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Pipeline Developer Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

You'll set vision, mentor artists, evolve pipelines, and hold the quality bar high for a ... Partnering with cross-discipline leads (design, engineering, art, production) to align animation ...

You'll set vision, mentor artists, evolve pipelines, and hold the quality bar high for a ... Partnering with cross-discipline leads (design, engineering, art, production) to align animation ...

Pipeline Engineer (Graphics/3D)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$164K - $203K/yr

... engineering to product design - creating a tight feedback loop between our cutting-edge research ... Experience with production pipelines at VFX, animation, or gaming studios. * A production support ...

Pipeline Engineer (Graphics/3D)

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$164K - $203K/yr

... engineering to product design - creating a tight feedback loop between our cutting-edge research ... Experience with production pipelines at VFX, animation, or gaming studios. * A production support ...

AI Pipeline Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$160K - $180K/yr

Collaborate closely with R&D, Engineering, Product, Research, and Marketing to coordinate resources ... VFX, animation) and interactive/immersive workflows - sufficient to understand how AI can ...

AI Pipeline Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$160K - $180K/yr

Collaborate closely with R&D, Engineering, Product, Research, and Marketing to coordinate resources ... VFX, animation) and interactive/immersive workflows - sufficient to understand how AI can ...

AI Pipeline Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$160K - $180K/yr

Collaborate closely with R&D, Engineering, Product, Research, and Marketing to coordinate resources ... VFX, animation) and interactive/immersive workflows - sufficient to understand how AI can ...

... pipeline features, and environmental systems that make our simulators feel real. This is a hands-on ... driven animation using Animator Controllers, with blend trees for smooth parameter-driven ...

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Pipeline Developer Animation information

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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.
More about Pipeline Developer Animation jobs
What cities are hiring for Pipeline Developer Animation jobs? Cities with the most Pipeline Developer Animation job openings:
What states have the most Pipeline Developer Animation jobs? States with the most job openings for Pipeline Developer Animation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Pipeline Developer Animation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Pipeline Developer Animation jobs are:
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.
Design Technologist, Robot Animation , Fauna

Design Technologist, Robot Animation , Fauna

Amazon

New York, NY

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 6,930 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

We are seeking a Design Technologist to define the expressive motion vocabulary that makes our robot feel alive: how it gestures when speaking, how it shows curiosity, excitement, hesitation, and calm. You will work with motion capture, hand animation, and procedural techniques to build a library of movements that bring our robots to life in real time.
This role sits at the intersection of character animation and robotics.

You need strong animation instincts - timing, weight, personality - and enough technical fluency to work within the constraints of physical robots that must work in the real world.
Key job responsibilities
- Author expressive robot animations that articulate the robot's core personality: locomotion styles, conversational gesture, emotional reactions, interactive behaviors
- Partner closely with HRI researchers and robotics engineers to understand what the robot can physically do and what interactions need to feel like
- Work with motion capture to create base animations, then adapt and refine them for our robot's form factor and joint constraints
- Develop tools and workflows (Python, Blender/Maya scripting) to accelerate animation authoring and integrate with the robot's behavior pipeline
- Test animations on real hardware and iterate based on how they read in person, from all angles
About the team
Fauna Robotics, an Amazon company, is building capable, safe, and genuinely delightful robots for everyday life. Our goal is simple: make robots people actually want to live and interact with in everyday human spaces.


We believe that future won't arrive until building for robotics becomes far more accessible. Today, too much effort is spent reinventing the fundamentals. We're changing that by developing tightly integrated hardware and software systems that make it faster, safer, and more intuitive to create real-world robotic products.


Our work spans the full stack: mechanical design, control systems, dynamic modeling, and intelligent software. The focus is not just functionality, but experience. We're building robots that feel responsive, expressive, and genuinely useful.


At Fauna, you'll work at the frontier of this space, helping define how robots move, manipulate, and interact with people in natural environments. It's an opportunity to solve hard problems across hardware and software with a team focused on making robotics accessible and joyful to build.
If you care about making robotics real for everyone and building systems that are as delightful as they are capable, we're interested in hearing from you.


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About Amazon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate and computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US