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Animation Lead Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Flying Bark Productions

Animation Director

Burbank, CA · On-site

$3.2K - $3.4K/wk

Reporting to the Supervising Animation Director, the Animation Director will help lead the creative execution of animation throughout production, ensuring that character performance, acting, movement ...

Carlost Inc.

Account Manager

Burlingame, CA

Work with the animation lead on tool, system and game play prototypes. Collaborate with the Tech Art Team in the development tools that support the animation pipeline. Collaborate with Design ...

Carlost Inc.

Account Manager

Burlingame, CA

Work with the animation lead on tool, system and game play prototypes. Collaborate with the Tech Art Team in the development tools that support the animation pipeline. Collaborate with Design ...

2K

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

As a Lead Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help ... Partner with the Animation Director and leadership to establish the animation vision, evangelize ...

Cloud Chamber

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

As a Lead Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help ... Partner with the Animation Director and leadership to establish the animation vision, evangelize ...

Cloud Chamber

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · Remote

$123K - $182K/yr

As a Lead Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help ... Partner with the Animation Director and leadership to establish the animation vision, evangelize ...

2K

Lead Animator

Novato, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

As a Lead Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help ... Partner with the Animation Director and leadership to establish the animation vision, evangelize ...

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining ... Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick ...

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining ... Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick ...

31st Union

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining ... Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick ...

31st Union

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining ... Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick ...

Mattel

Sr Manager, TV Animation

El Segundo, CA

$112K - $128K/yr

Lead the creative development and execution of assigned long-form and short-form animated projects ... Monitor trends in animation, streaming, comedy, digital media, and audience behavior to inform ...

Mattel

Sr Manager, TV Animation

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$112K - $128K/yr

Lead the creative development and execution of assigned long-form and short-form animated projects ... Monitor trends in animation, streaming, comedy, digital media, and audience behavior to inform ...

Mattel

Sr Manager, TV Animation

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$150 - $210/hr

Lead the creative development and execution of assigned long-form and short-form animated projects ... Monitor trends in animation, streaming, comedy, digital media, and audience behavior to inform ...

Mattel

Sr Manager, TV Animation

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$112K - $128K/yr

Lead the creative development and execution of assigned long-form and short-form animated projects ... Monitor trends in animation, streaming, comedy, digital media, and audience behavior to inform ...

Bonfire Studios

Lead Gameplay Animator

Irvine, CA

As our Lead Animator , you'll be accountable for how our game moves and how our animation ... Inspiring and guiding the animation discipline, setting the creative vision and quality bar for ...

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All JobsAnimation Lead JobsAnimation Lead Jobs in California

Animation Lead information

See California salary details

$10

$25

$71

How much do animation lead jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation lead in California is $25.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animation lead?

Animation Leads are senior professionals in the animation industry responsible for overseeing the creative and technical aspects of animation projects. They guide teams of animators, ensure that the artistic vision is maintained, and coordinate workflow between departments. Animation Leads often mentor junior animators, review completed work for quality, and communicate with directors or producers to align on project goals. Their expertise ensures that animation sequences are delivered on time and meet both artistic and technical standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animation lead, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animation Lead, you need advanced animation skills, a strong portfolio, and experience overseeing projects or teams, often supported by a degree in animation or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard software like Autodesk Maya, Adobe After Effects, and familiarity with project management tools is essential. Leadership, creativity, clear communication, and the ability to mentor team members are standout soft skills. These competencies ensure high-quality animation output, efficient team collaboration, and successful project delivery.

How does an animation lead typically collaborate with other departments during a production?

As an Animation Lead, you'll work closely with directors, storyboard artists, rigging and modeling teams, and occasionally sound designers to ensure that animated sequences align with the project's creative vision. You’ll be responsible for communicating feedback, coordinating workflow, and resolving technical or artistic challenges across departments. Effective collaboration is essential, as you'll often need to balance the creative intent with production schedules and technical constraints, helping to facilitate seamless integration of animation with other elements of the project.

What is the difference between Animation Lead vs Animation Supervisor?

AspectAnimation LeadAnimation Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees animation teams, manages project timelines, and ensures animation qualityManages multiple animation teams, reviews work, and coordinates with production managers
Required SkillsStrong animation skills, leadership, project managementAdvanced animation expertise, team management, quality control
Work EnvironmentCreative studios, film, TV, gamingLarge production studios, animation houses, film and TV projects
Common UsageUsed in project-specific roles, often as a team leadUsed in larger teams or productions overseeing multiple projects

The main difference between an Animation Lead and an Animation Supervisor lies in scope and responsibility. An Animation Lead typically manages a specific animation team and focuses on day-to-day project tasks, while an Animation Supervisor oversees multiple teams and ensures overall quality and consistency across projects. Both roles require strong animation skills and leadership, but the Supervisor position involves broader oversight and strategic coordination.

What are popular job titles related to Animation Lead jobs in California?

For Animation Lead jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animation Lead jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Animation Lead jobs in California are:

Animation Lead jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Lead job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,823 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Animation Director

Burbank, CA • On-site

Flying Bark Productions
See more jobs at Flying Bark Productionsexternal

$3.2K - $3.4K/wk

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Flying Bark Productions is a dynamic and innovative animation studio dedicated to pushing the boundaries of character animation and storytelling. We are working on exciting projects such as Avatar: The Last Airbender feature film, Netflix's Ghostbusters animated series, and Stranger Things animated series as well as upcoming feature film, Zac Power.
Flying Bark Productions is seeking an Animation Director to join our Burbank studio's growing team! Reporting to the Supervising Animation Director, the Animation Director will help lead the creative execution of animation throughout production, ensuring that character performance, acting, movement, timing, and staging align with the project's creative vision and established animation direction.
This role works closely with the internal animation leadership team and our external vendor studio to communicate creative intent, provide clear and constructive feedback, and maintain consistency and quality across the project.
This role is located onsite in our Burbank, CA office.
Key Responsibilities
  • Work under the direction of the Supervising Animation Director to support the creative execution of animation throughout production.
  • Translate the project's creative vision and animation direction into clear, actionable guidance for animators.
  • Review animation work and provide detailed notes on performance, acting, posing, timing, spacing, movement, staging, and overall execution.
  • Work closely with our vendor studio's AnimationLeadership to help guide the development of strong character performances and storytelling through animation.
  • Identify creative issues in animation and work with artists to develop effective solutions.
  • Maintain consistency in character performance, movement, and animation style across sequences and episodes.
  • Review animation at various stages of completion and provide timely, constructive feedback through draw-overs, written notes, and other forms of communication as needed to best convey animation notes.
  • Collaborate with the Supervising Animation Director to establish and maintain animation standards and expectations.
  • Work closely with Layout, Story, and other relevant departments to address animation-related creative needs and challenges.
  • Review storyboards and animatics from an animation perspective, identifying potential performance, staging, or technical challenges before they reach animation.
  • Help communicate animation requirements and creative intent to the leadership team working across internal and external teams.
  • Participate in animation reviews, screenings, and production meetings as needed.
  • Support the Supervising Animation Director in maintaining the overall quality and consistency of animation across the production.
  • Stay engaged with the work throughout the animation process and help ensure notes are understood and successfully implemented.
Qualifications
  • 5+ years professional experience on animated series or features.
  • Previous experience as an Animation Director or Lead Animator.
  • Strong understanding of animation principles, character acting, performance, timing, posing, staging, and storytelling.
  • Proficiency with industry-standard animation software and production tools such as Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, Autodesk Maya, SyncSketch, and ShotGrid.
  • Experience providing animation direction and detailed creative feedback to artists.
  • Strong visual and storytelling instincts with an ability to clearly communicate creative ideas.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with Showrunner, EPs, supervisors, directors, and other creative departments.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to give clear, constructive feedback while maintaining a collaborative and supportive working environment.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make thoughtful creative decisions within established direction.
  • Experience working with outsourced animation teams is a plus.

Why Work with Us?
  • We work on some of the coolest projects in the industry! Check out our website: Flying Bark
  • We have cake days, a dedicated culture club, and regular studio social events!
  • We offer a hybrid working approach, with flexible work-from-home days
  • Career development is a priority for us, and we provide ongoing training and support opportunities
  • Our employees rave about our inclusive and welcoming culture-everyone is celebrated here!

Flying Bark Productions is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Salary Range: $3,250 - $3,400 weekly.

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