3D Animator / Motion Graphic Specialist

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Job Title: 3D Animator & Motion Graphics Specialist

Position Overview

We are seeking a talented and motivated 3D Animator & Motion Graphics Specialist to join our Creative Services team. This individual will be responsible for developing high-quality 3D animations, motion graphics, and visual content that support enterprise communications, marketing campaigns, and brand initiatives.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical animation skills with creative problem-solving abilities and an understanding of visual design principles. This position requires the ability to transform complex technical concepts into compelling visual experiences while collaborating with graphic designers, video producers, photographers, and creative leadership.

The successful candidate will contribute to projects ranging from product visualizations and cinematic animations to promotional videos, digital experiences, and executive presentations.

Key Responsibilities

• 3D Modeling and Animation: Create high-quality 3D models, UV layouts, environments, PBR textures, lighting, and animations for marketing, communications, and multimedia projects.
• Motion Graphics: Design and animate engaging 2D and 3D motion graphics, including typography, infographics, title sequences, transitions, and visual effects.
• Visual Storytelling: Translate complex technical information, concepts, and creative briefs into visually compelling animations that communicate clear messages.
• Rendering and Visualization: Produce polished, photorealistic or stylized renders using industry-standard rendering engines and workflows.
• Video Integration: Collaborate with video production teams to integrate 3D animations, motion graphics, and visual effects into live-action footage.
• Creative Development: Participate in brainstorming, storyboarding, concept development, and creative reviews to establish visual direction.
• Brand Consistency: Ensure all animated content aligns with established brand guidelines, creative standards, and project objectives.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with designers, producers, creative directors, and internal stakeholders to deliver cohesive multimedia solutions.
• Project Management: Manage multiple assignments simultaneously while maintaining production schedules, technical accuracy, and quality standards.
• Technical Innovation: Research and implement emerging animation technologies, rendering techniques, and production workflows to improve creative capabilities and efficiency.
• Asset Management: Maintain organized project files, reusable animation assets, and efficient workflows to support collaboration and future production needs.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Multimedia and Animation, Computer Animation, Digital Arts & Design, Game Art & Animation, or a related field with 2 years of relevant professional experience; or a Master’s degree with 0 years of relevant experience. Equivalent experience may be considered in accordance with company hiring standards.
• Demonstrated proficiency in industry-standard 3D software such as Blender, Autodesk Maya, Cinema 4D, or 3ds Max.
• Proficiency in Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
• Experience developing 3D models, materials, textures, lighting, camera animations, and rendered sequences.
• Strong understanding of animation principles, composition, timing, typography, color theory, and visual storytelling.
• Experience creating 2D and 3D motion graphics for video, digital platforms, or multimedia presentations.
• Ability to interpret creative briefs, incorporate feedback, and execute projects from concept through final delivery.
• Familiarity with CAD data conversion and retopology optimization for animation and visualization.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines in a collaborative production environment.
• Portfolio or demo reel demonstrating professional-level animation, motion graphics, and design capabilities.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to multidisciplinary creative teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience producing technical animations, aerospace visualizations, defense-related content, or complex product demonstrations.
• Proficiency with rendering engines such as Cycles, Redshift, Octane, Arnold, or V-Ray.
• Experience with traditional computer animation, particle simulations, dynamics, and visual effects.
• Knowledge of compositing, camera tracking, rotoscoping, and integrating computer-generated imagery with live-action footage.
• Experience with real-time rendering, virtual production, or interactive 3D environments.
• Experience developing storyboards, animatics, and style frames to communicate creative concepts.
• Understanding of video production workflows, frame rates, codecs, color management, and delivery specifications.
• Experience using AI-assisted creative tools and emerging technologies to enhance production workflows.
• Familiarity with collaborative project management platforms and digital asset management systems.
• Experience supporting corporate communications, brand campaigns, executive presentations, or large-scale multimedia initiatives.

Core Competencies

• Creative Problem-Solving: Develop innovative visual solutions to complex communication challenges.
• Technical Proficiency: Apply advanced software tools and production techniques to deliver high-quality animations.
• Visual Communication: Communicate information and ideas through purposeful motion, composition, and storytelling.
• Collaboration: Work effectively with creative teams and stakeholders throughout the production process.
• Adaptability: Adjust to changing project priorities, creative direction, and evolving technologies.
• Attention to Detail: Maintain accuracy, consistency, and quality across all deliverables.
• Time Management: Balance competing assignments while meeting production deadlines and project expectations.

Primary Level Salary Range: $65,500.00 - $98,300.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.