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Visual Effects Animator Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

CesiumAstro

Senior 3D Motion Designer

Austin, TX

$105K - $119K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Animation, Motion Design, Fine Arts, or a related field, with 5-8 years of professional experience in 3D animation, motion design, or visual effects. * Expert knowledge of the ...

CesiumAstro

Senior 3D Motion Designer

Austin, TX · On-site

$105K - $119K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Animation, Motion Design, Fine Arts, or a related field, with 5-8 years of professional experience in 3D animation, motion design, or visual effects. * Expert knowledge of the ...

CesiumAstro

Senior 3D Motion Designer

Austin, TX · On-site

$105K - $119K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Animation, Motion Design, Fine Arts, or a related field, with 5-8 years of professional experience in 3D animation, motion design, or visual effects. * Expert knowledge of the ...

Publicis Groupe Holdings B.V

Motion Designer

Austin, TX · Hybrid

... animations and visual experiences across multiple channels. You'll own projects from initial ... You are a master of After Effects, a wizard with Photoshop and Illustrator, and you may even know a ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

San Marcos, TX · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Round Rock, TX · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Austin, TX · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain polygon modeling workflows, procedural texturing, and compositing while preparing students for 3D art, game development, animation, and visual effects careers. * Conceptual ...

Aquent

Motion Designer

Austin, TX · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

Bachelor's degree in fine arts, motion graphics, visual effects, or equivalent practical work experience. * 3+ years of specialized experience in motion design, animation, and concept-driven ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

San Marcos, TX · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and visual effects production. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Round Rock, TX · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and visual effects production. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Austin, TX · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... animation, and physically based rendering while preparing students for careers in architectural visualization, game asset creation, and visual effects production. * Conceptual Teaching & Problem ...

McGarrah Jessee

Content Creator

Austin, TX · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Expert-level skills in Adobe Premiere Pro/After Effects. Animation skills and knowledge of visual/video styling are plusses. * Platform Mastery: You know the nuances between a "TikTok vibe" and an ...

CesiumAstro

Senior Video Producer

Austin, TX · On-site

Experience creating motion graphics and visual effects using Adobe After Effects or similar animation software. PREFERRED EXPERIENCE * Experience with aerospace, defense, or other technical ...

CesiumAstro

Senior Video Producer

Austin, TX · On-site

Experience creating motion graphics and visual effects using Adobe After Effects or similar animation software. PREFERRED EXPERIENCE * Experience with aerospace, defense, or other technical ...

CesiumAstro

Senior Video Producer

Austin, TX

Experience creating motion graphics and visual effects using Adobe After Effects or similar animation software. PREFERRED EXPERIENCE * Experience with aerospace, defense, or other technical ...

Contrarian Thinking

Short Form Editor

Austin, TX · Remote

$1.0K - $1.7K/mo

Use strong storytelling with music and sound effects to connect emotionally. * Show skill in adding visual animations to boost storytelling and engagement. * Apply color grading, sync audio, and ...

Contrarian Thinking

Short Form Editor (Remote)

Austin, TX · Remote

$1.0K - $1.7K/yr

Use strong storytelling with music and sound effects to connect emotionally. * Show skill in adding visual animations to boost storytelling and engagement. * Apply color grading, sync audio, and ...

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All JobsVisual Effects Animator JobsVisual Effects Animator Jobs in Austin, TX

Visual Effects Animator information

See Austin, TX salary details

$10

$39

$69

How much do visual effects animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for visual effects animator in Austin, TX is $39.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.68 and $63.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a visual effects animator do?

A Visual Effects (VFX) Animator creates digital animations and visual effects for films, television, video games, and other media. They use specialized software to design realistic or stylized motion effects, such as explosions, magic, weather effects, and creature animations. VFX Animators work closely with directors, designers, and other artists to integrate effects seamlessly into live-action or animated scenes. Their role requires technical skills in software like Maya, Houdini, or After Effects, as well as a strong understanding of physics and motion principles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a visual effects animator?

To thrive as a Visual Effects Animator, you need strong artistic ability, a solid understanding of animation principles, and a background in computer graphics or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Adobe After Effects, Houdini, and knowledge of compositing and rendering tools is often required, along with relevant certifications or a portfolio of work. Standout candidates excel in creativity, problem-solving, time management, and communication, as they often work closely with other artists and directors. Mastering these skills ensures the delivery of high-quality effects, seamless collaboration, and the ability to meet tight production deadlines in dynamic environments.

Is visual effects and animation a good career?

A career as a visual effects animator involves creating digital imagery for films, games, and media using software like Maya or After Effects. It offers opportunities in entertainment, advertising, and media industries, often requiring strong artistic skills and technical knowledge. Job prospects depend on industry demand, portfolio quality, and proficiency with industry-standard tools.

How much do visual effects animators make?

The average salary for a visual effects animator varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 annually. Entry-level animators may earn around $40,000, while experienced professionals with advanced skills in software like Maya or After Effects can earn over $120,000 per year.
What are the most commonly searched types of Visual Effects Animator jobs in Austin, TX? The most popular types of Visual Effects Animator jobs in Austin, TX are:
What are popular job titles related to Visual Effects Animator jobs in Austin, TX? For Visual Effects Animator jobs in Austin, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Visual Effects Animator jobs in Austin, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Visual Effects Animator jobs in Austin, TX are:
Visual Effects Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Visual Effects Animator job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,253 per year, or $39.1 per hour.

Senior 3D Motion Designer

CesiumAstro

Austin, TX

$105K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

The 3D Motion Designer owns production of high-quality 3D content for web, social, press, events, and executive presentations. This role leads complex 3D animated sequences and renders, translating technical concepts into beautiful, technically accurate visual stories, and establishes standards for modular, reusable animation assets. This position operates with general supervision, exercising independent judgment on creative and technical execution and mentoring junior designers.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Own production of high-quality 3D animated content for web, social, press, events, and executive presentations.
  • Lead creation of polished, artful 3D animated sequences for marketing, product storytelling, technical explainers, and similar use cases.
  • Own the full 3D production process, including animation, composition, lighting, materials, camera animation, rendering, and compositing.
  • Create both realistic product/system renders and abstract concept animations, with an emphasis on realistic visual execution.
  • Establish and maintain modular 3D animation assets and standards for reuse across videos, campaigns, and presentations.
  • Translate complex engineering concepts into beautiful and technically accurate visual content, independently resolving ambiguity in technical input.
  • Partner directly with engineers and designers to develop storyboards and technical concepts for complex projects.
  • Collaborate with designers, marketers, and engineering subject matter experts, serving as the primary point of contact for 3D content.
  • Apply strong visual storytelling instincts to balance technical accuracy, clarity, beauty, and brand impact across high-visibility projects.
  • Maintain strong attention to detail and own quality for all final renders.
  • Establish file organization and asset management standards, and mentor junior designers on 3D production practices.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in Animation, Motion Design, Fine Arts, or a related field, with 5-8 years of professional experience in 3D animation, motion design, or visual effects.
  • Expert knowledge of the end-to-end 3D production pipeline, including modeling, animation, lighting, materials, camera animation, rendering, compositing, and post-production.
  • Demonstrated ability to create both realistic product/system renders and abstract concept animations, with an emphasis on realistic visual execution.
  • Ability to establish and scale modular 3D animation assets across multiple videos, campaigns, and presentations.
  • Strong portfolio or reel demonstrating 3D animation, realistic rendering, technical visualization, or cinematic product storytelling.
  • Proficiency with industry-standard 3D software such as Cinema 4D, Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max.
  • Experience using professional rendering engines, including Redshift, Octane, Arnold, or V-Ray.
  • Advanced proficiency with Adobe After Effects and Adobe Premiere Pro for animation, compositing, and video editing.
  • Experience with Substance Painter or similar texturing and material authoring tools.
  • Ability to manage multiple creative projects simultaneously while maintaining exceptional quality, attention to detail, and adherence to deadlines.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
  • Experience with aerospace, RF, satellite communications, hardware, phased arrays, payloads, antennas, orbital networks, software-defined radios, or systems architecture.
  • Engineering background or technical education is a plus, with the ability to understand and accurately communicate complex engineering concepts through visual media.
  • Real-time rendering or interactive 3D experience.
  • 2D motion graphics experience, especially for titles, labels, annotations, diagrams, and technical callouts.
CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.  Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.  
 
CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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