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Animation Lead Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Carlost Inc.

Account Manager

Burlingame, CA · On-site

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 · On-site

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 ...

31ST UNION

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Lead Animator San Mateo, California, United States Who We Are: We are a diverse team of developers ... 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

Lead Animator San Mateo, California, United States Who We Are: We are a diverse team of developers ... Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick ...

2K

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 ...

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 ...

Bonfire Studios

Lead Gameplay Animator

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

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 ...

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 ...

Daybreak Games

Principal Animator

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$160K - $180K/yr

... Lead animation reviews and critique sessions, ensuring consistency and quality across all animation work Define and communicate animation best practices, workflows, and technical standards ...

INSPYR Solutions

VFX Artist III

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$69.26 - $85.41/hr

As a VFX Artist III on an unpublished R&D product, you will report to the Animation Lead. You will be responsible for defining VFX pipelines and implementing VFX at high efficiency with little ...

Tencent

Principal Technical Animator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$138K - $261K/yr

Lead the architecture design of animation state machines, animation trees, and animation pipelines. * Establish technical specifications and best practices; provide clear technical roadmaps for the ...

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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 Jul 26, 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 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 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 are Animation Leads?

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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 26% As Needed, 31% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 30% Nights. Highlights an 73% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,823 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Account Manager

Carlost Inc.

Burlingame, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 hours ago

Job description

High Moon Studios is seeking a talented and self-directed Technical Animator who can join for a 12-month temporary assignment. The candidate must be passionate about making great games, and must be a strong problem-solver and effective communicator.
Responsibilities:
Creation of prototype and production animation content.
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, Engineering in the development of in-game animation systems.
Troubleshoot and consistently present solutions to technical issues related to animations.
Roll out production ready rigs/tools/ systems to the animation team.
Provide desk side support for the animation team - helping to resolve technical issues.
Meets project deadlines / milestones, as set by Project Leads.
Requirements:
Exceptional communication and organizational skills.
Must have the desire to create great games.
Understanding of animation principals which can be clearly displayed in your demo reel.
Thorough knowledge of Maya and other animation software.
Strong knowledge of Maya character rigging.
3+ years’ experience working as a technical animator on shipped titles


Solid understanding of object oriented code design in languages such as python and C#.
Experience working with game engine animation systems.
Good knowledge of Motion Capture techniques.
Bonus Qualifications:
Solid understanding of human and animal anatomy.
Scripting in MEL.
About Us
World class games start with world class talent. This is a unique time in Activision’s history – and one of the most exciting opportunities to join us

Activision Blizzard, headquartered in Santa Monica, CA, is the premier worldwide publisher of interactive entertainment software like Call of Duty, Destiny and the Blizzard Entertainment Franchises.
High Moon Studios
Founded in 2002, High Moon Studios is an award-winning studio that’s developed for blockbuster franchises like Call of Duty and Transformers. We are 100 people strong, located in the always-sunny beachside city of Carlsbad, California.
Our goal is simple: make game experiences that kick ass and blow minds

High Moon Studios is led by award winning veterans and a crack production staff that have over 200 years of combined development experience. We work hard. We play hard.

It’s time to add world class talent as we partner with Bungie to work on their ground-breaking Destiny Franchise.Employment Type: Full-Time

Apply