Blizzard Entertainment hiring 3D Senior Animator, Irvine

Festybay; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 54,470 - 100,785; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays and vacation

Free and discounted company games

Job summary

Blizzard Entertainment is looking for a talented Senior Animator to join the Cinematics team in Irvine, CA. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of experience and a passion for filmmaking, delivering high-fidelity animation that meets the company's standards.

This hybrid role combines on-site work with flexibility for remote arrangements, ensuring collaboration on cinematic sequences while supporting the team's growth through mentorship and feedback.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional experience in game development, television, or film production.
• Mastery of character acting, weight, and the 12 principles of animation.
• Portfolio demonstrating exceptional hand-keyed animation.

Responsibilities

• Deliver character and creature animation that meets Blizzard's quality standards.
• Collaborate with Directors and Animation Supervisors to develop high-end cinematic sequences.
• Support the Cinematics team by providing technical and artistic feedback.

Skills

Character animation

Body mechanics

Collaboration

Interpersonal communication

Storyboarding

Tools

Autodesk Maya

Job description

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.