ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Maya Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Excellent Maya animation skills * Proficient with animation systems in UE5 * Strong verbal and written communication skills * Strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines * Shipped 1+ ...

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA

$88K - $120K/yr

Excellent Maya animation skills * Proficient with animation systems in UE5 * Strong verbal and written communication skills * Strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines * Shipped 1+ ...

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

Excellent Maya animation skills * Proficient with animation systems in UE5 * Strong verbal and written communication skills * Strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines * Shipped 1+ ...

De Circle

Animation Engineer - EmptyVessel

Austin, TX · On-site +1

Utilize Autodesk Maya for keyframe animation and animation techniques, implementing key poses to enhance character movement. * Work within Visual Studio IDE to write and optimize code, ensuring ...

Flying Bark Productions

3D Animation Lead

Denver, NC · On-site +1

This role requires strong leadership skills, technical knowledge of animation tools (especially Maya), and the ability to solve creative and technical challenges while meeting deadlines. The lead ...

New

2K

Senior Technical Animation Designer

San Mateo, CA

$108.90K - $161.16K/yr

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 ...

2K

Senior Technical Animation Designer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$108.90K - $161.16K/yr

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 ...

Swaybox Studios

CG Animator

New Orleans, LA

Secondarily to create realistic biped body animation * Work closely with the director and character designers to understand the intended performance and character aesthetic * Utilize Maya to produce ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsMaya Animation Jobs

Maya Animation information

See salary details

$10

$39

$70

How much do maya animation jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for maya animation 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 Maya Animator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Maya Animator, you need strong artistic skills, a solid understanding of animation principles, and proficiency in Autodesk Maya, often backed by a degree in animation or a related field. Mastery of Maya software, familiarity with rigging, rendering engines, and sometimes a knowledge of scripting languages like MEL or Python are typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and excellent communication help animators collaborate effectively and bring characters to life. These skills ensure high-quality, visually compelling animations that meet production standards and support team workflows.

What are some common challenges Maya Animators face when working on collaborative projects, and how can they be addressed?

Maya Animators often work in teams where clear communication and consistency are crucial, especially when multiple animators contribute to the same scene or character. Common challenges include managing version control, ensuring animation styles remain cohesive, and integrating feedback from directors or other departments. These challenges can be addressed by adhering to standardized naming conventions, using shared asset libraries, regularly updating project files, and participating in team reviews to align creative direction. Proactive communication and flexibility help maintain a smooth workflow and high-quality output.

What is Maya animation?

Maya animation refers to the process of creating animated sequences using Autodesk Maya, a leading 3D computer graphics and animation software. Artists use Maya to model, rig, animate, and render characters and environments for films, TV, video games, and commercials. The software offers a wide range of tools and features for keyframe animation, motion graphics, dynamics, and more, making it a popular choice among professional animators and studios worldwide.

What is the difference between Maya Animation vs 3D Modeler?

AspectMaya Animation3D Modeler
Primary FocusCreating animated sequences and character movementsDesigning and building 3D models and assets
Skills RequiredAnimation principles, rigging, keyframing, storytellingModeling techniques, topology, texturing, software proficiency
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, VFX companies, game developmentDesign firms, game studios, VFX houses
CertificationsOften requires knowledge of Maya software, animation coursesProficiency in Maya, 3ds Max, Blender, with modeling certifications

While Maya Animation focuses on bringing characters and objects to life through movement, 3D Modelers concentrate on creating the detailed 3D assets used in animations and environments. Both roles often collaborate in the production pipeline, but their core skills and tasks differ significantly.

More about Maya Animation jobs
What cities are hiring for Maya Animation jobs? Cities with the most Maya Animation job openings:
What states have the most Maya Animation jobs? States with the most job openings for Maya Animation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Maya Animation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Maya Animation jobs are:
Maya Animation jobs near you
Senior Gameplay Animator

Senior Gameplay Animator

Ember Lab

Orange, CA • On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

At Ember Lab, our goal is to create powerful, transformative experiences that impact people for a lifetime. Having released our debut game, Kena: Bridge of Spirits, in 2021 this journey is just beginning. We're looking for collaborative team members who share our passion for storytelling and are eager to help us shape the future of Ember Lab.
We believe a strong, collaborative environment is critical to creating memorable experiences. As a Senior Gameplay Animator, you will conceptualize, design, develop and execute 3D animations. You will collaborate across teams to bring these animations and Ember Lab work to life!
Description
  • Create, test, and iterate on gameplay animations related to combat and interactive events
  • Integrate animations into game project and relevant animation systems
  • Collaborate with the design and engineering teams to ensure animations align with gameplay mechanics and technical constraints.
  • Iterate and refine animations based on feedback from team members and playtesting.
  • Attend to bugs related to tasks and maintain relevant animation features
  • Contribute to the development of animation workflows and tools to streamline the animation process.
  • Stay up-to-date with industry trends and techniques to continually improve the quality of animations.

Requirements
  • 5+ years of gameplay animation experience
  • Strong skills in animating body mechanics and action
  • Excellent Maya animation skills
  • 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 experience

Location
  • In Office

To Apply
  • Please include a portfolio

Compensation Range
The standard annual base salary range for this role in the U.S. is $88,000 - $120,000 USD. Actual pay will vary depending on experience, qualifications, performance and location. The base salary range for locations outside of the U.S. will be adjusted according to location.
At Ember Lab, we like to keep things professional and straightforward when it comes to hiring. All of our recruitment happens through official channels like an Ember Lab email, our recruitment platform BambooHR, or LinkedIn.
If you ever get a message from someone claiming to be us through an unexpected or suspicious platform, it's probably not legit-feel free to ignore it or give us a heads-up at contact@emberlab.com.
We've got your back when it comes to keeping the process safe and secure!

Apply