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Senior Technical Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

2K

Senior Technical Animation Designer

San Mateo, CA

$108K - $161K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Technical Animation Designer to be responsible for designing, creating, and maintaining animation systems that drive the gameplay motion of our characters. This will ...

2K

Senior Technical Animation Designer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Technical Animation Designer to be responsible for designing, creating, and maintaining animation systems that drive the gameplay motion of our characters. This will ...

Roblox

Senior 3D Artist, Technical

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$144K - $173K/yr

As a Senior Technical Animator, you will be working with a team of talented engineers, artists, and technical artists to push the boundaries of what is possible on the Roblox platform. You will be ...

Together Group

Senior Technical Producer

Miami, FL · On-site

$105K - $144K/yr

We are seeking a technical and organized Senior Technical Producer to partner with our London and New York teams in delivering complex projects spanning Digital Twins, CGI Animation, AI-driven ...

PUBG Madglory

Mid-Level/Senior Animator

Madison, WI · On-site +1

$106K - $121K/yr

Possesses technical expertise yet remains humble and open-minded to new ideas. * Is enthusiastic ... Review animation work from team members and outsource artists and provide specific feedback.

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How much do senior technical animator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior technical 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.

How does a Senior Technical Animator typically collaborate with game designers and programmers during a project's development?

A Senior Technical Animator serves as a bridge between the art and programming teams, ensuring that character and creature animations integrate smoothly into the game engine. They work closely with game designers to understand gameplay requirements and with programmers to implement animation systems that are both visually appealing and technically efficient. Regular collaboration includes troubleshooting animation-related bugs, optimizing rigs for performance, and providing feedback on tool development to streamline animation workflows. This cross-functional teamwork is key to delivering high-quality, responsive animations that enhance the player's experience.

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

To thrive as a Senior Technical Animator, you need a solid background in animation principles, rigging, and scripting, usually supported by a degree in animation, computer graphics, or a related field. Mastery of tools like Autodesk Maya, MotionBuilder, Python scripting, and real-time engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams set exceptional candidates apart. These skills ensure efficient workflows, high-quality animations, and seamless integration of art and technology in interactive media projects.

What are Senior Technical Animators?

Senior Technical Animators are experienced professionals in the gaming or film industry who bridge the gap between animation and technical implementation. They create tools, rigs, and workflows that allow animators to efficiently produce high-quality character and object animations. In addition to animating, they collaborate closely with programmers and artists to ensure assets are optimized and function correctly within the game engine or production pipeline. Their expertise helps solve complex animation problems and improves the overall animation process.
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Senior Technical Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Technical Animator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 73% As Needed, 3% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 20% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 83% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,707 per year, or $54.2 per hour.

Senior Technical Animation Designer

31st Union

San Mateo, CA • On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

WE ARE GAME MAKERS

Who We Are:

We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and inspired by a culture of inclusivity to build amazing games that thrill players everywhere. We pursue growth and innovation in an environment of safety and trust. Our culture is built on the belief that the more varied voices in our collective will strengthen our team and our games.  We are looking for our next teammate who will raise our bar and make us better.

What We Need:

We are looking for a Senior Technical Animation Designer to be responsible for designing, creating, and maintaining animation systems that drive the gameplay motion of our characters. This will include features that support major gameplay mechanics, such as locomotion and abilities, UI selection animations, and procedural solutions.

You will be a communication hub in addition to the technical aspect of the job. You'll need to ensure that everyone has the information they need to be successful. This role is focused on technical animation, but will also work with design and engineering teams to translate needs across those subject areas.

Who You Are:

  • Collaborate closely with teams across Animation, Engineering, and Design to help deliver a cohesive, high-quality animation style that supports an immersive gameplay experience.
  • Work with key stakeholders to define goals and implement scalable solutions that streamline animation content creation and integration.
  • Take initiative in building and refining animation systems, carefully balancing performance needs with desired in-game behaviors.
  • Provide and offer technical support and mentorship to animators, contributing to their development while promoting effective cross-disciplinary communication.
  • Regularly document processes and share insights to help improve team workflows and knowledge sharing.

What Will Make You a Great Fit:

  • Shipped at least one AAA title with 4+ years of professional animation experience in Maya
  • Strong understanding of third-person shooter mechanics and in-engine animation systems (state machines, blendspaces, animation graphs)
  • Proficient with run-time and procedural animation tools such as IK, Control Rig, retargeting, ragdolls, and motion matching
  • Experienced in Unreal Engine (2+ years), including scripting with Blueprints and/or C++, and solid foundation in vector math and code concepts.
  • Skilled at bridging disciplines with strong problem-solving and communication abilities.
  • Continuously up to date with the latest in Unreal, Maya, and animation technologies; portfolio demonstrating expertise.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $108,900 and $161,160 per year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.

Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program.

Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company's discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses. Ontario only: The use of Artificial Intelligence is not being used to screen candidates. The position is for an existing vacancy.

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