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Visual Effects Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ember Lab

Lead VFX Artist

Orange, CA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Art, Animation, or a related field, or equivalent experience. * Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in creating visual effects for video games, with a strong portfolio ...

Ember Lab

Lead VFX Artist

Orange, CA

Bachelor's degree in Art, Animation, or a related field, or equivalent experience. * Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in creating visual effects for video games, with a strong portfolio ...

Ember Lab

Lead VFX Artist

Orange, CA · On-site

Bachelors degree in Art, Animation, or a related field, or equivalent experience. * Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in creating visual effects for video games, with a strong portfolio ...

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TEKsystems

Motion Designer/Animator

Menlo Park, CA · Remote

$85 - $105/hr

Create high-impact visual and motion content, including image-based animations, effects, and transitions * Develop creative concepts for animations, drawing inspiration from advertising, campaigns ...

Local SEO Tulsa

Vfx Artist

Tulsa, OK

$85K - $95K/yr

Create high-quality visual effects for marketing materials, including videos, animations, and graphics. * Collaborate with the creative team to understand project requirements and deliver results ...

AGBO

Expression of Interest - Animator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

AGBO is seeking a talented Animator to join our Visual Effects (VFX) team. The Animator is responsible for designing and creating the motion of computer graphics characters. This role will help lead ...

Bsu

Instructor of Animation

Muncie, IN

$3.0K - $9.0K/wk

Programs at the BA, BS, and BFA levels include art education, art history, graphic design, animation production, illustration, game art/design, visual effects, and a studio art program that includes ...

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Visual Effects Animator information

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How much do visual effects animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for visual effects 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 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 in the Visual Effects Animator position, and why are they important?

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.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Visual Effects Animator?

As a Visual Effects Animator, your daily tasks often involve creating realistic effects and animations such as explosions, smoke, or fantastical environments for film, television, or video games. You'll collaborate closely with directors, designers, and other animators to understand project requirements, integrate feedback, and adjust your work to align with the creative vision. A typical day may include working with 3D software, troubleshooting technical issues, attending team meetings, and reviewing scenes to ensure quality and consistency. This role requires balancing technical precision with artistic creativity and adapting quickly to changes in project scope or deadlines.

More about Visual Effects Animator jobs
What cities are hiring for Visual Effects Animator jobs? Cities with the most Visual Effects Animator job openings:
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Visual Effects Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Visual Effects Animator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Internship, 46% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 18% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 64% In-person, and 36% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.
Lead VFX Artist

Lead VFX Artist

Ember Lab

Orange, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

At Ember Lab, our goal is to create powerful, transformative experiences that impact people for a lifetime. Having released our debut game, Kena: Bridge of Spirits, in 2021 this journey is just beginning. We're looking for collaborative team members who share our passion for storytelling and are eager to help us shape the future of Ember Lab.
Job Summary:
As Lead VFX Artist, you will guide and elevate our visual effects, owning both technical and creative direction while mentoring other team members and contributing directly to production. You'll collaborate closely with art, design, and technical teams to bring our world to life through compelling and thrilling visuals that support immersive storytelling.
You will play a pivotal role in shaping the game's visual identity while ensuring that our visual effects support both gameplay and narrative goals. This is a leadership position for someone who can directly contribute while simultaneously guiding others on VFX tasks.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Mentor and grow the team - Manage, support, and inspire a team of VFX artists. Provide thoughtful feedback and help artists grow through regular critique and coaching.
  • Lead visual effects creation - Guide the development and implementation of visually stunning and optimized visual effects for characters, environments, and gameplay.
  • Own the visual and technical bar - Drive the artistic vision for the VFX team from concept to final implementation, including particles, shaders, textures, and simulations.
  • Partner with production - Collaborate closely with producers to estimate departmental needs, break down project tasks, and ensure scope and schedules align with team capacity.
  • Collaborate across disciplines - Work closely with animation, programming, tech art and design teams to integrate VFX seamlessly into the game with an eye to optimize performance and implement shader and material solutions.
  • Maintain and improve pipelines - Uphold technical standards and help refine tools and workflows for efficient asset production and integration.
  • Ensure performance targets - Validate that all assets meet engine and platform constraints, with a focus on quality, optimization, and consistency

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Art, Animation, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in creating visual effects for video games, with a strong portfolio demonstrating your skills.
  • Proficiency at creating real-time VFX for Unreal Engine.
  • Experience with VFX optimization and performance profiling.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Strong communication and collaboration abilities, with the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
  • Experience creating stylized FX textures from scratch.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience working on AAA game titles.
  • Familiarity with game development pipelines and processes.
  • Experience creating both stylized and realistic VFX.
  • Up-to-date knowledge of the VFX tools inside Unreal Engine 5, including Niagara Fluids and Chaos Destruction.
  • Knowledge of other VFX creation tools such as Houdini, Maya, and Photoshop.

Location
  • Onsite or Hybrid Preferred, Remote upon consideration

To apply:
  • Please include a portfolio.

Apply