Blizzard Entertainment hiring 3D Senior Animator, Irvine

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.

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.

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.

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.

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