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Senior 3D Game Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mondo

Senior 3D Designer

Chicago, IL · Remote

$70 - $77/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Senior 3D Designer, Remote. Start date is ASAP for this 2-month contract position. Job Title ... Background spanning multiple industries, such as consumer electronics, gaming, fashion, or Client ...

Epic Games

Senior Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC · On-site

$98K - $112K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Progressive Gaming

Animator IV

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... games and the culture of innovation within the studio. In this senior-level role, you will lead ... Expert-level proficiency in 2D and 3D animation tools such as After Effects, Spine, Maya, and ...

IGT

Animator IV

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... games and the culture of innovation within the studio. In this senior-level role, you will lead ... Expert-level proficiency in 2D and 3D animation tools such as After Effects, Spine, Maya, and ...

Naughty Dog

Senior Technical Gameplay Animator

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$126K - $227K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Work with the animation leadership on defining and maintaining the style and quality bar of the in-game animation * Collaborate with the Animation, Design, and Engineering teams to analyze ...

Ten4

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$129K - $148K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Ten4 works with some of the best ad agencies, start-ups, production studios, and video game shops. * Drive animation performance without pushing out of a believable and realistic style; your hand ...

Ten4

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA

$129K - $148K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Ten4 works with some of the best ad agencies, start-ups, production studios, and video game shops. * Drive animation performance without pushing out of a believable and realistic style; your hand ...

Valicy

3D Artist

Wilmington, NC

... game engine (importing assets, animation editor, shuriken particle system) Preferred Requirements: - Art degree (Associates or Bachelors) - Experience in casino or mobile gaming industry ...

NetEase Games

FPS 1P View Gameplay Animator

About NetEase Games: As a leading internet technology company based in China, NetEase, Inc. (NASDAQ ... Requirements * 5+ years of professional 3D animation experience, including at least 3 years on FPS ...

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Senior 3D Game Animator information

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$77K

$112.7K

$122K

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

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior 3d game animator in the United States is $112,707.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,000.00 and $121,000.00 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 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.

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 cities are hiring for Senior 3D Game Animator jobs?

Cities with the most Senior 3D Game Animator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Game Animator jobs?

The most popular types of 3D Game Animator jobs are:

What states have the most Senior 3D Game Animator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Senior 3D Game Animator jobs include:

Senior 3D Game Animator jobs near you

Senior 3D Designer

Mondo

Chicago, IL • Remote

$70 - $77/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Apply now: Senior 3D Designer, Remote. Start date is ASAP for this 2-month contract position. Job Title: Senior 3D Designer Location-Type: Remote (must work Eastern Standard Time core hours, 9-5 EST) Start Date: ASAP Duration: Contract, 2 months (opportunity to extend) Compensation Range: $70-$77/hr Benefits: Eligible for Health, Dental, Vision, and 401K Visa Sponsorship: Not eligible for visa sponsorship Job Description:
  • The client is seeking a Senior 3D Designer to independently concept, design, and deliver custom experiential pop-up activations across multiple simultaneous projects for leading consumer brands.
Job Summary
  • •Develop original concepts and bring experiential pop-up activations to life from ideation through final build, working autonomously with minimal direction.
  • •Create 3D designs and renderings for custom retail and consumer event installations, incorporating materiality, texture, and storytelling to drive brand experiences.
  • •Collaborate with an art director to support process and ideation across multiple concurrent client projects.
  • •Produce 2D design assets alongside 3D work, maintaining a strong visual eye across both disciplines.
  • •Partner with fabrication vendors to understand and manage the logistical and structural requirements of physical builds.
  • •Deliver high-quality work quickly and accurately within tight timelines, with potential travel to event locations.
  • •Contribute to brainstorming and concept development across a variety of consumer electronics, gaming, fashion, and Client brand activations.
Minimum Requirements:
  • 8-10 years of experience in 3D design with a focus on experiential, pop-up, or event environments.
  • Proficiency in 3D modeling and rendering software, with the ability to work fast and accurately under deadline.
  • Experience with 2D design tools and workflows.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite 
  • Demonstrated experience working with fabrication vendors and understanding physical build logistics.
  • Portfolio showcasing conceptual experiential work with a strong sense of materiality and texture-driven storytelling.
  • Background spanning multiple industries, such as consumer electronics, gaming, fashion, or Client and beauty brands.
  • Fully available for the duration of the engagement - not currently in a full-time role.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with SketchUp.
  • Experience designing interactive or technology-driven pop-up experiences, such as kiosks, gaming activations, or branded retail environments.
  • Familiarity with event logistics and potential comfort with project-related travel.