Senior 3D Character Animator – Unreal Engine (Bird Character Acting) — United States

How to Apply:

Please submit your updated resume, relevant experience and one direct playable showreel link demonstrating their bird character animation work at ••••••••.

Important: Applications containing only a portfolio homepage, Google Drive folder, asset gallery or general project list will not be considered. The submitted link must open directly to the playable video without requiring downloads, access requests or additional browsing.

This is a third-party, client-based position. Details regarding salary, working hours, and other engagement terms will be provided directly by the client during the interview process. Please apply only if you are comfortable with these terms.An initial screening form will be shared as the first step of the recruitment process. Only candidates who are genuinely interested in the opportunity and willing to complete the screening form should apply. The recruitment process is transparent, and only serious and relevant candidates will be considered.

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced Senior 3D Character Animator with exceptional character acting skills to bring a realistic bird character to life. The ideal candidate should be able to create an intelligent, observant, mischievous and funny personality through subtle movements, precise posing, eye direction, head movements and expressive timing.

We are looking for realistic, engaging performances rather than generic cartoon-style exaggeration.

Key Responsibilities

• Animate existing rigged bird characters with realistic and engaging performances.

• Create expressive character acting through posing, eye direction, head movements, posture and timing.

• Deliver polished character poses, stills and short animation sequences in Unreal Engine.

• Maintain consistent character proportions, feathers, textures and identity across shots.

• Identify rig limitations and collaborate on improvements when required.

• Ensure believable animal movement, anatomy and natural character behavior.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of professional 3D character animation experience in published or shipped productions.

• At least 3 years of hands-on Unreal Engine production experience.

• Strong working knowledge of Unreal Engine Sequencer and Control Rig or comparable Unreal-based animation workflows.

• Expert understanding of posing, silhouette, eye-line, timing, weight, anticipation, secondary action and performance continuity.

• Proven experience animating existing rigged characters and diagnosing rig limitations.

• Strong understanding of realistic animal movement and anatomy.

• Direct experience with bird character animation is required.

• Experience with Maya or Blender is a plus but does not replace the required Unreal Engine experience.

What Makes You a Strong Candidate

• Excellent character acting and storytelling through subtle movements.

• Ability to communicate personality through small gestures, head turns, pauses and glances.

• Experience in character-driven films, television, advertising or high-end real-time cinematic productions.

• Strong attention to detail and consistency in character performance.

8dZhcSXm6mh Hayd246FsXZT – Must Read Before Applying

Applicants must submit ONE direct, playable link to a curated showreel, ideally 60–120 seconds long, featuring their best relevant bird character animation performances.

Acceptable platforms include Vimeo, YouTube or an equivalent direct video player.

Your reel must:

• Include at least two examples demonstrating personality through posing, expression, movement or timing.

• Feature bird character animation examples.

• Clearly identify your exact contribution to each example (animation, rigging, lighting, etc.).

• Specify the software used for each example.

• Clearly highlight all work completed in Unreal Engine.