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Full Time Video Game Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Create high-quality in-game animations that support responsive, polished gameplay. * Implement ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

31st Union

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Create high-quality in-game animations that support responsive, polished gameplay. * Implement ... Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including ...

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Full Time Video Game Animator information

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How much do full time video game animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time video game 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 is the difference between Full Time Video Game Animator vs 3D Character Modeler?

AspectFull Time Video Game Animator3D Character Modeler
Required SkillsAnimation principles, rigging, motion captureModeling, texturing, topology
Work EnvironmentGame studios, animation departmentsModeling studios, game development teams
Common CertificationsAnimation software certifications (Maya, Blender)3D modeling software certifications (3ds Max, ZBrush)
Industry UsageCreating character movements and effectsBuilding character models for games

The main difference between a Full Time Video Game Animator and a 3D Character Modeler lies in their focus: animators bring characters to life through movement, while modelers create the visual models. Both roles often collaborate within game development teams and require similar software skills, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

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

To thrive as a Full Time Video Game Animator, you need strong skills in character animation, knowledge of animation principles, and a degree in animation, fine arts, or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max, and experience with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, are typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong collaboration skills help you stand out in this role. These abilities ensure the creation of compelling, lifelike animations that enhance gameplay and provide engaging player experiences.

What does a full time video game animator do?

A full time video game animator creates the movement and behavior of characters, creatures, and objects in video games. They use specialized animation software to bring digital assets to life, ensuring smooth and realistic motion that enhances gameplay and storytelling. Animators collaborate closely with game designers, programmers, and artists to achieve the desired visual effects and maintain consistency with the game's style. Their work is crucial in making games immersive and engaging for players.

What are some common challenges faced by full-time video game animators, and how can they be addressed?

Full-time video game animators often face challenges such as meeting tight production deadlines, adapting to evolving project requirements, and collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams. Balancing creativity with technical constraints, such as polygon counts or frame rate limitations, can also be demanding. To address these challenges, animators benefit from strong communication skills, effective time management, and a willingness to learn new software or techniques as technology evolves. Regular feedback sessions and close collaboration with designers, programmers, and artists help ensure animations fit seamlessly into the game's vision and mechanics.
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Full Time Video Game Animator jobs near you
Senior Simulation Animation Engineer - Special Projects

Senior Simulation Animation Engineer - Special Projects

Apple

Cupertino, CA • On-site

$130K - $149K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 666 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or Apple Store experience we deliver is the result of us making each other's ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It's the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you'll do more than join something - you'll add something.
Description
As as Senior Simulation Animation Engineer you will have an opportunity to be part of an innovation-focused organization within Apple that is developing simulations and generating synthetic data. You will be able to work on highly ambitious and impactful simulation projects. This team has a strong focus on enabling AIML-based features and products. Our ideal team member brings experience but is also fearless when it comes to trying new things and is willing to iterate on ideas. We value team members who can quickly prototype, iterating all the way to high-quality implementations. Moreover, we value team members who can collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams across the organization.
Minimum Qualifications
4 years of professional experience.
Strong proficiency in C++ and solid software engineering fundamentals.
Knowledge of animation principles, skeletal animation, and character rigging concepts.
Experience implementing animation graphs, blend systems, runtime animation retargeting, and IK solvers.
Familiarity with profiling, optimization, and debugging in a real-time environment.
Good communication skills and ability to collaborate with animators, designers, and engineers.
Experience with a major game engine.
Preferred Qualifications
Familiarity with USD format and tools, especially for animation
Experience in video game real time animation systems
Experience with offline animation and rendering pipelines
Experience with hair and cloth simulations

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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