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Pipeline Developer Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Epic Games

Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC · On-site

Collaborate with Design and Engineering to troubleshoot and resolve in-game animation issues and technical challenges * Identify opportunities to improve the animation pipeline and workflow, and ...

teamLFG

OR

... Engineering to ensure animation is performant and within memory budgets Collaborate with Tech Artists developing tools that support the animation pipeline REQUIRED SKILLS In-depth experience with ...

M&S Consulting

3D Animator

Pasadena, CA · On-site +1

This role is ideal for a senior-leaning animator/generalist who enjoys working across the full 3D pipeline-from modeling through final render-and translating real-world data, engineering concepts ...

M&S Consulting

3D Animator

Pasadena, CA · Remote

This role is ideal for a senior-leaning animator/generalist who enjoys working across the full 3D pipeline--from modeling through final render--and translating real-world data, engineering concepts ...

Epic Games

Character Animation Lead

Cary, NC · On-site

You will act as a bridge between animation and engineering - helping to define workflows, shape ... Contribute to and help evolve animation pipelines, tools, and workflows for rapid iteration

teamLFG

Staff Technical Animator

$143K - $214K/yr

... with Engineering to ensure animation is performant and within memory budgets • Collaborate with Tech Artists developing tools that support the animation pipeline REQUIRED SKILLS • In-depth ...

Naughty Dog

Senior Technical Gameplay Animator

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$119K - $135K/yr

Collaborate with the Animation, Design, and Engineering teams to analyze, troubleshoot, and resolve ... Innovate and streamline animation pipeline processes and workflows What skills you will use: * 5+ ...

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How much do pipeline developer animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for pipeline developer animation in the United States is $50.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53.37 and $58.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pipeline Developer in Animation, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pipeline Developer in Animation, you need strong programming skills (especially in Python), understanding of animation workflows, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Maya, Houdini, Shotgun, and version control systems is typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication set standout candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure the smooth integration and automation of processes, enabling artists and technical teams to work efficiently and deliver high-quality animated content.

What are Pipeline Developers in Animation?

Pipeline Developers in animation are technical professionals who design, implement, and maintain the software tools and workflows that connect various stages of the animation production process. They ensure that artists, animators, and technical directors can move assets and data seamlessly between different software applications and departments. Their work helps to automate repetitive tasks, fix bottlenecks, and improve production efficiency. Pipeline Developers often write scripts, develop plugins, and provide technical support to the team throughout the animation pipeline.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

In media, high-paying roles like senior pipeline developers or lead animation engineers can earn $150,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in scripting and software tools, and working in large studios or production companies. These positions often require strong technical expertise, knowledge of animation pipelines, and sometimes certifications or specialized training.

What is the difference between Pipeline Developer Animation vs Pipeline TD?

AspectPipeline Developer AnimationPipeline TD
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Animation, or related fieldBachelor's in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, VFX companies, game developmentVFX studios, animation houses, game studios
Industry UsageFocuses on animation pipeline tools and workflowsFocuses on technical pipeline automation and software integration

While both roles involve pipeline development, the Pipeline Developer Animation specializes in creating and maintaining workflows specific to animation and visual effects, whereas the Pipeline TD focuses on automating and integrating technical pipelines across various production stages. Both roles require strong scripting skills and industry experience but differ in their primary focus areas within the production pipeline.

What are some common challenges Pipeline Developers face in animation studios, and how can they overcome them?

Pipeline Developers in animation studios often encounter challenges such as integrating new tools with legacy systems, ensuring smooth data flow between departments, and supporting diverse artist workflows. To overcome these, it’s important to maintain clear documentation, collaborate closely with artists and technical directors, and stay adaptable to rapidly evolving production needs. Regular communication with end users and iterative testing can help ensure the pipeline remains efficient and user-friendly.

What is the pipeline of animation production?

The animation production pipeline involves several key stages: pre-production, which includes storyboarding, concept art, and scripting; production, where animators create the actual animation using tools like Maya or Blender; and post-production, which involves editing, compositing, and rendering. As a pipeline developer in animation, understanding these stages and the software tools used is essential for creating efficient workflows.

What is the highest paying job in animation?

In animation, senior roles such as Lead Animator, Animation Director, or VFX Supervisor tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures annually. These positions require extensive experience, advanced skills in software like Maya or Houdini, and strong leadership abilities.

How to become a pipeline developer?

To become a pipeline developer in animation, you typically need a strong foundation in computer science, programming skills in languages like Python or C++, and experience with pipeline tools such as Autodesk Maya, Houdini, or Nuke. Gaining knowledge of scripting, automation, and version control systems, along with a portfolio of relevant projects, can improve job prospects. Many roles also require a degree in computer science, animation, or a related field.
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What cities are hiring for Pipeline Developer Animation jobs? Cities with the most Pipeline Developer Animation job openings:
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Pipeline Developer Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pipeline Developer Animation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 64% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 70% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,153 per year, or $50.6 per hour.

Senior Pipeline Engineer

Publicis Groupe Holdings B.V

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$113K - $155K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Team One is Publicis Groupe's premium brand agency dedicated to building and supporting remarkable brands. We were born with a goal: to launch an all-new luxury car brand and send it soaring to success. Since then, we've become architects of aspiration, constructing brands of elevated impact and worth.
Team One has six North American offices across the country, including its Los Angeles headquarters, Atlanta, Boise, Chicago, Dallas, and New York.
The chosen marketing partner of many of the world's high-worth brands, agency clients include Lexus, Lexus Dealer Association, Barclays, KB Home, Alarm.com, Marriott International Luxury Brands (The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, W Hotels, St. Regis Hotels and Resorts), Cathay Pacific Airways, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Wisk, Sparklight, Hewlett-Packard Enterprises, and Simplot.
Team One has one-of-a-kind insight into affluent consumers across the globe. We provide an ever-expanding body of knowledge to give brands, old and new, the tools to leverage their heritage and innovate for the future.
Agency capabilities include website development, CRM, brand and business strategy, data science and analytics, media planning, media buying, performance media, experiential/lifestyle marketing, public relations, influencer programs, social media, design, customer research, and full-service multimedia video production.
Overview
The Team One C.O.R.E.
C = COLLABORATIVE
We work together to get better stuff done than we could alone.
O = OPTIMISM
Honest and confident in our quest forward; believing the impossible is possible.
R = RESULTS-DRIVEN
Creativity is always in service of results and never for its own sake.
E = ENTREPRENEURIAL
Build something new. Shoot for the moon.
Job Summary:
The Senior Pipeline Engineer will lead the development of scalable, artist-friendly tools and systems that power our 3D production workflows. This role combines technical leadership with deep hands-on coding in Python, Unreal Engine, and Maya environments. The ideal candidate will help evolve our pipeline infrastructure, streamline artist workflows, and enhance real-time content creation.
Key Responsibilities:
Pipeline Development & Integration
  • Design, build, and maintain production pipeline tools with a focus on scalability and artist efficiency.
  • Integrate Unreal Engine into production workflows for real-time visualization, interactive content, and animation.
  • Extend and maintain Python toolsets for Maya (PyMel) and Unreal Engine environments.

Automation & Optimization
  • Develop automation tools that accelerate workflows such as rigging, asset processing, and data validation.
  • Transition legacy tools and scripts into modern orchestration frameworks (e.g., Prefect).
  • Implement user-friendly interfaces for technical tools using PyQt/PySide when needed.

Technical Collaboration & Support
  • Troubleshoot and resolve pipeline issues in collaboration with creative and technical teams.
  • Oversee version control, asset tracking, and data workflows using Perforce.
  • Communicate clearly with artists, engineers, and stakeholders to align technical solutions with creative goals.
  • Create thorough and well-organized documentation for tools, systems, and workflows.

Required Skills
  • Advanced proficiency in Python for pipeline automation and tool development.
  • Strong experience with systems design, architecture, and performance optimization.
  • Practical knowledge of Unreal Engine (Blueprints and/or C++).
  • Experience with Maya scripting (especially PyMel) and integration into production workflows.
  • Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Perforce) and production asset management.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills across technical and creative disciplines.
  • Ability to manage multiple technical tasks in parallel while maintaining high attention to detail.
  • Experience with GUI development using PyQt or PySide.
  • Background in rigging, animation, or real-time rendering workflows.
  • Familiarity with orchestration tools like Prefect, Airflow, or similar systems.
  • Experience building tools that balance usability for artists with strong technical performance.

Additional Information
Our Publicis Groupe motto "Viva La Différence" means we're better together, and we believe that our differences make us stronger. It means we honor and celebrate all identities, across all facets of intersectionality, and it underpins all that we do as an organization. We are focused on fostering belonging and creating equitable & inclusive experiences for all talent.
Publicis Groupe provides robust and inclusive benefit programs and policies to support the evolving and diverse needs of our talent and enable every person to grow and thrive. Our benefits package includes medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401K, as well as parental and family care leave, family forming assistance, tuition reimbursement, and flexible time off.
If you require accommodation or assistance with the application or onboarding process specifically, please contact USMSTACompliance@publicis.com. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Compensation Range: $110,580.00 - $166,430.00 annually. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third-party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. Temporary roles may also qualify for participation in our 401(k) plan after eligibility criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 7/15/25.
#DNI
Compensation Range: USD $110,580.00 - USD $166,430.00/Annually. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third-party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. Temporary roles may also qualify for participation in our 401(k) plan after eligibility criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 12/1/2025.

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