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Unreal Engine Animator Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Studio Wildcard

Senior Graphics Programmer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$200K/yr

Dive into the Unreal Engine C++ source code to implement complex refactors and engine upgrades that ... Partner with the Creature Art and Tech Animation teams to pioneer new rendering techniques ...

Komodo Co., Ltd.

Gameplay Engineer

Bellevue, WA · Remote

Unreal Engine (C++, Blueprints) * Git * Unreal Gameplay Framework * Unreal physics, animation, and UI systems Preferred Qualifications * Experience developing competitive or PvP-based games

Komodo Co., Ltd.

Gameplay Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site +1

Unreal Engine (C++, Blueprints) * Git * Unreal Gameplay Framework * Unreal physics, animation, and UI systems Preferred Qualifications * Experience developing competitive or PvP-based games

Hardsuit Labs

Technical Artist (Mid - Senior)

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$144K - $173K/yr

As a studio we have built a reputation as an Unreal Engine focused development house, working in a ... Reports to: Studio Art & Animation Director * Department: Art * Work Location: Fully Remote

Hardsuit Labs

Technical Artist (Mid - Senior)

Seattle, WA · Remote

$130K - $155K/yr

As a studio we have built a reputation as an Unreal Engine focused development house, working in a ... Reports to: Studio Art & Animation Director * Department: Art * Work Location: Fully Remote

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How much do unreal engine animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for unreal engine animator in Seattle, WA is $44.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.90 and $72.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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 popular job titles related to Unreal Engine Animator jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Unreal Engine Animator jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Unreal Engine Animator jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Unreal Engine Animator jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Unreal Engine Animator jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Unreal Engine Animator job openings:

Unreal Engine Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Unreal Engine Animator job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,288 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

Technical Animator (Animation Blueprints & Control Rig) - Remote or On-Site

Studio Wildcard

Seattle, WA • On-site, Remote

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

We're Studio Wildcard, developers of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved -- one of the most popular and original video games in recent years. Despite our massive success, we've been able to stay independent, so that we can steer our own future in games and beyond. There's never been a better time for you to join this adventure and help us buildARK Survival Ascended, the next chapter of our original hit franchise! We're expanding and updating many of the ARK community's most beloved features while taking full advantage of the latest tools and technologies.


We're looking for an exceptionally talented Technical Animator who lives and breathes Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints and Control Rig. You will own high-impact animation systems that bring creatures, characters, and gameplay to life. This is a systems-focused technical animation role: deep expertise in visual programming (AnimBPs + Control Rig) is the core requirement. Comfort with programming logic is essential, but day-to-day C++ work is not the focus.


Responsibilities:

  • Design, write, and implement animation systems, using Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints and Control Rigs
  • Create sophisticated Control Rig solutions (procedural animation, IK/FK systems, full-body IK, terrain adaptation, foot placement, active ragdoll blending, etc.)
  • Develop responsive, scalable animation systems for bipeds, quadrupeds, and fantasy creatures
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams to improve current solutions and create new ones
  • Create documentation and provide pipeline improvements
  • Optimize animation systems for performance, LODs, and large-scale creature ecosystems


Requirements:

  • Minimum 3 years of professional experience as a Technical Animator / Animation Programmer / Technical Artist focused on real-time animation systems, with at least one shipped title.
  • Expert-level proficiency with Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints (complex state machines, layered blends, procedural logic, gameplay-driven systems).
  • Strong self-motivation and willingness to participate in many areas of game development
  • Experience using Unreal Engine 5


Pluses:

  • C++ experience (useful for deeper engine integration or performance work, but not a primary focus of the role)
  • Experience with character/creature rigging and skinning in Maya, or Control Rig
  • Degree in computer science or a related field
  • Experience with Rigging and Animation
  • Physics-driven animation (ragdoll, physics blending, cloth, custom physics solvers)
  • Tool Programming, MEL, PyMel Python
  • Houdini experience


Required Application Materials:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter which should include
    • Why you are interested in working for Studio Wildcard
    • What games you are currently playing
  • Portfolio or examples demonstrating Animation Blueprint and/or Control Rig work


About Studio Wildcard

Studio Wildcard was founded in 2014 by industry veterans Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak, with the mission of bringing AAA quality to ambitious indie productions designed for core gamers. With countless years of combined industry experience across multiple independent and studio-backed titles, Wildcard's core team continues to grow, with offices in Redmond, WA, and Gainesville, FL including distributed team members across multiple continents.


Equal Opportunity Employer
Wildcard is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws, regulations or ordinances. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to disability during the application or the recruiting process, please let us know.


Pay Transparency Information
The expected annual base pay range(s) for this position vary based on a variety of factors, which include: (but aren't limited to) skills, competencies, qualifications, knowledge, and experience. Each pay range is only relevant to those residing in WA state and can vary based on geographical location.


Wildcard Benefits
We pay 100% of all premiums for the employee and discounted rates for dependent premiums. Our coverage includes Medical (5 different plans to choose from), Dental, Vision, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, 401(k) option, 100% covered Parental Leave, PTO, Paid Holidays, Unlimited Sick Time, and FSA/ HSA options

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