Blizzard Entertainment is seeking a talented and dedicated 3D Senior Animator to join our world-class Cinematics team. In this role, you will help craft the next generation of epic animated films and cinematic experiences.
The ideal candidate possesses a deep passion for filmmaking and character animation, with a proven track record of animating a diverse array of characters and creatures across multiple styles—ranging from highly stylized to realistic. This position requires a mastery of body mechanics, character acting, and the 12 principles of animation, alongside a highly collaborative mindset.
Job Overview : Animator
| Position Details | Specifications |
| Job Title | Senior Animator – Temp (SFD / Cinematics) |
| Team Name | Cinematics |
| Location | Irvine, CA (Blizzard Way) |
| Work Arrangement | Hybrid (On-site / Work-from-Home) |
| Contract Duration | 6 to 12 months (dependent on project assignment) |
| Hourly Pay Range | $39.54 – $73.16 per hour |
Key Responsibilities as Animator
High-Fidelity Animation: Deliver character and creature animation that meets or exceeds Blizzard’s industry-leading standard of quality.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Directors, Animation Supervisors, and Leads to develop, define, and maintain high-end cinematic sequences.
Team Mentorship: Support the growth and evolution of the Cinematics team by providing constructive technical and artistic feedback.
Adaptability: Thrive in a fast-paced environment, remaining agile and responsive to evolving project priorities.
Position Details & Location
- Work Arrangement: Hybrid (On-site/Work-from-Home) with the primary studio located in Irvine, CA. Remote work arrangements may be considered based on unique individual circumstances.
- Contract Duration: Multiple temporary roles available, ranging from 6 to 12 months (dependent upon project assignment).
Role Requirements for Animator
Experience
- Industry Tenure: 7+ years of professional experience in game development, television, or film production.
- Software Proficiency: Expert-level command of Autodesk Maya (or an equivalent industry-standard 3D software package).
- Leadership Experience: Demonstrated history of collaborating directly with creative leadership to establish and maintain animation direction.
Knowledge & Skills
- Portfolio Requirement: A comprehensive demo reel demonstrating exceptional hand-keyed animation, flawless body mechanics, and emotionally engaging performances.
- Core Principles: Complete mastery of character acting, weight, and the 12 principles of animation.
- Interpersonal Attributes: Self-motivated and collaborative with exceptional communication and teamwork skills.
Preferred Qualifications (Plus Factors)
- Artistic Skills: Strong foundation in storyboarding, gesture drawing, 2D animation, and composition.
- Technical & Pipeline Skills: Experience with rigging, scripting, and a thorough understanding of animation pipelines.
- Performance Skills: Background in physical acting, martial arts, or choreography.
- Filmmaking Skills: Knowledge of cinematography, pre-visualization (pre-viz), editing, and narrative story writing.
- Simulation Understanding: Familiarity with how FX, particles, cloth, and hair dynamics enhance a character’s overall performance.
Compensation & Benefits
Financial & Compensation
- Base Pay Range: $39.54 – $73.16 hourly (U.S. standard standard rate). Final compensation package offers are negotiable and determined by geographic location, relevant experience, and skill level.
- Bonus Eligibility: Opportunities for discretionary incentive compensation.
Benefits Overview
Eligible temporary full-time employees have access to a comprehensive benefits suite via Benefits for Every World, including:
- Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options, alongside robust mental health and fitness programs.
- Financial Security: 401(k) with company match and life/disability insurance.
- Time Off: Paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and parental leave.
- Perks: Free and discounted company games, tuition reimbursement, and charitable donation matching.
- Relocation: Corporate relocation assistance may be available if geographic relocation is required by the company.
About Blizzard Entertainment
Blizzard Entertainment, Inc., a subsidiary of Activision Blizzard (recently acquired by Microsoft), is a premier global developer and publisher of entertainment experiences. Best known for genre-defining, award-winning franchises—including Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Diablo®, and StarCraft®—Blizzard engages tens of millions of players worldwide across PC, console, and mobile platforms.
Blizzard Entertainment is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds and underrepresented groups to apply.
