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Animation TD Jobs
Find the latest animation technical director jobs from game studios worldwide. Junior, mid, senior, and lead animation TD roles at AAA and indie studios. Get curated opportunities delivered to your inbox every morning.
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Types of Animation TD Jobs We Cover
We curate all animation technical director positions from game studios and publishers worldwide.
⚙️
Animation TD
🌱
Junior Animation TD
⭐
Senior Animation TD
👑
Lead Animation TD
🎬
Mocap TD
🔧
Animation Pipeline TD
🦴
Rigging TD
🖥️
Principal Animation TD
Studios Hiring Animation TDs
We pull animation TD jobs from AAA studios, publishers, and independent developers, including:
Naughty Dog
Rockstar Games
CD Projekt Red
Bungie
Insomniac Games
Epic Games
Ubisoft
Electronic Arts
Riot Games
Blizzard Entertainment
Square Enix
2K Games
Sony Santa Monica
+ Hundreds More
Stop Scrolling Job Boards
We scan hundreds of listings daily and send you only the best animation TD jobs. Fresh in your inbox every morning.
✓ 10-60+ jobs daily
✓ Direct apply links
✓ Salary info included
Animation TD Salary Ranges (2026)
What you can expect to earn as an animation TD in the game industry.
Junior Animation TD
$65K – $85K
Animation TD
$85K – $115K
Senior Animation TD
$110K – $145K
Lead Animation TD
$130K – $165K
*US market data. The technical nature of the role means compensation is typically higher than equivalent-level animator positions.
Skills Employers Look For
What studios expect from animation TD candidates.
💻 Programming Skills
- Python scripting for Maya
- C++ for engine-level work
- Maya API and plugin development
- Tool and pipeline development
- Version control (Git/Perforce)
🎬 Animation Knowledge
- Deep understanding of animation principles
- Rigging and deformation systems
- Motion capture pipeline experience
- Blend shape and facial systems
- Cloth and hair simulation basics
🎮 Engine Skills
- Unreal Animation Blueprint
- Unreal Control Rig
- Unity animation systems
- In-engine debugging and profiling
- Animation compression and optimization
💡 What Gets You Hired
- Tools you built for real production use
- Strong Python portfolio on GitHub
- Shipped game credits
- Ability to talk to both artists and engineers
- Problem-solving documentation
Animation TD Jobs FAQ
What does an animation TD do in a game studio?
Animation TDs (Technical Directors) build and maintain the tools, pipelines, and systems that animators use to do their work. They write scripts and tools in Maya, develop animation rigs, integrate motion capture data pipelines, and solve technical problems that block production. They sit at the intersection of animation and engineering — they understand both how animation is created and how it works inside a game engine.
What tools and languages do animation TDs use?
Python is the primary scripting language, used heavily in Maya for tool development. C++ is required at many studios for engine-level animation work. Maya API knowledge is essential. Unreal Engine’s animation systems (Animation Blueprint, Control Rig) and Unity’s Animator systems are commonly worked with. Motion capture processing tools and rigging software are also core parts of the role.
What is the average animation TD salary in games?
In the US: Junior Animation TDs earn $65K-$85K, mid-level $85K-$115K, Senior $110K-$145K, and Lead Animation TDs $130K-$165K. The technical nature of the role means compensation is typically higher than equivalent-level animator positions.
What is the difference between an animation TD and a rigger?
Riggers focus specifically on building character rigs — skeletal systems, controls, and deformation setups. Animation TDs have a broader scope that includes rigging but also covers pipeline development, tool creation, mocap integration, engine implementation, and solving cross-department technical problems. At smaller studios these roles overlap significantly; at large AAA studios they are typically separate positions.
How do you become an animation TD?
Most animation TDs start as animators or riggers and develop their programming skills over time, or come from a technical background and develop animation knowledge. A strong foundation in Python scripting and Maya API is essential. Building tools that solve real production problems — even as personal projects — is the best portfolio approach. Understanding both the artistic side of animation and the technical requirements of a game engine is what makes a strong TD candidate.
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✓ Junior to Lead levels
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