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Unreal Engine Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ten4

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$129.80K - $148.10K/yr

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

AGBO

Define and lead the technical strategy for animation systems within Unreal Engine (UE5), ensuring scalability, maintainability, and performance. * Architect and implement advanced runtime animation ...

Ten4

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA

$129.80K - $148.10K/yr

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

AGBO Films LLC

Define and lead the technical strategy for animation systems within Unreal Engine (UE5), ensuring scalability, maintainability, and performance. * Architect and implement advanced runtime animation ...

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

As a Senior Gameplay Animator, you will conceptualize, design, develop and execute 3D animations ... Unreal Engine 4 or 5 experience Location * In Office To Apply * Please include a portfolio ...

CD PROJEKT RED

Senior Animation Programmer

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$118.80K - $217.80K/yr

Solid foundation in Unreal Engine 5, specifically, features and systems related to animation. * Knowledge of motion-matching technology. * Experience in creating a AAA title for game consoles ...

CD PROJEKT RED

Senior Animation Programmer

Boston, MA · On-site +1

$118.80K - $217.80K/yr

Solid foundation in Unreal Engine 5, specifically, features and systems related to animation. * Knowledge of motion-matching technology. * Experience in creating a AAA title for game consoles ...

CD PROJEKT RED

Senior Animation Programmer

Boston, MA · On-site +1

Solid foundation in Unreal Engine 5, specifically, features and systems related to animation. * Knowledge of motion-matching technology. * Experience in creating a AAA title for game consoles ...

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

As a Senior Gameplay Animator, you will conceptualize, design, develop and execute 3D animations ... Unreal Engine 4 or 5 experience Location * In Office To Apply * Please include a portfolio ...

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

As a Senior Gameplay Animator, you will conceptualize, design, develop and execute 3D animations ... Unreal Engine 4 or 5 experience Location * In Office To Apply * Please include a portfolio ...

AGBO

Principal Animation Engineer

Raleigh, NC

Define and lead the technical strategy for animation systems within Unreal Engine (UE5), ensuring scalability, maintainability, and performance. * Architect and implement advanced runtime animation ...

AGBO Films LLC

Principal Animation Engineer

Define and lead the technical strategy for animation systems within Unreal Engine (UE5), ensuring scalability, maintainability, and performance. * Architect and implement advanced runtime animation ...

AlexKong.mx

Collaborate with 3D modelers and animators to seamlessly integrate textures into 3D assets within Maya and Unreal Engine. * Material Shading: Develop and implement shading materials to achieve the ...

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How much do unreal engine animator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 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 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 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.

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Unreal Engine Animator jobs near you

Lead 3D Animator - Virtual Reality

Immersive Entertainment

Irvine, CA • On-site, Remote

Contractor

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Company Description
We create next-generation Virtual Reality Content that represents a new form of entertainment. We bridge the gap between video games and movies, providing a level of immersion, emotional engagement and realism never before seen.
Job Description
  • Creation of high quality game animations in collaboration with concept artists and CCO
  • Define the animation pipelines for maximum quality and efficiency
  • Leading the animation team
  • Ensure animation deliverables meet project defined timelines and budgets
  • Set quality standards for animation on the project
  • Set up a system to share knowledge and techniques across the studio
  • Mentoring animators

Qualifications
  • 5+ years of experience in game development
  • Expert knowledge in key frame creature & character animation of Max/Maya using FK and IK in a variety of styles
  • Expertise in knowledge of creature anatomy, motion, weight, acting and timing applied to 3D animation
  • Understanding of game animation practices and standards
  • Foundational knowledge of composition, editing and cinematic storytelling
  • Exceptional skill in animating realistic creatures
  • Create unique and innovative solutions for solving character animation issues
  • Experience with both motion capture in key frame techniques
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • English language
  • Strong team player and leader by example

Additional Information
Pluses
  • Shipped AAA PC or console titles as a Senior 3D Animator
  • Work experience with Unreal Engine 4
  • Understanding the difference between developing for VR compared to traditional game development.
  • A passion for developing and playing virtual reality experiences

Apply