ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Technical Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NetEase Games

Character Performance Animator

Leverage experience from the film and game industries to optimize motion capture and keyframe animation pipelines, solve technical challenges, and enhance the overall quality and expressiveness of ...

M&S Consulting

3D Animator

Pasadena, CA · Remote

The 3D Animator will create high-fidelity, cinematic animations that communicate complex scientific and technical concepts through compelling visual storytelling. This role is ideal for a senior ...

teamLFG

Staff Gameplay Animator

$144K - $217K/yr

We are looking for someone that is excited about the creative art of animation and the technical challenge of turning that animation into world class action gameplay. As a Staff Animator on teamLFG ...

VG Systems

Animator / 3-D Modeler

Huntsville, AL · On-site

The position requires strong technical expertise, creativity, and the ability to produce complex ... Create animations and models that represent both concrete subject matter and abstract concepts.

Bonfire Studios

Lead Gameplay Animator

Irvine, CA

Partnering with cross-discipline leads (design, engineering, art, production) to align animation with gameplay systems, technical realities, and the overall player experience. * Owning combat feel ...

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA

$88K - $120K/yr

Collaborate with the design and engineering teams to ensure animations align with gameplay mechanics and technical constraints. * Iterate and refine animations based on feedback from team members and ...

Insomniac Games

Senior Gameplay Animator (CONTRACT)

OR · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

Develop high-quality animations for gameplay characters, ensuring alignment with artistic direction and technical standards. * Collaborate with Designers and Programmers to implement animations in ...

VG Systems

Animator / 3-D Modeler

Huntsville, AL · On-site

The position requires strong technical expertise, creativity, and the ability to produce complex ... Create animations and models that represent both concrete subject matter and abstract concepts.

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Collaborate with the design and engineering teams to ensure animations align with gameplay mechanics and technical constraints. * Iterate and refine animations based on feedback from team members and ...

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Collaborate with the design and engineering teams to ensure animations align with gameplay mechanics and technical constraints. * Iterate and refine animations based on feedback from team members and ...

Bonfire Studios

Lead Gameplay Animator

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

Partnering with cross-discipline leads (design, engineering, art, production) to align animation with gameplay systems, technical realities, and the overall player experience. * Owning combat feel ...

VG Systems

Animator / 3-D Modeler

Huntsville, AL · On-site

The position requires strong technical expertise, creativity, and the ability to produce complex ... Create animations and models that represent both concrete subject matter and abstract concepts.

Insomniac Games

Senior Gameplay Animator (CONTRACT)

$76.92 - $86.06/hr

Develop high-quality animations for gameplay characters, ensuring alignment with artistic direction and technical standards. * Collaborate with Designers and Programmers to implement animations in ...

Epic Games

Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC · On-site

As a TDiA, you will use your animation sense and technical understanding of character animation to design and create gameplay animation systems that facilitate entertaining, high-quality characters.

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsArts and Entertainment JobsEntertainment Production JobsMultimedia Designer JobsTechnical Animator Jobs

Technical Animator information

See salary details

$10

$39

$70

How much do technical animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 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.
More about Technical Animator jobs

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:

What job categories do people searching Technical Animator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Technical Animator jobs are:

Technical Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Technical Animator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Character Performance Animator

NetEase Games

Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

About NetEase Games:

As a leading internet technology company based in China, NetEase, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTES and HKEX:9999, "NetEase") provides premium online services centered around content creation. With extensive offerings across its expanding gaming ecosystem, the Company develops and operates some of China's most popular and longest-running mobile and PC games. Powered by industry-leading in-house R&D capabilities in China and globally, NetEase creates superior gaming experiences, inspires players, and passionately delivers value for its thriving community worldwide. By infusing play with culture and education with technology, NetEase transforms gaming into a meaningful vehicle to build a more entertaining and enlightened world.

NetEase's ESG initiatives are among the best in the global media and entertainment industry, earning it a distinction as one of the S&P Global Industry Movers and an "A" rating from MSCI. For more information, please visit: http://ir.netease.com/

Responsibilities:

  • Lead the design and execution of performance animation for key story sequences and interactive cinematics, overseeing facial performances, dialogue scenes, and action-driven performances to ensure emotional authenticity and cinematic quality.

  • Collaborate closely with Art, Design, and Engineering teams to establish and maintain production pipelines and quality standards for performance animation, ensuring consistency in character emotions and visual storytelling.

  • Define production guidelines and animation standards for facial performances, dialogue scenes, and character acting, driving scalable and efficient content creation workflows while continuously improving quality and productivity.

  • Leverage experience from the film and game industries to optimize motion capture and keyframe animation pipelines, solve technical challenges, and enhance the overall quality and expressiveness of character performances.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree or above in Animation, Film, Directing, Digital Media Arts, or related disciplines preferred.

  • 3+ years of experience as an Animation Director, Action Director, Performance Animator, or related role in the film or game industry. Candidates must provide portfolio examples demonstrating both action-oriented and subtle dramatic performances.

  • Deep understanding of cinematic language, character acting, and emotional storytelling. Ability to independently deliver high-quality performances ranging from facial animation and dialogue scenes to action-driven sequences.

  • Proficiency in motion capture data processing, keyframe animation, and in-engine performance integration. Ability to solve technical challenges throughout the animation production pipeline.

  • Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with Art, Design, and Engineering teams to drive production standards and pipeline execution.

  • Strong industrialized production mindset. Experience establishing animation standards, optimizing workflows, and improving team-wide delivery quality is highly preferred.

  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced production environment. Prior experience in film production studios or cinematic teams is a plus.

Apply