[Hiring] Presentation Animator Intern @Crystal Dynamics

Role Description

Crystal Dynamics is now accepting applications for a remote spring internship, open to candidates across most U.S. states. As part of this 12-week program, you will take part in meaningful, hands-on work that contributes directly to active AAA projects. Throughout the program, you will step into a professional development environment where ongoing projects, experienced mentors, and collaborative teams give you a direct view into AAA game creation. This internship is designed to help you build industry-ready skills, form strong professional relationships, and deepen your understanding of how world-class games are made!

Qualifications

• Graduated from a college or university program in 2026 (Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter).
• Degree in Animation, Art, Game Art, Technical Art, Game Design, Game Development, Engineering, or related fields.
• Availability to work full-time (40 hrs/week), during core business hours, for the duration of the program (February 1st – April 23rd, 2027), including the first week onsite at our studio in San Carlos, CA for onboarding.
• Legal eligibility to work in the United States.
• Submission of a complete application that includes a resume, cover letter, and a link to your portfolio.

Requirements

• Practical Project Involvement: Contribute to active game development efforts while learning production scope, workflows, and the advanced tools used across modern AAA pipelines.
• Professional Mentorship: Receive guidance from experienced professionals with deep industry knowledge.
• Skill Development: Expand your skill set, establishing a solid foundation for your professional journey.
• Team Collaboration: Work alongside our dedicated onsite and remote teams including fellow interns, building valuable professional relationships within the gaming industry.

What You Will Do

• Build essential skills in Unreal Engine, working entirely in-engine to implement existing animation content rather than create new animations.
• Find and select animations from the studio’s existing library to support scene requirements and in-game presentations.
• Support experienced artists by setting up and connecting existing animations for in-game scenes, following creative direction and established workflows.
• Assist with reviewing scene playback, addressing animation implementation issues, and incorporating feedback to support timing, pacing, and presentation quality.

What Makes You Stand Out

• Portfolio demonstrating foundational skills in in-engine animation implementation or cinematic presentation, including one or more of the following:
• Scene work demonstrating an understanding of animation timing, pacing, posing, and camera composition.
• Examples of selecting and implementing existing animation assets within a game engine.
• Exposure to industry-standard development software, tools, and engines.
• Industry involvement outside classroom curriculum such as game jams, personal projects and/or contributions to group projects that show going above and beyond.
• Willingness to tackle challenges, learn from feedback, and adapt to new tools or workflows.
• Ability to communicate your ideas with eagerness to learn and turn feedback into action.

Benefits

• Competitive regional salary.
• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Professional development reimbursement.
• Flexible hybrid on-site/off-site work opportunities.
• Company paid holidays, plus additional paid days in December when the studio is closed for holiday break.
• Ability to accrue additional paid time-off.

Internship FAQ

• When and how long will the internship take place? The internship is a 12-week, full-time program, with interns working 40 hours per week. The exact dates will vary year over year, and may be subject to change. Spring 2027 Internship: February 1st – April 23rd, 2027.
• Where will the internship be located? This is a remote internship for candidates living in eligible US states. However, the first week will be on-site at our studio in San Carlos, California for onboarding and a chance to meet people who you will be working with throughout the internship.
• Will this be a paid internship? Yes, the internship will be paid. Hourly rates for each position will be detailed in the job description. Compensation for this internship is $20-23/hr. Compensation is location-based and will be aligned to the intern’s confirmed work location during the program. Interns are also eligible for a medical, dental, and vision benefits package.
• What are we expecting an intern to do? Interns will be selected based on our current project needs. Specific responsibilities and expectations for each intern will be outlined in the job description for the internship position you apply for.
• Does Crystal Dynamics have a dress code? At Crystal Dynamics, we believe that creativity thrives when you can be yourself. We encourage you to wear what makes you comfortable and confident, as long as it’s within the bounds of professionalism and respect for others.
• How do I apply? To apply for an internship, please visit our careers page, where you will find detailed information on our current internship openings and the application process.
• What can I do to make my application stand out from the crowd? Focus on tailoring your resume to the specific internship role you’re interested in and put together a thoughtful cover letter. Highlight any relevant experience or coursework related to game development and consider including a well-organized portfolio.
• Do I need a degree? Having a university degree is not a strict requirement for all of our regular full-time positions. However, if you’re interested in our internship program, eligibility is as follows: Recent college or university graduates from Spring/Summer/Fall/Winter 2026 with a relevant degree.
• Is there a possibility for an intern to become a full-time employee? Our goal is to give interns the experience they need to be successful after schooling is complete. These opportunities are limited and depend entirely on business needs at the time.
• What perks and benefits does Crystal Dynamics offer to interns? Interns at Crystal Dynamics enjoy a range of perks and benefits including competitive compensation, access to industry professionals, networking opportunities, and a supportive learning environment.
• If I’m not eligible for the program at this time, can I be considered for any future internship programs? We encourage you to keep an eye on our future internship opportunities.