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Senior Technical Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

San Jose, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Senior Unreal Animator (Contract) Evil Eye Pictures is looking for an accomplished CG Character ... A level of technical knowledge combined with strong creative and visual instincts is critical. Key ...

IGT

Animator IV

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

... technical expertise, and artistic vision will help shape both our next generation of games and the culture of innovation within the studio. In this senior-level role, you will lead animation efforts ...

Progressive Gaming

Animator IV

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

... technical expertise, and artistic vision will help shape both our next generation of games and the culture of innovation within the studio. In this senior-level role, you will lead animation efforts ...

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

Santa Clara, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Senior Unreal Animator (Contract) Evil Eye Pictures is looking for an accomplished CG Character ... A level of technical knowledge combined with strong creative and visual instincts is critical. Key ...

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

Alameda, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Senior Unreal Animator (Contract) Evil Eye Pictures is looking for an accomplished CG Character ... A level of technical knowledge combined with strong creative and visual instincts is critical. Key ...

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

Mundelein, IL · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Senior Unreal Animator (Contract) Evil Eye Pictures is looking for an accomplished CG Character ... A level of technical knowledge combined with strong creative and visual instincts is critical. Key ...

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

Sonoma, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Senior Unreal Animator (Contract) Evil Eye Pictures is looking for an accomplished CG Character ... A level of technical knowledge combined with strong creative and visual instincts is critical. Key ...

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

Fremont, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Senior Unreal Animator (Contract) Evil Eye Pictures is looking for an accomplished CG Character ... A level of technical knowledge combined with strong creative and visual instincts is critical. Key ...

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

Hayward, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Senior Unreal Animator (Contract) Evil Eye Pictures is looking for an accomplished CG Character ... A level of technical knowledge combined with strong creative and visual instincts is critical. Key ...

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Senior Unreal Animator (Contract) Evil Eye Pictures is looking for an accomplished CG Character ... A level of technical knowledge combined with strong creative and visual instincts is critical. Key ...

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

Santa Rosa, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Senior Unreal Animator (Contract) Evil Eye Pictures is looking for an accomplished CG Character ... A level of technical knowledge combined with strong creative and visual instincts is critical. Key ...

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

Sunnyvale, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Senior Unreal Animator (Contract) Evil Eye Pictures is looking for an accomplished CG Character ... A level of technical knowledge combined with strong creative and visual instincts is critical. Key ...

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

San Mateo, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Senior Unreal Animator (Contract) Evil Eye Pictures is looking for an accomplished CG Character ... A level of technical knowledge combined with strong creative and visual instincts is critical. Key ...

Enludio

Senior Technical Artist (Contractor)

Orlando, FL · On-site

$118K - $141K/yr

As a Senior Technical Artist specializing in real-time engines, you will bridge the artistic and ... Work with 3D models, textures, shaders, and animations to ensure efficiency and high performance in ...

Scopely

Senior Technical Artist

Culver City, CA · On-site +1

$139K - $166K/yr

Scopely is looking for a Senior Technical Artist to serve on and elevate our casual game, Monopoly ... animation controllers, particle systems, timeline sequences, lighting, game logic and using ...

MobilityWare

Senior Technical Artist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$134K - $161K/yr

They are seeking a Senior Technical Artist to bridge the gap between art and engineering, creating ... and building amazing animations. • Work with timeliness, quality, and adaptability • ...

MobilityWare

Senior Technical Artist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$134K - $161K/yr

They are seeking a Senior Technical Artist who will bridge the gap between art and engineering ... and building amazing animations. • Work with timeliness, quality, and adaptability • ...

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Senior Technical Animator information

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$77K

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$122K

How much do senior technical animator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 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.

Is AI replacing 3D animators?

AI is increasingly used to assist 3D animators by automating repetitive tasks and enhancing workflow efficiency, but it does not replace the need for skilled animators. Senior technical animators continue to play a crucial role in creating complex, high-quality animations that require artistic judgment and technical expertise, often using tools like Maya or Blender. AI tools serve as complementary resources rather than substitutes in the animation process.

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.

How much do senior animators make per hour?

Senior technical animators typically earn between $30 and $60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often work with advanced animation software and may have specialized skills in rigging, scripting, or character development.

What is the highest paid animation job?

Senior technical animators and lead animation roles in the gaming and film industries tend to be among the highest paid animation jobs, often earning six-figure salaries. Executive positions such as Animation Directors or Creative Directors also command high compensation, especially with extensive experience and advanced skills in industry-standard tools like Maya or Blender.

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.

Are technical animators in demand?

Technical animators are in demand in the entertainment, gaming, and virtual production industries due to the increasing need for complex character rigging, scripting, and integration with software tools like Maya, Blender, or Unreal Engine. Strong skills in programming, 3D modeling, and animation pipelines enhance employability in this growing field.

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
Senior Unreal Animator

Senior Unreal Animator

Evil Eye Pictures

San Jose, CA • Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Founded in 2004, Evil Eye Pictures is a collaborative virtual studio bringing together some of the best content creators, innovators and engineers from around the globe. The team is focused on creating immersive, compelling visuals and experiences for the evolving world of real-time, multi-platform entertainment.


Evil Eye was founded by artists to work on high-profile, special projects while maintaining an emphasis on people and a positive, fun work culture.


Senior Unreal Animator (Contract)


Evil Eye Pictures is looking for an accomplished CG Character Animator. The ideal candidate will have minimum 5 years of professional experience in film, television and/or games, and a thorough understanding of the CG animation pipeline. A level of technical knowledge combined with strong creative and visual instincts is critical.


Key Responsibilities:


  • Create final animation for cinematic sequences using both motion capture data and hand-keyed techniques in Unreal
  • Assemble, clean and augment motion capture for bipedal motion
  • Ownership of hero shots through animation blocking, refinement and polish stages


Requirements:


  • Minimum 5 years of professional experience in Animation, Games or Visual Effects
  • Experience keyframing character animation and working with motion capture data
  • Ability to collaborate and take direction from creative leads and the narrative team
  • Ability to work independently, problem solve on the fly, and collaborate efficiently across disciplines in a small, fast moving team
  • Experience with Unreal Engine, Unreal Control Rig and Sequencer


Good to have:


  • Proficiency with Maya
  • Experience using source control such as Perforce or Github
  • Experience rigging
  • Helping develop cinematic pipelines and tools.
  • Python or similar coding skills


Additional Information


  • Portfolio: Please include a link to a reel of your work when applying for this position.
  • Location: This is a remote position supporting our Virtual Studio.
  • Contract Duration: 6/15-7/24 with hold to 8/7


For more information about Evil Eye check out: https://www.evileyepictures.com



CA Pay Transparency Information:

The expected annual base pay range(s) for this position are detailed below. Compensation varies based on a variety of factors, which include (but aren’t limited to) things such as skills and competencies, qualifications, knowledge, and experience. In addition to base pay, most employees are eligible to participate in Evil Eye's benefit plans and discretionary incentive programs (subject to the terms of those plans or programs).


Pay Range: $40 -$65 / hour

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