiesFilm, game, and advertising industries
Common CertificationsTechnical certifications in animation software, scriptingAnimation degrees, portfolio showcase

Full Time Technical Animators focus on the technical aspects of animation, such as rigging and scripting, often working closely with programmers. 3D Animators primarily create animated sequences, emphasizing artistic skills. Both roles are vital in the animation pipeline but differ in technical depth and creative focus.

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Full Time Technical Animator jobs near you

Senior Technical Animation Designer

31st Union

San Mateo, CA • On-site

$108.90K - $161.16K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

WE ARE GAME MAKERS
Who We Are:
We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and inspired by a culture of inclusivity to build amazing games that thrill players everywhere. We pursue growth and innovation in an environment of safety and trust. Our culture is built on the belief that the more varied voices in our collective will strengthen our team and our games. We are looking for our next teammate who will raise our bar and make us better.
What We Need:
We are looking for a Senior Technical Animation Designer to be responsible for designing, creating, and maintaining animation systems that drive the gameplay motion of our characters. This will include features that support major gameplay mechanics, such as locomotion and abilities, UI selection animations, and procedural solutions.
You will be a communication hub in addition to the technical aspect of the job. You'll need to ensure that everyone has the information they need to be successful. This role is focused on technical animation, but will also work with design and engineering teams to translate needs across those subject areas.
Who You Are:
  • Collaborate closely with teams across Animation, Engineering, and Design to help deliver a cohesive, high-quality animation style that supports an immersive gameplay experience.
  • Work with key stakeholders to define goals and implement scalable solutions that streamline animation content creation and integration.
  • Take initiative in building and refining animation systems, carefully balancing performance needs with desired in-game behaviors.
  • Provide and offer technical support and mentorship to animators, contributing to their development while promoting effective cross-disciplinary communication.
  • Regularly document processes and share insights to help improve team workflows and knowledge sharing.

What Will Make You a Great Fit:
  • Shipped at least one AAA title with 4+ years of professional animation experience in Maya
  • Strong understanding of third-person shooter mechanics and in-engine animation systems (state machines, blendspaces, animation graphs)
  • Proficient with run-time and procedural animation tools such as IK, Control Rig, retargeting, ragdolls, and motion matching
  • Experienced in Unreal Engine (2+ years), including scripting with Blueprints and/or C++, and solid foundation in vector math and code concepts.
  • Skilled at bridging disciplines with strong problem-solving and communication abilities.
  • Continuously up to date with the latest in Unreal, Maya, and animation technologies; portfolio demonstrating expertise.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $108,900 and $161,160 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. Ontario only: The use of Artificial Intelligence is not being used to screen candidates. The position is for an existing vacancy.
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