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Motion Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AGBO

Expression of Interest - Animator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

Edit Motion Capture data to blend detailed character movement/facial with keyframe skills. * Work with the Lead Animator and other team members to help evolve our tools and pipeline. * Maintain the ...

PUBG Madison

Senior Animator

Madison, WI · On-site +1

$106K - $121K/yr

Our state-of-the art studio and brand-new motion capture studio are in the heart of Madison, WI, a ... Defines animation direction and execution even in ambiguous situations. * Organizes direction and ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Utilize motion capture data and hand-keyed facial animation techniques for realism. * Engage in research, gather reference materials, and document findings to share with the team, aiding in animation ...

New

Progressive Gaming

Animator

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$114K - $141K/yr

Deep understanding of motion, composition, and player-driven animation design * Ability to collaborate, give/receive feedback, and raise the bar creatively Keys to Success Building collaborative ...

Acquisition.com LLC

Motion Designer

Las Vegas, NV · On-site +1

$80K - $90K/yr

Role The Motion Designer is the animation and motion execution engine behind ACQ Media's video and social content output across all brands and platforms. This role executes on: * Designing and ...

IGT

Animator

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$114K - $141K/yr

Deep understanding of motion, composition, and player-driven animation design * Ability to collaborate, give/receive feedback, and raise the bar creatively Keys to Success Building collaborative ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

Utilize motion capture data and hand-keyed facial animation techniques for realism. * Engage in research, gather reference materials, and document findings to share with the team, aiding in animation ...

New

Ten4

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA

$129K - $148K/yr

Use motion capture, video, and thumbnail sketches as reference for your process * Prototype gameplay by blocking animation quickly; when ideas are proven, polish animations to a high level * Provide ...

Ten4

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$129K - $148K/yr

Use motion capture, video, and thumbnail sketches as reference for your process * Prototype gameplay by blocking animation quickly; when ideas are proven, polish animations to a high level * Provide ...

IDW

Motion Designer

Oakland, CA · On-site

W work collaboratively with clients, internal designers, and production artists to create stand-alone animations and compelling high-quality videos. The role includes start-to-finish motion design ...

Aquent

Motion & Character Designer

Glendale, CA · On-site

$58.60 - $65.11/hr

In this pivotal role, you'll be at the forefront of defining how animation behaves inside our ... Create 2D and 3D character animations, motion graphics, and interactive motion experiences for ...

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All JobsMotion Animator Jobs

Motion Animator information

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How much do motion animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for motion 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 some common challenges Motion Animators face when working on collaborative projects?

Motion Animators often work as part of larger creative teams, including designers, directors, and sound engineers. A common challenge is ensuring that animation sequences align with the overall project vision and timing, especially when multiple people contribute assets or feedback. Effective communication and adaptability are key, as project requirements and creative directions can change quickly. Additionally, managing tight deadlines and balancing multiple revisions are typical aspects of the role, requiring strong organizational and time-management skills.

What are Motion Animators?

Motion Animators are creative professionals who design, create, and animate moving graphics and visual effects for various media, such as films, television, video games, advertisements, and online content. They use specialized software to bring characters, objects, and scenes to life by adding movement, transitions, and dynamic elements. Motion Animators often work closely with directors, designers, and editors to ensure their animations support the overall visual storytelling. Their skills blend art, design, and technical expertise to produce engaging and visually appealing content.

What is the difference between Motion Animator vs 2D Animator?

AspectMotion Animator2D Animator
Required SkillsAnimation, motion graphics, software proficiency (After Effects, Cinema 4D)Drawing, illustration, animation software (Photoshop, Animate)
Work EnvironmentFilm, advertising, digital media projectsTV, film, web animations
CertificationsRelevant animation or motion design certificationsArt or animation degrees, portfolios

While both roles involve creating animated content, a Motion Animator specializes in bringing motion graphics to life using advanced software and techniques, often focusing on digital media and advertising. A 2D Animator primarily creates traditional or digital 2D animations, emphasizing drawing skills and illustration. Both roles require strong animation skills, but Motion Animators tend to work more with motion graphics and visual effects, whereas 2D Animators focus on character animation and storytelling.

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

To excel as a Motion Animator, you need strong artistic abilities, proficiency in animation principles, and a relevant degree or portfolio demonstrating your skills. Mastery of tools like Adobe After Effects, Cinema 4D, and other industry-standard animation software is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills for collaborating with teams and interpreting feedback. These competencies are crucial for producing visually compelling animations that meet project goals and client expectations.
More about Motion Animator jobs
What job categories do people searching Motion Animator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Motion Animator jobs are:
Motion Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Motion Animator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, and 99% Full Time. Highlights an 6% Physical, 93% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Senior Gameplay Animator (Locomotion)

CD PROJEKT RED

Boston, MA • On-site

$115K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Company Description
To create revolutionary, story-driven RPGs which go straight to the hearts of gamers - this is our mission. Want to dive deeper into our company's culture? Explore our social media and check out our YouTube channel and Beyond the Game Blog where we share behind-the-scenes insights and stories direct from our team members!
Job Description
CD PROJEKT RED is looking for a Senior Gameplay Animator with a focus on locomotion to join our Boston hub and the team working on Cyberpunk 2, the next mainline Cyberpunk 2077 game.
As a hands-on individual contributor, you will define the look and feel of player and NPC locomotion-from grounded movement to cybernetically motivated actions-for a high-quality animation experience. You will work from previsualization and prototyping through final in-engine implementation, collaborating with Art, Design, Technical Animation, and Engineering. Your goal will be to ensure animation content and runtime systems deliver a responsive, readable, and compelling player experience, setting the quality bar and best practices for locomotion animation across gameplay.
Daily Responsibilities:
  • Drive locomotion animation quality for player and NPC movement across gameplay states and contexts.
  • Partner with the Animation Lead and key stakeholders to align animation quality, style, and execution with the project's aesthetic goals, gameplay pillars, and overall player experience.
  • Collaborate daily within a cross-disciplinary team to define gameplay experiential goals and deliver features from concept through final implementation.
  • Create pre-visualizations and prototypes to assist in communication and development.
  • Create high-quality finished animation using hand-keyed, procedurally generated animation, and motion capture techniques to achieve seamless, expressive, reactive movement.
  • Implement and iterate within Unreal Engine to ensure locomotion animation feels responsive, readable, and polished in real-time gameplay.
  • Research, explore and advocate new techniques, systems, and workflows to improve animation quality, efficiency, and support evolving gameplay and previsualization needs.
  • Curate motion capture shot list and provide performance direction, preparing locomotion patterns and reference videos, and assisting on-stage as necessary.
  • Provide clear feedback and animation insight during reviews and collaborations, helping raise quality.
  • Provide mentorship, inspiration, and support to early-career animators through feedback, collaboration, and example.

Qualifications
  • 5+ years of professional experience in gameplay animation development with major contributions to player locomotion.
  • Experience on a shipped title with extensive 3Cs mechanics.
  • Professional experience developing animation for locomotion in Unreal Engine (or comparable engines), including Animation Blueprints, state machines, animation montages, blend spaces, motion matching, Control Rig, and runtime animation behaviors.
  • Proficient in 3D animation skills using Maya, MotionBuilder, or equivalent DCC tools.
  • Solid animation fundamentals, including weight, timing, posing, and clarity.
  • Ability to author hand-keyed animation and motion capture into compelling performances, refining motion capture to support gameplay dynamics while maintaining the integrity of the source.
  • Deep understanding of body mechanics and physics as they relate to believable character movement and locomotion.
  • Ability to deliver work in accordance with the artistic direction of the project.

Nice to Have:
  • Experience directing motion capture, particularly for motion matching.
  • Experience developing motion-matching locomotion systems.

Candidates should include a portfolio in their application.
Additional Information
The application window for this position will close by 07/30/2026.
This job requires working in Boston, US.
Working mode: in-office in a hybrid or full-time capacity.
Health & Well-being
  • Company paid medical healthcare (dental vision & mental health included).
  • Paid leave - 26 days of vacation, 10 sick days, & 12 calendar holidays per year.
  • No dress-code - we like to keep it casual.
  • 401K with employer matching.
  • Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) - $100 per month to use towards fitness, wellness, internet, home office equipment, learning, streaming services, and more.
  • Menstrual Leave.

Perks & Professional Growth
  • Flexible working hours.
  • Trainings, lectures and courses - internal workshops, knowledge-sharing initiatives, online tutorials, and e-learning classes are all available. There's always something to learn!
  • Merch - regular chances to nab some cool swag!
  • Access to the cafeteria platform.
  • A welcome pack filled with goodies - to help you feel right at home once you join the team.

Life in the Office
  • Dog-friendly office - dog owner? Bring your pooch with you and look after them while working! There's always a furry friend or two to meet at the studio.
  • Truly international working environment - a chance to meet and work with a diverse selection of people from all around the world.

This position is a new role.
Estimated pay range for this position: $95,000 - $174,000 USD annually
At CD PROJEKT RED compensation for our roles in North America are determined based on competitive market data, geographic location, and individual factors tied to business needs. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. Final offers are dependent on job-related factors like experience, qualifications, and location.
If you've observed any irregularities (i.e. legal or ethical violations) in our recruitment process, please click here to report them anonymously.
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Videos To Watch
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