Blizzard Entertainment 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.

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

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).

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.