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Unreal Engine Gameplay Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Epoch Games

Unreal Engine Level Designer

Winston Salem, NC · On-site

$93K/yr

The Co-Founders of Epoch Games were originally part of a Modding Team developing the total ... The game is being developed using Epic Games' Unreal Engine 4 (UE4): See our Benefits page for more ...

Vailexa

Unreal Engine C++ Developer

Saint Louis, MO

Animation triggers * Real-time simulation behavior * Support proof-of-concepts and production ... Game engine architecture * Actor systems and scene management * Performance optimization in real ...

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 ...

Epic Games

Gameplay Engineering Lead

Cary, NC · On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

What You'll Do Part of the Unreal Engine Gameplay department, you will lead a team of experienced programmers aimed at transforming Unreal Engine 5 (UE5) and Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN ...

Naughty Dog

Senior Technical Gameplay Animator

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$119K - $135K/yr

Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character-driven stories and attention ... in engine * Work with the animation leadership on defining and maintaining the style and quality ...

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

... in game development, including at least one shipped AAA title in an animation role. * 2-4+ years of experience in a leadership role and/or mentoring experience. * Familiar with Unreal Engine ...

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

... in game development, including at least one shipped AAA title in an animation role. * 2-4+ years of experience in a leadership role and/or mentoring experience. * Familiar with Unreal Engine ...

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

... in game development, including at least one shipped AAA title in an animation role. * 2-4+ years of experience in a leadership role and/or mentoring experience. * Familiar with Unreal Engine ...

31st Union

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

... in game development, including at least one shipped AAA title in an animation role. * 2-4+ years of experience in a leadership role and/or mentoring experience. * Familiar with Unreal Engine ...

Epoch Games

Unreal Engine Technical Artist

Winston Salem, NC · On-site

$109K - $130K/yr

Company Description Epoch Games is a volunteer-based, all-online, global game development team. We ... The game is being developed using Epic Games' Unreal Engine 4 (UE4): For more information about the ...

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

... in game development, including at least one shipped AAA title in an animation role. * 2-4+ years of experience in a leadership role and/or mentoring experience. * Familiar with Unreal Engine ...

31st Union

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

... in game development, including at least one shipped AAA title in an animation role. * 2-4+ years of experience in a leadership role and/or mentoring experience. * Familiar with Unreal Engine ...

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All JobsUnreal Engine Gameplay Animator Jobs

Unreal Engine Gameplay Animator information

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

As of Aug 10, 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.

Technical Animator (Animation Blueprints & Control Rig) - Remote or On-Site

Studio Wildcard

Seattle, WA • Remote

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

We're Studio Wildcard, developers of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved -- one of the most popular and original video games in recent years. Despite our massive success, we've been able to stay independent, so that we can steer our own future in games and beyond. There's never been a better time for you to join this adventure and help us build ARK Survival Ascended, the next chapter of our original hit franchise! We're expanding and updating many of the ARK community's most beloved features while taking full advantage of the latest tools and technologies.


We’re looking for an exceptionally talented Technical Animator who lives and breathes Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints and Control Rig. You will own high-impact animation systems that bring creatures, characters, and gameplay to life. This is a systems-focused technical animation role: deep expertise in visual programming (AnimBPs + Control Rig) is the core requirement. Comfort with programming logic is essential, but day-to-day C++ work is not the focus.


Responsibilities:

  • Design, write, and implement animation systems, using Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints and Control Rigs
  • Create sophisticated Control Rig solutions (procedural animation, IK/FK systems, full-body IK, terrain adaptation, foot placement, active ragdoll blending, etc.)
  • Develop responsive, scalable animation systems for bipeds, quadrupeds, and fantasy creatures
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams to improve current solutions and create new ones
  • Create documentation and provide pipeline improvements
  • Optimize animation systems for performance, LODs, and large-scale creature ecosystems


Requirements:

  • Minimum 3 years of professional experience as a Technical Animator / Animation Programmer / Technical Artist focused on real-time animation systems, with at least one shipped title.
  • Expert-level proficiency with Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints (complex state machines, layered blends, procedural logic, gameplay-driven systems).
  • Strong self-motivation and willingness to participate in many areas of game development
  • Experience using Unreal Engine 5


Pluses:

  • C++ experience (useful for deeper engine integration or performance work, but not a primary focus of the role)
  • Experience with character/creature rigging and skinning in Maya, or Control Rig
  • Degree in computer science or a related field
  • Experience with Rigging and Animation
  • Physics-driven animation (ragdoll, physics blending, cloth, custom physics solvers)
  • Tool Programming, MEL, PyMel Python
  • Houdini experience


Required Application Materials:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter which should include
    • Why you are interested in working for Studio Wildcard
    • What games you are currently playing
  • Portfolio or examples demonstrating Animation Blueprint and/or Control Rig work


About Studio Wildcard

Studio Wildcard was founded in 2014 by industry veterans Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak, with the mission of bringing AAA quality to ambitious indie productions designed for core gamers. With countless years of combined industry experience across multiple independent and studio-backed titles, Wildcard's core team continues to grow, with offices in Redmond, WA, and Gainesville, FL including distributed team members across multiple continents.


Equal Opportunity Employer
Wildcard is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws, regulations or ordinances. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to disability during the application or the recruiting process, please let us know.  


Pay Transparency Information
The expected annual base pay range(s) for this position vary based on a variety of factors, which include: (but aren't limited to) skills, competencies, qualifications, knowledge, and experience. Each pay range is only relevant to those residing in WA state and can vary based on geographical location. 


Wildcard Benefits
We pay 100% of all premiums for the employee and discounted rates for dependent premiums. Our coverage includes Medical (5 different plans to choose from), Dental, Vision, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, 401(k) option, 100% covered Parental Leave, PTO, Paid Holidays, Unlimited Sick Time, and FSA/ HSA options