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Scientific 3D Motion Graphics Artist / Animator

The position is hybrid, with potential for full-time at the client site in Alexandria, VA.

PORTFOLIO IS REQUIRED WITH APPLICATION.

Spire Communications is hiring a full-time 3D motion graphics artist/animator with demonstrated expertise in animation, motion graphics, and visual effects to support communications for the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). This role creates original 2D and 3D animations, motion graphics, and visual effects for NSF video, web, social media, and digital communications. The ideal candidate combines advanced animation skills with creative problem-solving abilities to transform complex scientific and technical concepts into engaging visual experiences.

Spire Communications is a woman-owned strategic communications and creative firm based in Alexandria, VA that supports science, technology, and engineering organizations within the government and private sectors.

This position is hybrid, with the potential to be fully onsite, based at the client site in Alexandria, VA. The opportunity is contingent upon contract award.

Salary range: $125,000-$140,000

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What You’ll Do

  • Develop creative and compelling 2D and 3D animations, motion graphics, and visual effects for video, web, social media, exhibits, and emerging digital experiences.
  • Develop visual concepts, storyboards, and animation approaches that support communication goals.
  • Produce graphics, transitions, effects, and animated elements for complex multimedia productions.
  • Collaborate with producers, designers, developers, and subject matter experts to translate concepts into engaging visual experiences.
  • Optimize animations and motion graphics for use across digital and broadcast platforms.
  • Maintain organized project files, assets, and production workflows.
  • Create motion graphics and animations that support accessible multimedia experiences, including consideration of readability, contrast, timing, and compatibility with captioned video content.

What You’ll Bring to Spire

  • Minimum 5 years of experience creating motion graphics, animation, or visual effects.
  • Experience with 2D and 3D animation, motion graphics, compositing, and visual effects production.
  • Proficiency with relevant creative tools such as Adobe After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, Cinema 4D, Blender, or similar platforms.
  • Experience creating animations that communicate complex ideas or technical subject matter.
  • Demonstrated experience communicating scientific and technical subject matter, with expertise in one or more NSF focus or technology areas (e.g., Biology, Engineering, Computing, AI, Cybersecurity).

Major Pluses

  • Federal or federally funded research experience.
  • Expertise supporting interactive or immersive virtual reality experiences (e.g., Oculus 360° video, CGI VR experiences, Unity/Unreal, interactive VR development).

Our benefits

Medical (United Healthcare), dental (CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield), and vision (United Concordia) plans paid at 100% (employee premium) plus 30% contribution to family premium

Monthly $50 “wellness” stipend for gym memberships, spa services, etc.

Life and disability insurance (short- and long-term)

18 days PTO and 8 federal holidays per year (+Veterans Day for those who have served)

Flexible home/office environment

Home office expense reimbursement

401(k) plan with automatic 3% of salary employer contribution

Employee referral bonuses

Annual stipend for employee and/or job-related training

About Spire

We are a boutique, woman-led agency that specializes in technology, health, and science. Our clients are federal agencies and contractors charged with advanced R&D and vital national programs that make life better for all Americans. Our team is committed to the work of these pioneers and public servants. We believe in their missions, marvel at their innovations, and delight in telling their stories.

Every member of our team is a senior-level communicator. This means every assignment is an opportunity to work with and learn from the best strategists and storytellers—designers, videographers, writers, editors, media relations leads, social media managers, and web developers.

Submit an Application

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1. Contact Information

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2. Personal Details

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3. Upload Resume

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4. Submit Application

Before submitting your application, please review and acknowledge the following information:

Equal Opportunity Employer

Spire Communications is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability, veterans’ status, sexual orientation, or any other protected factor.

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