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Unreal Engine Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Unreal XD Tech

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$61.25 - $79.50/hr

High-quality UI implementation work within Unreal Engine. * UI animations, transitions, and interaction flows. * Menus, HUD systems, or front-end workflows. * Technical contributions utilizing C ...

New

Experience with animation systems in Unreal Engine * A strong command of animation principles and the ability to apply them within a player experience focused game * Ability to problem-solve and ...

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

You will be responsible for the creation of exemplary gameplay animations as well as implementation and optimization of your work in the Unreal Engine. You will work in close collaboration with a ...

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

You will be responsible for the creation of exemplary gameplay animations as well as implementation and optimization of your work in the Unreal Engine. You will work in close collaboration with a ...

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

You will be responsible for the creation of exemplary gameplay animations as well as implementation and optimization of your work in the Unreal Engine. You will work in close collaboration with a ...

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

You will be responsible for the creation of exemplary gameplay animations as well as implementation and optimization of your work in the Unreal Engine. You will work in close collaboration with a ...

Familiar with Unreal Engine, including animation systems, asset integration, and runtime considerations, with advanced knowledge of Maya. * Nimble and able to prioritize and problem-solve quickly ...

Familiar with Unreal Engine, including animation systems, asset integration, and runtime considerations, with advanced knowledge of Maya. * Nimble and able to prioritize and problem-solve quickly ...

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$129K - $148K/yr

Motionbuilder and Unreal Engine experience * First-person animations experience * strong design eye * Strong knowledge of cinematography, editing, and story development * Experience creating state ...

Familiar with Unreal Engine, including animation systems, asset integration, and runtime considerations, with advanced knowledge of Maya. * Nimble and able to prioritize and problem-solve quickly ...

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA

$129K - $148K/yr

Motionbuilder and Unreal Engine experience * First-person animations experience * strong design eye * Strong knowledge of cinematography, editing, and story development * Experience creating state ...

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Familiar with Unreal Engine, including animation systems, asset integration, and runtime considerations, with advanced knowledge of Maya. * Nimble and able to prioritize and problem-solve quickly ...

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Familiar with Unreal Engine, including animation systems, asset integration, and runtime considerations, with advanced knowledge of Maya. * Nimble and able to prioritize and problem-solve quickly ...

Showing results 21-40

Unreal Engine Animator information

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How much do unreal engine animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 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 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.

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Infographic showing various Unreal Engine Animator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

3D Animator

M&S Consulting

Pasadena, CA • Remote

Part-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

M&S (which stands for Management and Solutions) was conceived in 2002 with the vision of creating highly effective teams of elite consultants to deliver strategic process and technology solutions to enterprise organizations across the US. Our commitment to delivery in complex environments and long-term customer success has merged process and technology into innovative solutions, established deep pockets of expertise, and enabled innovative transformation for evolving businesses.

We have intentionally cultivated steady growth focused on being approachable and helpful to our dearly valued clients and closely cared-for employees. M&S people simply “care hard”, and this reflects in our work products, our interactions, and our culture.

Job Responsibilities:

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-leaning animator/generalist who enjoys working across the full 3D pipeline—from modeling through final render—and translating real-world data, engineering concepts, and mission narratives into visually engaging content. 

  • Create cinematic 3D animations from pre-visualization or animatics through final render
  • Model, texture, shade, and light assets for high-quality scientific and technical visualization 
  • Rig and animate mechanical systems, spacecraft, instruments, and robotic processes 
  • Develop environments and planetary visualizations to support mission storytelling  
  • Render and composite final sequences for video deliverables 
  • Collaborate with creative directors, producers, and technical experts to ensure scientific accuracy 
  • Translate complex engineering or scientific concepts into clear visual narratives 
  • Iterate efficiently based on creative and technical feedback 

Required Skills:

  • Strong portfolio demonstrating cinematic 3D animation and visualization work
  • Experience working across the full 3D pipeline: modeling, texturing/shading, lighting, rigging, animation, rendering, and compositing
  • 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 motion, timing, lighting, and cinematic composition
  • Comfort working from storyboards, pre-vis, or animatics to final delivery

Desired Skills:

  • Experience working with CAD files and converting them into production-ready 3D assets
  • Background animating mechanical systems, robotics, or engineering processes
  • Experience creating space, planetary, or scientific visualizations
  • Familiarity with real-time rendering workflows (e.g., Unreal Engine pipelines)
  • Experience collaborating with scientists, engineers, or technical subject-matter experts

*Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident

*This is a remote position

*M&S Consulting proactively fulfills its role as an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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