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Unreal Engine Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Big Shot Pictures

Senior Animator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$114K - $130K/yr

About The Role We are seeking a Senior Animator to help shape and execute high-quality animation within an Unreal Engine-first, real-time pipeline for episodic content. This is a hands-on, creative ...

Big Shot Pictures

Mocap Animator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

You'll work primarily in Unreal Engine, processing mocap data and animating characters to produce ... Strong animation fundamentals: you understand timing, weight, and performance even when working ...

Big Shot Pictures

Previs Animator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Animate directly in Unreal Engine, utilizing Sequencer, Control Rig, and MetaHuman Animator workflows * Troubleshoot and problem-solve pipeline issues independently * Collaborate closely with ...

Eliassen Group

Unreal Engine Developer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65 - $75/hr

Design and develop Unreal Engine plugins and in‑engine panels in C++ to support animation and live action production workflows. * Build tools that integrate with existing pipelines and are ...

Epic Games

Character Animation Lead

Cary, NC · On-site

You will combine strong animation fundamentals with technical fluency in Unreal Engine to build responsive, expressive, and scalable animation systems. You will act as a bridge between animation and ...

De Circle

Animation Engineer - EmptyVessel

Austin, TX · On-site +1

We are seeking 1-2 mid-level Animation Engineers with exceptional Unreal Engine 5 expertise to join our team in Europe. The ideal candidates will possess a strong background in animating within ...

M&S Consulting

3D Animator

Pasadena, CA · Remote

Proficiency with tools such as Unreal Engine, Blender, Maya, and/or After Effects * Ability to produce high-quality animations both independently and within collaborative pipelines * Strong sense of ...

M&S Consulting

3D Animator

Pasadena, CA · On-site +1

Proficiency with tools such as Unreal Engine, Blender, Maya, and/or After Effects * Ability to produce high-quality animations both independently and within collaborative pipelines * Strong sense of ...

Epic Games

Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC · On-site

Expertise with animation pipelines, including source content creation tools such as Maya, MotionBuilder, and the Unreal Engine using our Control Rig toolset * Exceptional problem-solving ability with ...

Tencent

Principal Technical Animator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$138K - $261K/yr

Deep understanding of game engine (Unreal Engine) animation system internals, performance bottlenecks, and resolution strategies. * Excellent technical communication and influence; able to drive ...

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Unreal Engine Animator information

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How much do unreal engine animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for unreal engine 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Unreal Engine Animator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Unreal Engine Animator, you need strong skills in 3D animation principles, character rigging, and a solid understanding of Unreal Engine, often backed by a degree in animation or related field. Mastery of tools like Unreal Engine’s Sequencer, Autodesk Maya, and motion capture systems is typically required. Creative storytelling, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for excelling in this role. These abilities ensure high-quality, immersive animations that meet project goals and enhance the user experience in interactive environments.

What is an Unreal Engine Animator?

An Unreal Engine Animator is a professional who creates and implements animations for characters, objects, and environments within the Unreal Engine, a popular real-time 3D creation tool. They work closely with game designers, artists, and programmers to bring interactive and lifelike movement to video games, simulations, and other digital experiences. Their responsibilities may include rigging models, creating motion cycles, facial animations, and ensuring smooth transitions between actions to enhance the overall user experience.

What is the difference between Unreal Engine Animator vs 3D Character Animator?

AspectUnreal Engine Animator3D Character Animator
CredentialsAnimation or game design degree, proficiency in Unreal EngineAnimation degree, expertise in 3D software like Maya or Blender
Work EnvironmentGame studios, virtual production, real-time environmentsFilm, TV, advertising, pre-rendered animations
Industry UsagePrimarily in game development and interactive mediaFilm, TV, commercials, pre-rendered content

Unreal Engine Animators focus on creating real-time animations within the Unreal Engine platform, often for games and interactive experiences. 3D Character Animators work on pre-rendered content for film and TV, using software like Maya or Blender. While both roles require strong animation skills, Unreal Engine Animators specialize in real-time rendering and game engine workflows, whereas 3D Character Animators focus on pre-rendered, cinematic quality animations.

What are some common challenges Unreal Engine Animators face when working on game development teams?

Unreal Engine Animators often encounter challenges such as optimizing animation assets for real-time performance, ensuring seamless integration with other departments like programming and design, and adapting to rapid changes in project requirements. Collaborating closely with technical artists and developers is essential to troubleshoot issues related to rigging, blend spaces, or animation blueprints. Staying updated with Unreal Engine's frequent updates and mastering new tools within the engine also helps animators maintain high-quality results and efficiency.
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Unreal Engine Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Unreal Engine Animator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% As Needed, 14% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 69% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Senior Animator

Big Shot Pictures

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$114K - $130K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

About Big Shot Pictures

Big Shot Pictures is a next generation animation company founded by Brian Robbins that produces the franchises of tomorrow. With a distinctive digital-first approach, the company builds global animation franchises across all platforms – from digital to theatrical, gaming to streaming, and consumer products to experiences.


About The Role

We are seeking a Senior Animator to help shape and execute high-quality animation within an Unreal Engine–first, real-time pipeline for episodic content. This is a hands-on, creative leadership role that combines strong animation fundamentals with technical fluency in Unreal Engine. The ideal candidate is comfortable leading by example, collaborating closely with a small, focused team, and contributing directly to animation quality and performance on screen.


This role will support the development of creating stylized, appealing content for kids and family

audiences with quick turnarounds.


This is a contract role which would report in-person at our studio in Los Angeles


Responsibilities

  • Execute character animation for episodic productions from layout through final delivery
  • Animate directly in Unreal Engine, utilizing Sequencer, Control Rig, and MetaHuman Animator workflows
  • Provide feedback and mentorship to other animators as needed
  • Collaborate closely with directors, designers, technical artists, and production partners to maintain a consistent visual and performance style
  • Optimize animation workflows to deliver appealing animations at volume
  • Support asset optimization, iteration, and performance polish within a real-time pipeline
  • Contribute to maintaining efficient workflows and production best practices


Required Qualifications

  • Strong professional experience animating in Unreal Engine (Sequencer, Control Rig, MetaHuman Animator), or strong foundational animation skills with a demonstrated ability and willingness to transition to real-time workflows
  • Proven ability to animate across a wide range of styles, with an emphasis on stylized and appealing performance for kids and family content
  • Comfortable working in small, fast-moving teams
  • Experience animating episodic, serialized, or narrative-driven content


Nice to Have

  • Experience working with Animation Sequences within Unreal
  • Creature and non-human animation experience
  • Storyboarding and/or layout experience
  • Experience with mocap pipelines
  • Interest in leveraging emerging tools, including AI-assisted workflows, as an extension of the creative process to improve efficiency and iteration

Apply