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Unreal Engine Gameplay Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

2K

Expert Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Familiar with Unreal Engine, including animation systems, asset integration, and runtime considerations. * Familiarity with Unreal Sequencer, camera language, and in-game cinematic workflows.

31st Union

Expert Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Familiar with Unreal Engine, including animation systems, asset integration, and runtime considerations. * Familiarity with Unreal Sequencer, camera language, and in-game cinematic workflows.

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 ...

Ten4

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA

$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

31st Union

Expert Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Familiar with Unreal Engine, including animation systems, asset integration, and runtime considerations. * Familiarity with Unreal Sequencer, camera language, and in-game cinematic workflows.

Eliassen Group

Unreal Engine Developer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65 - $75/hr

Design and develop Unreal Engine plugins and in-engine panels in C++ to support animation and live ... Understanding of animation pipelines, sequencing concepts, and how artists work within Unreal.

Eliassen Group

Unreal Engine Developer

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$65 - $75/hr

Design and develop Unreal Engine plugins and in‑engine panels in C++ to support animation and live action production workflows. * Build tools that integrate with existing pipelines and are ...

teamLFG

Staff Technical Animator

$143K - $214K/yr

... Unreal Engine • Strong understanding of game animation concepts like layering, blending, state machines, etc • Knowledge of Maya animation pipelines • Strong communication skills, and the ...

Eliassen Group

Unreal Engine Developer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65 - $75/hr

Design and develop Unreal Engine plugins and in‑engine panels in C++ to support animation and live action production workflows. * Build tools that integrate with existing pipelines and are ...

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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 Jul 5, 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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What cities are hiring for Unreal Engine Gameplay Animator jobs? Cities with the most Unreal Engine Gameplay Animator job openings:
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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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Senior Gaming Animator

Ten4

Redwood City, CA • On-site

$129K - $148K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Here at Ten4, there's a core focus on Creative Services. By only recruiting for Digital Creatives we can give the best attention and satisfaction to both the clients and the candidates. Being a niche company provides the ability to source top notch candidates and to make the best connections possible. Ten4 works with some of the best ad agencies, start-ups, production studios, and video game shops.
Job Description
  • Drive animation performance without pushing out of a believable and realistic style; your hand-keyed work will fit seamlessly with motion capture
  • Join forces with designers and engineers to create characters that are expressive and that still work with player control and AI
  • Design hand-keyed animation with a highly intuitive and developed understanding of body mechanics, force, balance, timing, and believability
  • Use motion capture, video, and thumbnail sketches as reference for your process
  • Prototype gameplay by blocking animation quickly; when ideas are proven, polish animations to a high level
  • Provide thoughtful feedback to team members and be open to critique
  • Create multiplayer characters and AI that execute believable and memorable performances

Qualifications
  • 5+ years in game development with at least 2 shipped games
  • Experience OR interest in PC multiplayer games
  • Experience with in-game animation and Maya
  • College/University Degree in Character Animation or similar
  • Full comprehension of camera, layout, and stagingS
  • Self-directed and independent worker

Major Plus:
  • Excellent hand-keyed facial animation
  • Motionbuilder and Unreal Engine experience
  • First-person animations experience
  • strong design eye
  • Strong knowledge of cinematography, editing, and story development
  • Experience creating state machines and controller schemes

Additional Information
Benefits and Perks:
  • Competitive Salary with Stock Options
  • An open/unlimited Paid Time Off and Vacation Policy
  • Great medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee and dependents covered at 80% and company paid One Medical Group membership on top of your medical plan
  • Team lunch outings covered by company

Apply