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Junior Animation Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animator IV

Reno, NV

$105K - $120K/yr

Working closely with Game Designers, Engineers, Technical Artists, and Art peers, you will drive a ... Review and provide feedback on animation assets from peers and junior team members to ensure ...

Animator IV

Reno, NV

$105K - $120K/yr

Working closely with Game Designers, Engineers, Technical Artists, and Art peers, you will drive a ... Review and provide feedback on animation assets from peers and junior team members to ensure ...

With experts in biomedical science, software engineering, and program management, we focus on ... Create illustrations, videos, animations, web content, and graphic designs for publication and ...

New

Junior Illustrator

Hamilton, MT · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

With experts in biomedical science, software engineering, and program management, we focus on ... Create illustrations, videos, animations, web content, and graphic designs for publication and ...

New

Junior Illustrator

Hamilton, MT · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

With experts in biomedical science, software engineering, and program management, we focus on ... Create illustrations, videos, animations, web content, and graphic designs for publication and ...

New

After Effects or Premiere Pro for simple animations/edits. • Asset preparation: exporting ... engineering of our products. Our patented technologies deliver safe, cost effective and unique ...

Jr. Front End Developer

Park City, UT · On-site

$108K - $126K/yr

Jr. Front-End Developer (1-2 Years Experience) Grow your skill-set, accelerate your career and work ... Experience with basic animation techniques in CSS * Knowledge of GitHub or similar Version Control ...

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Junior Animation Engineer information

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$33.5K

$71.8K

$109.5K

How much do junior animation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior animation engineer in the United States is $71,799.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Junior Animation Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Animation Engineer, you need foundational knowledge in computer graphics, animation principles, and a degree in computer science, game development, or a related field. Familiarity with animation software (such as Maya or Blender), scripting languages (like Python or MEL), and game engines (such as Unity or Unreal Engine) is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with artists and developers. These skills and qualities are crucial for creating high-quality animations and ensuring smooth integration within interactive digital environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Junior Animation Engineers when collaborating with artists and designers?

Junior Animation Engineers often encounter challenges in translating creative concepts from artists and designers into technical implementations within the animation pipeline. Communication gaps can arise due to differing technical and artistic perspectives, requiring the engineer to clearly understand both the creative intent and technical constraints. Successfully bridging this gap involves asking clarifying questions, providing feasible solutions, and iterating on feedback to ensure animations are both visually appealing and performance-optimized. Over time, these collaborations help develop strong interdisciplinary skills valuable for career growth in animation technology.

What are Junior Animation Engineers?

Junior Animation Engineers are entry-level professionals who support the creation, optimization, and integration of animations in digital media, such as video games, films, or interactive applications. They work closely with animators, artists, and senior engineers to develop animation tools, implement character movements, and ensure smooth visual performance. Typically, they use programming languages and animation software to bring creative ideas to life within technical constraints.

What is the difference between Junior Animation Engineer vs Junior 3D Modeler?

AspectJunior Animation EngineerJunior 3D Modeler
Required SkillsAnimation software, scripting, basic physicsModeling software, texturing, topology
Work EnvironmentGame studios, animation houses, film productionGame studios, VFX companies, animation studios
Common CertificationsAnimation courses, basic programming3D modeling courses, software certifications

Both roles often work in similar environments within the gaming and film industries. While Junior Animation Engineers focus on creating animated sequences and integrating physics, Junior 3D Modelers specialize in building and texturing 3D assets. Understanding these differences helps candidates target their skills and career paths effectively.

What cities are hiring for Junior Animation Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Junior Animation Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animation Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Animation Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Junior Animation Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Junior Animation Engineer jobs include:
Junior Animation Programmer - Remote or OnSite

Junior Animation Programmer - Remote or OnSite

Studio Wildcard

Seattle, WA • On-site, Remote

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

We're Studio Wildcard, developers of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved -- one of the most popular and original video games in recent years. Despite our massive success, we've been able to stay independent, so that we can steer our own future in games and beyond. There's never been a better time for you to join this adventure and help us buildARK Survival Ascended, the next chapter of our original hit franchise! We're expanding and updating many of the ARK community's most beloved features while taking full advantage of the latest tools and technologies.

And now we're searching for an exceptionally talented and passionate Animation Programmer who can create high-impact work for the expanding ARK franchise.

Responsibilities:

  • Design, write, and implement animation systems, using Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints and Control Rigs
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams to improve current solutions and create new ones
  • Create documentation and provide pipeline improvements


Requirements:

  • Minimum of 1 year of experience in game development as an animation programmer
  • Advanced understanding of animation systems
  • Strong self-motivation and willingness to participate in many areas of game development
  • Experience using Unreal Engine 5


Pluses:

  • C++ experience
  • Degree in computer science or a related field
  • Experience with Rigging and Animation
  • Tool Programming, MEL, PyMel Python
  • Houdini experience


Required Application Materials:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter which should include
    • Why you are interested in working for Studio Wildcard
    • What games you are currently playing


About Studio Wildcard

Studio Wildcard was founded in 2014 by industry veterans Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak, with the mission of bringing AAA quality to ambitious indie productions designed for core gamers. With countless years of combined industry experience across multiple independent and studio-backed titles, Wildcard's core team continues to grow, with offices in Redmond, WA, and Gainesville, FL including distributed team members across multiple continents.


Equal Opportunity Employer
Wildcard is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws, regulations or ordinances. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to disability during the application or the recruiting process, please let us know.


Pay Transparency Information
The expected annual base pay range(s) for this position vary based on a variety of factors, which include: (but aren't limited to) skills, competencies, qualifications, knowledge, and experience. Each pay range is only relevant to those residing in WA state and can vary based on geographical location.


Wildcard Benefits
We pay 100% of all premiums for the employee and discounted rates for dependent premiums. Our coverage includes Medical (5 different plans to choose from), Dental, Vision, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, 401(k) option, 100% covered Parental Leave, PTO, Paid Holidays, Unlimited Sick Time, and FSA/ HSA options