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Unreal Engine Gameplay Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

That's No Moon Entertainment

OR · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

Create and integrate AAA quality animations for scripted moments within the game using Unreal Engine 5 * Use motion capture optimally and hand-key appropriately * Support the creation and maintenance ...

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

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

Alameda, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Minimum 5 years of professional experience in Animation, Games or Visual Effects * Experience ... Experience with Unreal Engine, Unreal Control Rig and Sequencer Good to have: * Proficiency with ...

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

Mundelein, IL · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Minimum 5 years of professional experience in Animation, Games or Visual Effects * Experience ... Experience with Unreal Engine, Unreal Control Rig and Sequencer Good to have: * Proficiency with ...

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

Sonoma, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Minimum 5 years of professional experience in Animation, Games or Visual Effects * Experience ... Experience with Unreal Engine, Unreal Control Rig and Sequencer Good to have: * Proficiency with ...

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

San Jose, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Minimum 5 years of professional experience in Animation, Games or Visual Effects * Experience ... Experience with Unreal Engine, Unreal Control Rig and Sequencer Good to have: * Proficiency with ...

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

Santa Clara, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Minimum 5 years of professional experience in Animation, Games or Visual Effects * Experience ... Experience with Unreal Engine, Unreal Control Rig and Sequencer Good to have: * Proficiency with ...

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

Hayward, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Minimum 5 years of professional experience in Animation, Games or Visual Effects * Experience ... Experience with Unreal Engine, Unreal Control Rig and Sequencer Good to have: * Proficiency with ...

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

Fremont, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Minimum 5 years of professional experience in Animation, Games or Visual Effects * Experience ... Experience with Unreal Engine, Unreal Control Rig and Sequencer Good to have: * Proficiency with ...

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

Santa Rosa, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Minimum 5 years of professional experience in Animation, Games or Visual Effects * Experience ... Experience with Unreal Engine, Unreal Control Rig and Sequencer Good to have: * Proficiency with ...

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

Sunnyvale, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Minimum 5 years of professional experience in Animation, Games or Visual Effects * Experience ... Experience with Unreal Engine, Unreal Control Rig and Sequencer Good to have: * Proficiency with ...

Evil Eye Pictures

Senior Unreal Animator

San Mateo, CA · Remote

$40 - $65/hr

Minimum 5 years of professional experience in Animation, Games or Visual Effects * Experience ... Experience with Unreal Engine, Unreal Control Rig and Sequencer Good to have: * Proficiency with ...

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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 Jun 14, 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, and why are they important?

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

Senior Narrative Gameplay Animator (Project Hire)

That's No Moon Entertainment

OR • On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

We are looking for a Senior Narrative Gameplay Animator with a passion and drive for creating incredible animations for a AAA title. Be the go-to person in supporting immersive, narrative moments throughout the game. The animation will be of the highest quality and in-game functionality. This person will collaborate with other departments and key roles such as the Lead Animator, Camera Layout, Design, Tech Art and Stage. This role will contribute to the unified goal of creating scripted animations that are functional, narrative driven, fluid and will tie into cinematics and gameplay seamlessly. 

Responsibilities:  

  • Create and integrate AAA quality animations for scripted moments within the game using Unreal Engine 5 
  • Use motion capture optimally and hand-key appropriately 
  • Support the creation and maintenance of an Unreal pipeline for scripted events 
  • Collaborate and work alongside other animators to ensure that animations are cohesive with cinematics and gameplay 
  • Work at the highest level, technically and aesthetically  
  • Be proactive with troubleshooting any animation workflow, rigging and pipeline issues 
  • Communicate effectively with animators, engineers, realization team, and design, to give and accept feedback 
  • Assist in establishing standard methodologies in animation 
  • Participate in motion capture shoots when needed  

Requirements & Skills:  

  • Proven Senior experience working with motion capture data and hand-key animation in the game industry  
  • Working knowledge of Unreal Engine, with an emphasis on animation and Sequencer 
  • Ability to work in all aspects of animation including biped, quadruped and vehicles 
  • Demo reel showing an understanding of animation principles, while including gameplay  
  • Experienced with specific gameplay animation editing including blending, cycles and layering  
  • Knowledge of previsualization and cinematography principles 
  • Expert knowledge of Maya 
  • Experience with creating and integrating scripted animations in engine 
  • Passionate about games and the enthusiasm to make the best! 
  • Strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills 

Qualities:  

  • Flexibility in switching tasks to accommodate production priorities  
  • Ability to appreciate other department's perspectives  
  • Maintain integrity and confidence in results-oriented times  
  • Empathic and respected senior member of the team  
  • Team oriented with a desire to assist other animators  
  • Promote inclusivity, diversity and fairness  
  • Practice patience and be open to giving and receiving feedback  

(This is a temporary "Project Hire" position. The anticipated duration of this assignment will vary. TNM Project Hire employees will be eligible to participate in a number of TNM benefit plans such as medical, dental, vision, 401(k) matching, and flexible PTO)

TNM considers a number of factors when determining each role's base pay range, including industry benchmarks, location, experience, and other job specific skills. In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for other incentive compensation including equity and profit share. The estimated base pay range for this role is U.S. only and not applicable for locations outside of the U.S.

The estimated base pay range for this role is: $120,000 - $145,000

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