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Shadow Machine Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

Shadow Machine information

What types of collaborative projects can employees at ShadowMachine expect to work on, and how does teamwork typically function within the studio?

At ShadowMachine, employees frequently collaborate on animated television series, films, and commercials, often working in multidisciplinary teams that include animators, writers, directors, and producers. The studio fosters a creative and communicative environment, where regular meetings and open feedback are encouraged to ensure project alignment and innovation. Team members are expected to contribute ideas, adapt to changing project needs, and support each other's creative growth, making collaboration a central aspect of daily work. This dynamic structure not only enhances the quality of the projects but also offers valuable learning opportunities for career advancement.

Is animator a high paying job?

Animator jobs can offer competitive salaries, especially with experience, specialized skills, and working in industries like film, gaming, or advertising. Entry-level positions tend to pay less, but experienced animators with strong portfolios and proficiency in tools like Maya or Adobe After Effects can earn higher wages. Overall, animation can be a well-paying career, but salaries vary based on location, experience, and industry demand.

What is a Shadow Machine in the context of animation and film production?

ShadowMachine is an American animation studio known for producing television shows, films, and commercials, especially using stop-motion and other animation techniques. They are best recognized for their work on popular series such as 'BoJack Horseman,' 'Robot Chicken,' and 'Final Space.' The studio collaborates with various creators to develop unique and innovative animated content for a wide range of audiences. ShadowMachine is not a job title, but rather the name of a production company within the animation industry.

Who is the CEO of ShadowMachine?

ShadowMachine is a production company known for animated series, not a job role. As of October 2023, the CEO of ShadowMachine is David J. Cohen. This information is publicly available through industry sources and company profiles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animation Producer at ShadowMachine, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animation Producer at ShadowMachine, you need strong project management abilities, deep understanding of animation pipelines, and experience in television or film production, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with industry-standard software like Toon Boom, Adobe Creative Suite, and production tracking tools such as ShotGrid is typically expected. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help you coordinate teams and manage complex creative projects. These skills ensure efficient production workflows, timely delivery, and high-quality animated content.

What is ShadowMachine's most famous work?

ShadowMachine is an animation studio known for producing popular shows such as 'BoJack Horseman' and 'Robot Chicken.' The studio specializes in adult animated series and stop-motion animation, often collaborating with major networks and streaming platforms.

What is the difference between Shadow Machine vs Motion Designer?

AspectShadow MachineMotion Designer
Required CredentialsOften a degree in animation, film, or related field; strong portfolioSimilar credentials; focus on animation, graphic design, or multimedia degrees
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, post-production houses, or freelanceAdvertising agencies, media companies, or freelance
Industry UsagePrimarily in animation and entertainmentIn advertising, digital media, and entertainment
Common Search/ComparisonShadow Machine vs Motion Designer

Shadow Machine is a production company specializing in animation and entertainment projects, often employing motion designers for visual effects and animation. Motion Designers create animated graphics and visual effects across various media. While both roles require similar skills and credentials, Shadow Machine focuses on production work within the entertainment industry, whereas Motion Designers work across multiple sectors like advertising and digital media.

Does Disney still hire 2D animators?

Disney continues to hire 2D animators, especially for projects that preserve traditional animation techniques or involve nostalgic content. While the industry has shifted toward digital and 3D animation, Disney still employs skilled 2D animators for specific productions and maintains training programs in traditional animation skills.
Infographic showing various Shadow Machine job openings in Detroit, MI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

$30 - $34/hr

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Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

About the Program

Atomic Industries is a manufacturing technology company that designs and builds injection molds in-house using advanced software, simulation, and automation. Our internship program brings together a small, cross-disciplinary team of 3-5 interns to tackle a single capstone project over the course of a summer - mirroring the way Atomic itself operates, with engineers from different backgrounds collaborating to solve hard manufacturing problems.

This isn't a rotation program where you shadow people. You'll own a real project from start to finish: scoping, designing, building, testing, and presenting results. The project will involve physical hardware, software, data, and engineering analysis - and every intern will contribute meaningfully from their area of expertise.

Who We're Looking For

We recruit a diverse cohort each year. Typical backgrounds include:

Computer Science / Software Engineering

Mechanical Engineering / Physics

Manufacturing / Industrial Engineering

Machining / Fabrication

We don't require prior experience in injection molding or manufacturing. We're looking for people who are curious, hands-on, and excited to work outside their comfort zone alongside teammates with very different skill sets.

What to Expect
  • One team, one project. Your cohort will be assigned a single capstone project that requires contributions from every discipline. Past projects have involved building instrumented test rigs, integrating sensors with factory equipment, developing data pipelines, and designing custom fixtures and hardware.
  • Real deliverables. You'll build something that works - not a slide deck. Projects are scoped to be completable in a summer and to produce outcomes Atomic can actually use.
  • Mentorship from the full team. You'll work alongside Atomic's software engineers, mechanical engineers, manufacturing engineers, and machinists. Expect regular design reviews and hands-on guidance.
  • Exposure to the full stack. From CNC machines and 3D printers to simulation software and factory automation systems, you'll see how a modern manufacturing company actually runs.
Qualifications
  • Currently pursuing a degree in engineering, computer science, physics, manufacturing, or a related field
  • Must be a rising senior at the time of the internship and returning to school at the end of the internship to continue your academic studies for at least one quarter/semester
  • Comfortable getting your hands dirty - this role involves shop floor time, not just a desk
  • Strong fundamentals in your discipline and eagerness to learn the others
  • Able to work on-site at Atomic's Michigan facilities (Warren and/or Shelby Township) for the duration of the program
  • Team-oriented mindset with clear communication skills
Program Details

Duration

Approx. 10 weeks (Summer 2026-Start date TBD: June 8 or June 15)

Location

On-site at Atomic Industries

Compensation

$30-$34 USD per hour

Team Size

3-5 interns per cohort