ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Unreal Engine Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CD PROJEKT RED

Senior Gameplay Animator (Locomotion)

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$115K - $131K/yr

Implement and iterate within Unreal Engine to ensure locomotion animation feels responsive, readable, and polished in real-time gameplay. * Research, explore and advocate new techniques, systems, and ...

2K

Expert Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Familiar with Unreal Engine, including animation systems, asset integration, and runtime considerations. * Familiarity with Unreal Sequencer, camera language, and in-game cinematic workflows.

2K

Senior Technical Animation Designer

San Mateo, CA

$108K - $161K/yr

What We Need: We are looking for a Senior Technical Animation Designer to be responsible for ... Experienced in Unreal Engine (2+ years), including scripting with Blueprints and/or C++, and solid ...

2K

Expert Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Familiar with Unreal Engine, including animation systems, asset integration, and runtime considerations. * Familiarity with Unreal Sequencer, camera language, and in-game cinematic workflows.

31st Union

Expert Animator

San Mateo, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

Familiar with Unreal Engine, including animation systems, asset integration, and runtime considerations. * Familiarity with Unreal Sequencer, camera language, and in-game cinematic workflows.

2K

Senior Technical Animation Designer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

What We Need: We are looking for a Senior Technical Animation Designer to be responsible for ... Experienced in Unreal Engine (2+ years), including scripting with Blueprints and/or C++, and solid ...

31st Union

Expert Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Familiar with Unreal Engine, including animation systems, asset integration, and runtime considerations. * Familiarity with Unreal Sequencer, camera language, and in-game cinematic workflows.

Ten4

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 ...

31st Union

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA

$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 ...

2K

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 ...

31st Union

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsUnreal Engine Animator Jobs

Unreal Engine Animator information

See salary details

$10

$39

$70

How much do unreal engine animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 18, 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.
More about Unreal Engine Animator jobs
What cities are hiring for Unreal Engine Animator jobs? Cities with the most Unreal Engine Animator job openings:
What states have the most Unreal Engine Animator jobs? States with the most job openings for Unreal Engine Animator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Unreal Engine Animator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Unreal Engine Animator jobs are:
Unreal Engine Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Unreal Engine Animator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Part Time, 49% Contract, and 13% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.
Adjunct Faculty, Game Art - Unreal Instructor

Adjunct Faculty, Game Art - Unreal Instructor

Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design

Lakewood, CO

$2.4K - $3.3K/wk

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Adjunct Faculty, Game Art (On Campus)
Salary: $2,440 (lecture) – $3,340 (studio) per class, per term
Location: Lakewood, CO
Rocky Mountain College of Art +Design is looking for a Part -Time Professor who has expertise in Game Art. The faculty member works with the Chair and Program Lead of the Game Art program, working closely with students, faculty, and administrative staff to advance teaching, student clubs and activities, co-curricular experiences, and curriculum development. They will work closely with academic leadership with a focus on teaching, monitoring and improving student learning and success, and performing duties as assigned by the Chair and the Program Lead.
RMCAD’s Digital Arts + Media Department offers degree programs rooted in industry-aligned practices, emerging technologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The successful applicant will have demonstrated expertise in Unreal Engine 5, with an emphasis on blueprinting, 3D asset and animation integration, as well as materials and lighting. This position supports the continued design, development, and delivery of dynamic, studio-centered curricula and the advancement of learning outcomes to prepare students for leadership in an evolving digital landscape.
Required Qualifications
  • A graduate degree (MA, MS, MFA, MDes, or equivalent) in Game Art, Game Design, relevant field, OR a bachelor's degree with a sustained record of professional or studio-based work in these areas.
  • Proficiency using and teaching industry-leading game development software Unreal Engine 5 (and recent versions).
  • Using templates and blueprints to help students rapidly prototype game ideas with out-of-the-box components.
  • Real-time global illumination and high-detail geometry management in Lumen and Nanite.
  • Designing Niagra visual effects (VFX) and particle systems.\
  • Authoring complex materials and procedural textures.
  • Authorized Unreal Instructor
  • Examples of pedagogical approaches that align with the institution's mission and values, along with evidence of effective and inclusive teaching that values a diverse student body.
Preferred Qualifications
  • A terminal degree (MFA or PhD) in Art, Design, or a related discipline OR equivalent professional distinction recognized at a national or international level.
  • 2+ years of teaching experience in an accredited postsecondary institution with proven expertise in teaching Game Art or related digital media.
  • A sustained record of professional or studio-based work in Game Art or related digital media, demonstrated through published games either studio based or independently.
  • a technically minded artist who understands composition, color theory, and lighting, and can utilize this knowledge to better explain blueprints in a way that respects a more artist-centric workflow.
  • Understanding of core game design concepts particularly as they apply to level design and level construction, story (narratological) and play (ludological).
  • Ongoing engagement with contemporary, emerging industry practices and pipelines with demonstrated expertise Unreal Engine as it also relates to real-time cinematics, virtual production, virtual twins, and rapid game prototyping.
  • Courses taught may include Environment Production I, Environment Production II, Environment Production III, 3D Computer Fundamentals, and 3D Lighting and Materials.
  • Candidates should have experience with blueprinting game prototypes with out-of-the-box game templates in Unreal Engine as well as 3D asset and animation integration as it relates to game development and design.
  • Knowledge of Unreal Engine, Autodesk Maya, Blender, Adobe Substance 3D Suite, and ZBrush is preferred.
Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Apply