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Unreal Engine Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ... Understanding of animation pipelines, sequencing concepts, and how artists work within Unreal.

Eliassen Group

Unreal Engine Developer

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$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 ...

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 · 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

teamLFG

OR · On-site

... in Unreal Engine Strong understanding of game animation concepts like layering, blending, state machines, etc Knowledge of Maya animation pipelines Strong communication skills, and the ability to ...

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All JobsUnreal Engine Animator Jobs

Unreal Engine Animator information

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How much do unreal engine animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 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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What cities are hiring for Unreal Engine Animator jobs? Cities with the most Unreal Engine Animator job openings:
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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 6% Internship, 66% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 11% Contract, and 6% Summer. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.
AAA Gameplay Animator -- Unreal Engine Expert (San Mateo)

AAA Gameplay Animator -- Unreal Engine Expert (San Mateo)

2K Games, Inc.

San Mateo, CA • On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Full-time

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

Job description

2K Games, Inc. is actively seeking an Expert Animator in San Mateo, California. The ideal candidate will create high-quality in-game animations, leveraging strong knowledge of gameplay animation and tools like Maya and Unreal Engine. You'll collaborate with teams to enhance character motion and gameplay responsiveness.

This role requires 6-8+ years in game development with a track record of AAA titles. Competitive salary range of $123,200 - $182,360 per year along with comprehensive benefits awaits you.

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