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Unreal Engine Gameplay Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

teamLFG

Staff Gameplay Animator

OR · On-site +1

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 ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

teamLFG

Staff Gameplay Animator

$144K - $217K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Absurd Ventures

Principal Gameplay Animator

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Strong understanding of Unreal Engine 5 animation systems, including Animation Blueprints, State ... Passion for open world gameplay, player expression, and immersive character performance.

Absurd Ventures

Principal Gameplay Animator

Santa Monica, CA · On-site +1

$150K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Strong understanding of Unreal Engine 5 animation systems, including Animation Blueprints, State ... Passion for open world gameplay, player expression, and immersive character performance.

Epic Games

Senior Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC · On-site

$98K - $112K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Familiarity with gameplay animation tools and concepts, such as blend trees and state machines; experience with Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints is a plus * Experience with AAA game development ...

Aston Carter

Technical Animator

Seattle, WA · On-site

$45 - $46/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Essential Skills * 4+ years of experience in Technical Animation, Character Animation, Game Development, Virtual Production, or Interactive Media. * Advanced proficiency in Unreal Engine animation ...

De Circle

Animation Engineer - EmptyVessel

Austin, TX · On-site +1

Troubleshoot and debug game crashes, utilizing knowledge of C++ and Unreal Engine to identify and resolve issues promptly. * Utilize Autodesk Maya for keyframe animation and animation techniques ...

Aston Carter

Technical Animator

Seattle, WA · On-site

$45 - $46/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Essential Skills * 4+ years of experience in Technical Animation, Character Animation, Game Development, Virtual Production, or Interactive Media. * Advanced proficiency in Unreal Engine animation ...

Jobgether

$100K - $131K/yr

  • PTO

Develop advanced expertise in Unreal Engine's animation tools and contribute to solving technical ... Opportunity to contribute to a major game project and create engaging player experiences. * Annual ...

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All JobsUnreal Engine Gameplay Animator Jobs

Unreal Engine Gameplay Animator information

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$10

$39

$70

How much do unreal engine gameplay animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for unreal engine gameplay 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 Gameplay Animator?

To thrive as an Unreal Engine Gameplay Animator, you need a strong background in 3D animation principles, character rigging, and a portfolio showcasing animation for interactive environments, often supported by a degree in animation or related fields. Proficiency with Unreal Engine, Maya or Blender, and understanding of animation blueprints and real-time workflows are typically required. Creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving are standout soft skills for working effectively with designers and programmers. These abilities are crucial for creating engaging, believable character animation that enhances gameplay and player experience.

What is the difference between Unreal Engine Gameplay Animator vs Character Animator?

AspectUnreal Engine Gameplay AnimatorCharacter Animator
Primary FocusAnimating gameplay elements, interactions, and in-game characters within Unreal EngineCreating character movements and performances for film, TV, or animation projects
Tools & SkillsUnreal Engine, Blueprint scripting, game physicsMaya, Adobe After Effects, motion capture
Work EnvironmentGame development studios, interactive media projectsAnimation studios, film production
Industry UsageVideo game industry, interactive experiencesEntertainment, film, television

While both roles involve character animation, Unreal Engine Gameplay Animators specialize in animating interactive gameplay elements within Unreal Engine, focusing on real-time responses and game mechanics. Character Animators typically work on pre-rendered or cinematic character performances for film or animation projects. The key difference lies in the environment and tools used, with Unreal Engine Gameplay Animators working primarily within game engines for interactive content.

What is an Unreal Engine Gameplay Animator?

An Unreal Engine Gameplay Animator is a professional who creates and implements character animations within the Unreal Engine, primarily for video games. They work closely with game designers and programmers to ensure animations are responsive and enhance gameplay experiences. Their responsibilities often include rigging characters, creating animation blueprints, and integrating animations using Unreal Engine's tools. These animators must have a strong understanding of both animation principles and the technical aspects of game engines. They play a crucial role in bringing characters and worlds to life in interactive environments.

What are some typical challenges Unreal Engine Gameplay Animators face when integrating animations with gameplay mechanics?

Unreal Engine Gameplay Animators often encounter challenges ensuring that animations blend seamlessly with real-time gameplay mechanics, such as syncing character movement with player inputs and maintaining responsiveness. Balancing visually appealing animations with the technical constraints of the game engine and optimizing performance for different platforms are also common hurdles. Collaboration with programmers and designers is essential to troubleshoot issues and refine animation systems, making communication and adaptability key skills for success in this role.
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Unreal Engine Gameplay Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Unreal Engine Gameplay Animator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 25% In-person, and 75% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Staff Gameplay Animator

teamLFG

OR • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Are you on a mission to create games that bond players together into deeply invested communities? Would you like to work on something comedic with lighthearted and whimsical characters? Do you think a lot about how well-crafted animations create satisfying feedback for players, or how to achieve quality character animation within real time constraints? Come join us at teamLFG!

We are looking for someone that is excited about the creative art of animation and the technical challenge of turning that animation into world class action gameplay. As a Staff Animator on teamLFG, you will be involved in all stages of gameplay animation from the initial concept of character movement to the creation of final animation. Most importantly, you will work with a fun, diverse, cross-discipline team devoted to building a new universe from scratch on a new franchise at PlayStation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Create high-quality animation content and implement it in a game engine with minimal oversight

  • Collaborate with Design to create compelling player experiences
  • Assume primary ownership of broad character animation deliverables, including locomotion, abilities, interactions, and emotes
  • Mentor other animators about animation style and implementation
  • Collaborate with production to cost out animation work and deliver animation on schedule
  • Collaborate with Art Direction and Animation Leadership to set Animation Style and Quality bars
  • Document animation workflows and best practices

REQUIRED SKILLS

  • Ability to keyframe stylized gameplay animation, as shown by examples of professional or personal work
  • Extensive experience with character animation in Maya
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work well in a team environment
  • 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 drive creative solutions when given ambiguous problems

NICE TO HAVE SKILLS

  • Fighting game animation experience
  • Experience animating to a MOBA style camera
  • Live Service game animation experience

Apply