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Senior 3D Game Animator Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Epic Games

Senior Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC · On-site

$98K - $112K/yr

What You'll Do Epic Games is looking for a Senior Technical Designer in Animation (TDiA) to join ... stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award ...

Epic Games

Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC · On-site

As a TDiA, you will use your animation sense and technical understanding of character animation to ... stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award ...

Epic Games

Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC · On-site

Build animation behavior tools, techniques, and frameworks that enable complex systems and ... stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award ...

Epic Games

Senior Game Designer

Cary, NC · On-site

... animation, VFX, audio, art, and other disciplines to bring features to life. * Shape the Big ... and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal ...

Epic Games

Character Animation Lead

Cary, NC · On-site

You will combine strong animation fundamentals with technical fluency in Unreal Engine to build ... stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award ...

Epic Games

Senior Game Security Engineer

Cary, NC · On-site

What You'll Do Epic Games is looking for a Senior Game Security Engineer to join our Anti-Cheat ... and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Durham, NC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Chapel Hill, NC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Raleigh, NC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Epic Games

Senior Game Security Engineer

Cary, NC · On-site

$106K - $145K/yr

What You'll Do Epic Games is looking for a Senior Security Engineer focused on Game Security to ... and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal ...

Epic Games

Senior Technical Artist

Cary, NC · On-site

$117K - $140K/yr

... for games. You should understand modeling, texturing, and animation fundamentals. You should be ... and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Durham, NC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... game asset creation, and visual effects production. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem-Solving ... 3D modeling beginners through advanced users developing professional visualization and animation ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Chapel Hill, NC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... game asset creation, and visual effects production. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem-Solving ... 3D modeling beginners through advanced users developing professional visualization and animation ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Raleigh, NC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... game asset creation, and visual effects production. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem-Solving ... 3D modeling beginners through advanced users developing professional visualization and animation ...

AGBO

Senior Technical Designer, Events

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$99K - $106K/yr

... animators, VFX, and sound. • Support collaborative, iterative prototyping from early concepts ... Required : • 5-8 years of professional game design experience with multiple shipped titles. • ...

AGBO

Sr. Cinematic Layout Artist

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Position Summary: AGBO is seeking a Senior Cinematic Layout Artist to help bring our in-game ... Proven experience working on cinematic animation for video games * General working knowledge of ...

AGBO

Sr. Cinematic Layout Artist

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Position Summary: AGBO is seeking a Senior Cinematic Layout Artist to help bring our in-game ... Proven experience working on cinematic animation for video games * General working knowledge of ...

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All Jobs3D Game Animator JobsSenior 3D Game Animator JobsSenior 3D Game Animator Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Senior 3D Game Animator information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$74.8K

$109.6K

$118.6K

How much do senior 3d game animator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior 3d game animator in Raleigh, NC is $109,561.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,000.00 and $117,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Senior 3D Game Animator do?

A Senior 3D Game Animator is responsible for creating complex and realistic animations for characters, creatures, and objects within video games. They work closely with designers, modelers, and programmers to ensure animations are visually appealing and fit seamlessly into the gameplay. In addition to animating, they often mentor junior animators, develop animation pipelines, and help set the artistic direction for movement and action in the game.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior 3D Game Animator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior 3D Game Animator, you need advanced skills in character animation, a deep understanding of anatomy and motion, and typically a degree in animation or a related field. Expertise with industry-standard tools such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, and motion capture systems is crucial, often complemented by a strong portfolio and experience with game engines like Unreal or Unity. Creativity, collaboration, and strong communication skills help animators work effectively with artists, designers, and developers to bring characters and environments to life. These skills ensure engaging, high-quality animations that enhance gameplay and contribute to the overall success of a game project.

How does a Senior 3D Game Animator typically collaborate with other departments during game development?

As a Senior 3D Game Animator, you will frequently collaborate with game designers, character artists, technical artists, and programmers to ensure animations integrate seamlessly into the game engine and enhance the gameplay experience. This often involves attending cross-functional meetings, giving and receiving feedback, and adjusting animations based on gameplay mechanics or technical constraints. Effective communication and a strong understanding of both artistic vision and technical requirements are essential for aligning your animations with the broader creative and functional goals of the project.

What is the difference between Senior 3D Game Animator vs 3D Character Artist?

AspectSenior 3D Game Animator3D Character Artist
Primary FocusCreating and refining character animations for gamesModeling and designing 3D character assets
Skills RequiredAnimation, rigging, motion capture, storytellingModeling, texturing, sculpting, concept design
Work EnvironmentGame studios, animation departmentsGame studios, character design teams
Common UsageUsed to bring characters to life through movementUsed to create the visual appearance of characters

While both roles involve 3D art, the Senior 3D Game Animator focuses on animating characters, whereas the 3D Character Artist specializes in designing and modeling character assets. Both roles require strong 3D skills, but their core responsibilities differ significantly in the game development process.

Is there a demand for senior 3D game animators?

There is strong demand for senior 3D game animators due to the growth of the gaming industry and the need for high-quality, realistic animations. Employers seek experienced animators skilled in tools like Maya, Blender, and motion capture, often requiring a portfolio demonstrating advanced animation techniques. The role typically offers opportunities in both large studios and indie development, with competitive salaries and ongoing project-based work.

What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Game Animator jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of 3D Game Animator jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

Senior 3D Game Animator jobs near you

Senior Technical Designer in Animation

Epic Games

Cary, NC • On-site

$98K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

WHAT MAKES US EPIC?
At the core of Epic's success are talented, passionate people. Epic prides itself on creating a collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment. Whether it's building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences, we're always innovating.
Being Epic means being a part of a team that continually strives to do right by our community and users. We're constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development.
ART
What We Do
Push your artistic talent to the limit on a team of world-class environment, character and concept artists who strive to innovate and inspire.
What You'll Do
Epic Games is looking for a Senior Technical Designer in Animation (TDiA) to join our team working across various animation systems. As a TDiA, you will use your animation sense and technical understanding of character animation to design and create gameplay animation systems that facilitate appealing, high-quality character motion. You will be the primary point of contact for animation implementation issues and any animation-related technical challenges, and you will work closely with Animation, Design, and Engineering colleagues to ensure the animation pipeline operates smoothly and efficiently. You will also help identify potential issues and deploy correct solutions, using your technical knowledge to help bridge and facilitate communication between the animation team and other departments.
In this role, you will
  • Create animation behavior tools/techniques/philosophies that allow the building of complex movement systems
  • Design and implement animation state machines/behaviors and runtime solutions
  • Work closely with the Animation, Design, and Engineering departments to analyze, troubleshoot, and solve in-game animation implementation issues and animation-related technical challenges
  • Closely collaborate with the animation leadership to maintain the style and quality bar for animations in the game
  • Look for opportunities to improve the animation pipeline/workflow and help provide solutions for technical animation problems, including performing training and creating documentation for the animation team
What we're looking for
  • A strong animation sense with a clear understanding of realistic and stylized character motion and how to achieve them with modern animation methods
  • Expertise with animation pipelines, including source content creation tools such as Maya, MotionBuilder, and the Unreal Engine, using our Control Rig toolset
  • Exceptional problem-solving ability with strong written communication and teamwork skills
  • Familiarity with gameplay animation tools and concepts, such as blend trees and state machines; experience with Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints is a plus
  • Experience with AAA game development, preferably on a large team using an established game engine (internal or commercial); experience with Unreal Engine is a plus
  • Self-motivation, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work independently
  • Coding knowledge or experience with C++ is not required
EPIC JOB + EPIC BENEFITS = EPIC LIFE
Our intent is to cover all things that are medically necessary and improve the quality of life. We pay 100% of the premiums for both you and your dependents. Our coverage includes Medical, Dental, a Vision HRA, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance & a 401k with competitive match. We also offer a robust mental well-being program through Modern Health, which provides free therapy and coaching for employees & dependents. Throughout the year we celebrate our employees with events and company-wide paid breaks. We offer unlimited PTO and sick time and recognize individuals for 7 years of employment with a paid sabbatical.
ABOUT US
Epic Games is a leading interactive entertainment company. For over 30 years we've been making award-winning games and engine technology that empowers others to make visually stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal Engine technology not only provides game developers the ability to build high-fidelity, interactive experiences for PC, console, mobile, and VR, it is also a tool being embraced by content creators across a variety of industries such as media and entertainment, automotive, and architectural design. As we continue to build our Engine technology and develop remarkable games, we strive to build teams of world-class talent.
Like what you hear? Come be a part of something Epic!
Epic Games deeply values diverse teams and an inclusive work culture, and we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Learn more about our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy here.
Note to Recruitment Agencies: Epic does not accept any unsolicited resumes or approaches from any unauthorized third party (including recruitment or placement agencies) (i.e., a third party with whom we do not have a negotiated and validly executed agreement). We will not pay any fees to any unauthorized third party. Further details on these matters can be found here.

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