Liquid Development hiring Senior 3D Animator
Liquid Development hiring Senior 3D Animator (Remote – North America | Contract) Are you ready to bring world-class animation to life for some of the biggest game franchises in the industry? Liquid Development, the largest outsourcing art studio in North America, is searching for a Senior 3D Animator to join our talented and creative team. This is your chance to collaborate with experienced professionals who have shaped the visual worlds of major AAA titles and to work at the forefront of modern game production. Founded in 2000, Liquid Development has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality art and animation to top-tier studios worldwide. Our work has contributed to blockbuster franchises such as Halo, Mass Effect, Borderlands, and Call of Duty — games that define generations of players. With a team that values collaboration, innovation, and artistic excellence, we continue to expand our creative horizons as the gaming industry evolves. As part of Keywords Studios, we combine artistic mastery with technical precision to support studios across the globe. Our artists, animators, and developers work remotely yet cohesively, united by the same goal — creating visually stunning and emotionally engaging experiences that push the boundaries of what games can be. The Role: Senior 3D Animator We’re seeking a passionate and skilled Senior 3D Animator to join our remote animation team. In this role, you will use your artistic and technical expertise to create high-quality, realistic animations for a variety of AAA titles. You’ll work closely with our experienced management and development teams, contributing not only through your animation skills but also by mentoring junior artists and helping shape the animation pipeline. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned professional who wants to collaborate with talented artists, share knowledge, and work on projects that reach millions of players worldwide. Your Responsibilities As a Senior 3D Animator at Liquid Development, your day-to-day tasks will include: Creating high-quality 3D animations for characters, props, and environments across multiple AAA projects. Collaborating with a team of experienced animators and leads to ensure artistic and technical consistency. Mentoring and guiding peers, helping less experienced artists develop their animation and production skills. Working with the animation management team to refine workflows and improve pipeline efficiency. Taking ownership of animation tasks from concept to completion, ensuring that all work meets project requirements and deadlines. Applying your understanding of motion, weight, timing, and performance to produce fluid, lifelike animations that enhance the player experience. Performing motion capture clean-up and integrating mocap data with hand-keyed animation for seamless results. Participating in team reviews, providing constructive feedback, and helping elevate the overall quality of the animation team’s output. Documenting and sharing best practices, pipeline improvements, and workflow optimizations with the team. What You’ll Bring We’re looking for an animator who not only has strong technical skills but also a deep understanding of visual storytelling and the principles of animation. To be successful in this role, you should have: A strong demo reel showcasing your recent animation work for video games. (Submitting a reel is required to be considered.) At least 5 years of professional experience as a 3D Animator in the gaming industry, or equivalent experience demonstrating advanced animation skills. Proficiency with Autodesk Maya, the core tool used in our animation pipeline. Experience working with motion capture data, including cleanup and refinement. A solid understanding of hyper-realistic animation styles, especially for bipedal human characters in games. The ability to mentor and support fellow artists, encouraging collaboration and growth within the team. An eye for detail, strong communication skills, and a proactive attitude toward problem-solving. Familiarity with animation documentation and process optimization. Bonus Skills (Nice to Have) If you have additional experience in the following areas, it will make your application even stronger: Knowledge of 3DS Max, Motion Builder, and/or Unreal Engine 5. Familiarity with Monday.com, Flow, or Perforce for production tracking and version control. A background in both cinematic and gameplay animation. Working Environment This is a fully remote, ongoing contract position open to candidates located in North America (excluding California residents at this time). You’ll collaborate online with a diverse and talented global team, contributing to projects for some of the biggest names in the gaming world. At Liquid Development, collaboration is key. Even though our team works remotely, we foster a supportive, inclusive, and creative culture where communication and teamwork thrive. You’ll have the chance to learn from seasoned professionals while sharing your expertise with others — ensuring mutual growth and success. Compensation & Benefits If the excitement of working on legendary games isn’t enough, we also offer a range of benefits and opportunities, including: A competitive salary range of $60,000–$70,000 per year (equivalent to $29–$34 per hour). Remote work flexibility – collaborate from anywhere in North America. Opportunities for career advancement within a growing company. For full-time U.S. employees, we offer: Medical, dental, and vision insurance. Short-term and long-term disability coverage. 401(k) with company match. At Liquid Development, you’ll be part of a company that values its artists and believes in continuous learning, improvement, and creative freedom. How to Apply If you’re excited about this opportunity, we encourage you to apply and share your CV and demo reel showcasing your animation work. Once you submit your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Please note that due to the high volume of applicants, our team will contact only selected candidates for further steps. Equal Opportunity Statement Liquid Development and Keywords Studios are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and strive to provide equal opportunities for all employees.