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Manager Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

An animation reel that demonstrates high-quality hand-keyed animation. * Experience working with Perforce and managing assets in large-scale, multi-team environments. Bonus Qualifications:

31st Union

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

An animation reel that demonstrates high-quality hand-keyed animation. * Experience working with Perforce and managing assets in large-scale, multi-team environments. Bonus Qualifications:

31st Union

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

An animation reel that demonstrates high-quality hand-keyed animation. * Experience working with Perforce and managing assets in large-scale, multi-team environments. Bonus Qualifications:

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Proficient with animation systems in UE5 * Strong verbal and written communication skills * Strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines * Shipped 1+ title * Unreal Engine 4 or 5 ...

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Proficient with animation systems in UE5 * Strong verbal and written communication skills * Strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines * Shipped 1+ title * Unreal Engine 4 or 5 ...

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

Proficient with animation systems in UE5 * Strong verbal and written communication skills * Strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines * Shipped 1+ title * Unreal Engine 4 or 5 ...

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Manager Animation information

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$29K

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How much do manager animation jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager animation in the United States is $104,575.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical responsibilities of a Manager Animation in a studio setting?

A Manager Animation typically oversees the animation team's workflow, ensuring project deadlines and quality standards are met throughout production. Responsibilities include planning and prioritizing tasks, coordinating between animators and other departments such as storyboarding, modeling, and post-production, and providing feedback to guide creative direction. You may also participate in hiring and mentoring team members, tracking project budgets, and presenting progress updates to studio leadership. This role requires balancing creative vision with practical constraints to ensure smooth project execution. Working closely with both creative and technical staff is essential for maintaining an efficient and inspiring studio environment.

What does a Manager Animation do?

A Manager Animation oversees the animation production process, leading a team of animators, designers, and artists to ensure high-quality content delivery. They coordinate with directors, producers, and other departments to align creative vision with project goals and deadlines. Responsibilities include managing schedules, supervising animation quality, and troubleshooting technical or creative challenges. Strong leadership, communication, and animation expertise are essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Manager Animation position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manager Animation, you need a deep understanding of animation production, strong leadership abilities, and experience in team and project management, often backed by a degree in animation or related fields. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Autodesk Maya, and project management platforms, along with certifications in animation or production management, is highly valued. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills help motivate teams and navigate tight deadlines. These competencies are critical for delivering high-quality animated projects on time while fostering a collaborative and creative work environment.

More about Manager Animation jobs
What cities are hiring for Manager Animation jobs? Cities with the most Manager Animation job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animation jobs? The most popular types of Animation jobs are:
What states have the most Manager Animation jobs? States with the most job openings for Manager Animation jobs include:
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Manager Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manager Animation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% As Needed, 23% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 19% Nights. Highlights an 68% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,575 per year, or $50.3 per hour.

Lead Animator

2K

San Mateo, CA • On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

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 seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining leadership duties. You will help drive the project's visual style by providing regular feedback, mentoring team members, and contributing to the overall quality and success of the team's output. In this role, you'll collaborate closely with technical artists, game designers, producers, engineers, animators, and other cross-functional partners to bring creative ideas and gameplay experiences to life.
What You'll Do:
  • Create high-quality in-game animations that support responsive, polished gameplay.
  • Implement animations directly in Unreal using the project's animation system and Blueprints.
  • Set up animation blends, overlays, events, and related systems in Unreal.
  • Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning.
  • Develop quick animation prototypes for new gameplay features, such as combat abilities, character actions, or animatic sequences.
  • Help define, maintain, and elevate the animation style and quality bar by creating clear examples, documenting standards, and sharing best practices with the team.
  • Provide regular feedback in partnership with the Animation Director, mentoring animators, onboarding and developing team members, and serving as a trusted resource for creative guidance and support.
  • Interpret and translate direction from directors and creative leads into clear, actionable animation goals.
  • Help to organize and assign sub-team tasks based on individual strengths and project deadlines, assisting the Director in creating realistic timelines that balance delivery with team growth.
  • Partner with Technical Animation to explore and refine locomotion and overall character motion, ensuring the smoothest and most polished player experience possible.
  • Collaborate closely with Production on roadmap planning, task estimation, and risk assessment, while balancing competing priorities and adjusting workflows to accommodate evolving project requirements.
  • Escalate issues to the Animation Director when artistic decisions or direction are needed.
What Will Make You a Great Fit:
  • 6-8+ years of experience in game development, including at least one shipped AAA title in an animation role.
  • 2-4+ years of experience in a leadership role and/or mentoring experience.
  • Familiar with Unreal Engine, including animation systems, asset integration, and runtime considerations, with advanced knowledge of Maya.
  • Nimble and able to prioritize and problem-solve quickly, while responding effectively to creative redirection.
  • Strong collaboration and communication skills within and across fields, with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
  • An animation reel that demonstrates high-quality hand-keyed animation.
  • Experience working with Perforce and managing assets in large-scale, multi-team environments.
Bonus Qualifications:
  • Experience leveraging Google Sheets/Excel to organize asset inventories, monitor production status, and facilitate coordination and visibility across departments.
  • Experience creating cinematic sequences, character performances, and story-driven animation that enhances narrative and emotional impact.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $123,200 and $182,360 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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