Part Time 3D Animator
A 3D Animator position just opened up in Pasadena, CA at the JPL/NASA facility. In this role you will focus on creating cinematic 3D animations from pre-visualization or animatics through final render. You must have a minimum of 5 years of related experience and be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
Location: Pasadena, CA 91109 (can be fully remote)
Position: 3D Animator
Pay Rate: $51 – 94/hr DOE
Duration: 18 months or longer
Schedule: Part Time/As Needed
We do offer PTO, holidays, 401k, medical, dental, and vision
*Position can be fully remote*
*A portfolio will be required to be submitted for the position
Responsibilities:
The 3D Animator will create high-fidelity, cinematic animations that communicate complex scientific and technical concepts through compelling visual storytelling. This role is ideal for a senior-leaning animator/generalist who enjoys working across the full 3D pipeline—from modeling through final render—and translating real-world data, engineering concepts, and mission narratives into visually engaging content.
- Create cinematic 3D animations from pre-visualization or animatics through final render
- Model, texture, shade, and light assets for high-quality scientific and technical visualization
- Rig and animate mechanical systems, spacecraft, instruments, and robotic processes
- Develop environments and planetary visualizations to support mission storytelling
- Render and composite final sequences for video deliverables
- Collaborate with creative directors, producers, and technical experts to ensure scientific accuracy
- Translate complex engineering or scientific concepts into clear visual narratives
- Iterate efficiently based on creative and technical feedback
Required Skills
- Strong portfolio demonstrating cinematic 3D animation and visualization work
- Experience working across the full 3D pipeline: modeling, texturing/shading, lighting, rigging, animation, rendering, and compositing
- Proficiency with tools such as Unreal Engine, Blender, Maya, and/or After Effects
- Ability to produce high-quality animations both independently and within collaborative pipelines
- Strong sense of motion, timing, lighting, and cinematic composition
- Comfort working from storyboards, pre-vis, or animatics to final delivery
Desired Skills
- Experience working with CAD files and converting them into production-ready 3D assets
- Background animating mechanical systems, robotics, or engineering processes
- Experience creating space, planetary, or scientific visualizations
- Familiarity with real-time rendering workflows (e.g., Unreal Engine pipelines)
- Experience collaborating with scientists, engineers, or technical subject-matter experts
About our client:
Our client is a research and development lab federally funded by NASA and managed by Caltech. Manages many of NASA's robotic missions exploring Earth, the solar system, and our universe.
This particular client is requiring that all new hires show proof of vaccination. However, accommodations may be made for those with disabilities or religious reasons who cannot obtain a vaccine.
About APR:
Since 1980 APR Consulting, Inc. has provided professional recruiting and contingent workforce solutions to a diverse mix of clients, industries, and skill sets nationwide.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity! If you feel your experience is the match for this position please apply today and join our team. We look forward to working with you!
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APR Consulting, Inc., is one of the most trusted talent acquisition and workforce solutions providers in the United States. Known for exceptional responsiveness, agile strategies, and consistently high-level talent, the firm has become a go-to for organizations and managed services providers navigating complex change and urgent challenges. Since its founding in 1980, APR has transformed from a California IT-focused staffing firm to a full-service solutions provider filling a wide range of positions and serving over eight industries — including aerospace and defense, healthcare, IT, telecom, hospitality/gaming, sports/entertainment, government, and utilities –– in all 50 states, with a loyal roster of more than 850 specialized professionals.