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Unreal Engine Gameplay Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Epic Games

Character Animation Lead

Cary, NC · On-site

Lead the creation and implementation of high-quality, gameplay-driven animation in Unreal Engine * Prototype and iterate on new approaches to character movement, responsiveness, and player-driven ...

Insomniac Games

Senior Gameplay Animator (CONTRACT)

$76.92 - $86.06/hr

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 ...

Ten4

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$129K - $148K/yr

Prototype gameplay by blocking animation quickly; when ideas are proven, polish animations to a ... Motionbuilder and Unreal Engine experience * First-person animations experience * strong design eye

Epic Games

Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC · On-site

Strong familiarity with gameplay animation tools and concepts, such as blend trees, state machines, and Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints * Experience with AAA game development, preferably on a ...

T hera Bytes GmbH

... unreal engine 5 and blueprints Integrate UI and SFX Work with animation blueprints Test the game help re-producing bugs You like FPS and even more love to build them First experience using Unreal ...

Epic Games

Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC · On-site

As a TDiA, you will use your animation sense and technical understanding of character animation to ... Experience with AAA game development, preferably on a large team using Unreal Engine * Self ...

Virtual Producer

Unreal Artist/Generalist

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$122K - $146K/yr

Create & or take animation assets into the Unreal game engine. * Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop best in class, cross-platform experiences in Unreal. * Design and create virtual ...

Ten4

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$129K - $148K/yr

Prototype gameplay by blocking animation quickly; when ideas are proven, polish animations to a ... Motionbuilder and Unreal Engine experience * First-person animations experience * strong design eye

Far Coder

$25K - $40K/mo

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 9, 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.

Technical Animator - Unreal 4

Seattle, WA • On-site

8 Circuit Studios, Inc.
PC Games • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about 8 Circuit Studios, Inc.external

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Do you love working with and empowering animators by providing them the tools necessary to bring characters to life? Are you passionate about working at the cutting edge of story telling mediums and working in a highly technical environment? Do you have experience working with motion capture teams? Are you comfortable collaborating with game developers in the Unreal pipeline? If so, we may have the role for you. 


We are looking to hire a Rigger and/or a Technical Animator to kickstart our gameplay animation team. You would work closely with Art and Production to produce in-game content and cinematics.


Responsibilities

  • Experience with Keyframe animation and motion capture data, with fundamental animation principles
  • Support and improve the integration of animation assets from Maya (or equivalent 3D tools) to Unreal Engine 4
  • Contribute to improving the animation pipeline
  • Own the skinning process for a variety of characters, weapons, garments and gear
  • Manage code and content delivery with Perforce
  • Document process

Requirements

  • Character rigging and skinning capabilities
  • Keyframe experience a big plus for placeholder sets
  • Facial rigging experience a plus
  • UE4 experience

Please include work examples with application.


About 8 Circuit Studios

With 8 Circuit Studios, you would be joining a team that has big aspirations. Our dream is to create games that make you think while becoming wildly successful in the enterprise. We are fired up to make our mark in the video game industry with our first PC, XBox, and PS4/5 title called Project Genesis.


We are currently self-funded and looking to accomplish the impossible: create live-service title that can compete with AAA games…but at a fraction of the cost in time, talent, and treasure. We expect a lot from each other, but we also have a passion for creating a supportive environment where you can learn as you go and level-up as much as you’d like.


We love to share knowledge and expertise.


In the not too distant future, we anticipate scaling our team up so now is the perfect time for you to consider applying as we prepare the team to go stratospheric.

Apply