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Technical Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

In this role, you'll collaborate closely with technical artists, game designers, producers, engineers, animators, and other cross-functional partners to bring creative ideas and gameplay experiences ...

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 ...

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

In this role, you'll collaborate closely with technical artists, game designers, producers, engineers, animators, and other cross-functional partners to bring creative ideas and gameplay experiences ...

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

In this role, you'll collaborate closely with technical artists, game designers, producers, engineers, animators, and other cross‐functional partners to bring creative ideas and gameplay ...

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

In this role, you'll collaborate closely with technical artists, game designers, producers, engineers, animators, and other cross-functional partners to bring creative ideas and gameplay experiences ...

In this role, you'll collaborate closely with technical artists, game designers, producers, engineers, animators, and other cross-functional partners to bring creative ideas and gameplay experiences ...

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

In this role, you'll collaborate closely with technical artists, game designers, producers, engineers, animators, and other cross-functional partners to bring creative ideas and gameplay experiences ...

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

In this role, you'll collaborate closely with technical artists, game designers, producers, engineers, animators, and other cross-functional partners to bring creative ideas and gameplay experiences ...

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

In this role, you'll collaborate closely with technical artists, game designers, producers, engineers, animators, and other cross‐functional partners to bring creative ideas and gameplay ...

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 ...

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

In this role, you'll collaborate closely with technical artists, game designers, producers, engineers, animators, and other cross-functional partners to bring creative ideas and gameplay experiences ...

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

In this role, you'll collaborate closely with technical artists, game designers, producers, engineers, animators, and other cross-functional partners to bring creative ideas and gameplay experiences ...

High Moon Studios is seeking a talented and self-directed Technical Animator who can join for a 12-month temporary assignment. The candidate must be passionate about making great games, and must be a ...

Work closely with technical animation and other stakeholders to develop and improve animation pipelines. * Collaborate with the Director, Leads, and other artists on the team to create a cohesive ...

Senior Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC · On-site

$98K - $112K/yr

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 ...

$200 - $250/hr

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Technical Animator information

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$10

$39

$70

How much do technical animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for technical animator in the United States is $39.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $63.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a technical animator?

A Technical Animator bridges the gap between art and programming in animation and game development. They create animation rigs, develop tools, and ensure characters and objects move smoothly and efficiently. Their work involves collaboration with animators, artists, and engineers to optimize animation processes and integrate assets into game engines. They also troubleshoot technical issues and improve workflows to enhance animation quality and performance.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a technical animator?

As a Technical Animator, your daily tasks often include creating and maintaining character rigs, developing animation tools or scripts, troubleshooting technical issues, and collaborating with artists and programmers to ensure smooth animation pipelines. You might also optimize assets for performance and work closely with designers to implement animations in game engines or other platforms. The role often involves both hands-on creative work and problem-solving technical challenges. Communication and teamwork are important, as you will regularly coordinate with various departments to deliver high-quality animated content efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a technical animator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Technical Animator, you need a solid foundation in 3D animation principles, rigging, scripting, and a relevant degree such as computer graphics or animation. Proficiency in software like Autodesk Maya, Blender, MotionBuilder, and scripting languages such as Python or MEL is typically required, along with knowledge of game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine. Strong problem-solving abilities, collaboration skills, and clear communication help Technical Animators excel in cross-disciplinary teams. These competencies enable you to bridge creative and technical workflows, ensuring high-quality, efficient animation production for games, films, or other media.

What do technical animators do?

Technical animators develop and implement animation systems and tools to ensure character and object movements function correctly within a game or film. They collaborate with artists and programmers, often using software like Maya, Blender, or proprietary engines, to optimize animations for performance and realism. Their work involves scripting, rigging, and troubleshooting to support the creative team’s vision.

What cities are hiring for Technical Animator jobs?

Cities with the most Technical Animator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Technical Animator jobs?

The most popular types of Technical Animator jobs are:

What states have the most Technical Animator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Technical Animator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Technical Animator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 80% Full Time, 10% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Senior Technical Animation Designer

31ST UNION

San Mateo, CA • On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

WE ARE GAME MAKERS 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.

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. #LI-Onsite #LI-Hybrid