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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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Mundo Gamer Network

NY · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

As a Senior/Expert Unreal Engine Game Programmer, you will be responsible for developing and implementing high-quality gameplay features and systems for our upcoming projects. If you have a passion ...

Epic Games

Senior Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC · On-site

$98K - $112K/yr

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 ...

Socket.dev

$200 - $250/hr

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 ...

Cloud Chamber

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · Remote

$123K - $182K/yr

Shipped multiple AAA titles as a Lead, Team Lead, or Senior Animator ideally utilizing Unreal Engine. * Deep knowledge of gameplay and AI animation systems, animation graph/data integration, motion ...

2K

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Shipped multiple AAA titles as a Lead, Team Lead, or Senior Animator ideally utilizing Unreal Engine. * Deep knowledge of gameplay and AI animation systems, animation graph/data integration, motion ...

Socket.dev

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Shipped multiple AAA titles as a Lead, Team Lead, or Senior Animator ideally utilizing Unreal Engine. * Deep knowledge of gameplay and AI animation systems, animation graph/data integration, motion ...

2K

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Shipped multiple AAA titles as a Lead, Team Lead, or Senior Animator ideally utilizing Unreal Engine. * Deep knowledge of gameplay and AI animation systems, animation graph/data integration, motion ...

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 ...

Cloud Chamber

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Shipped multiple AAA titles as a Lead, Team Lead, or Senior Animator ideally utilizing Unreal Engine. * Deep knowledge of gameplay and AI animation systems, animation graph/data integration, motion ...

Insomniac Games

Senior Gameplay Animator (CONTRACT)

OR · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

Collaborate with Designers and Programmers to implement animations in engine using expert skills in ... Gameplay responsibilities can include hero traversal, combat, boss, gameplay camera cinematography ...

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Unreal Engine Gameplay Animator information

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

As of Sep 8, 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 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 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 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.

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.

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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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Staff Gameplay Animator

OR • On-site, Remote

teamLFG
See more jobs at teamLFGexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 4 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