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Animation Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TechLink Systems

Flash - Animator

Torrance, CA · On-site

... animation and mobile content, and in object-oriented designed methodologies and programming languages is a must (e.g. ActionScript, CSV, XML, and HTML5, etc.) Bachelor's degree or equivalent in ...

TechLink Systems

Flash - Animator

Torrance, CA

... animation and mobile content, and in object-oriented designed methodologies and programming languages is a must (e.g. ActionScript, CSV, XML, and HTML5, etc.) Bachelor's degree or equivalent in ...

2K

Senior Technical Animation Designer

San Mateo, CA

$108K - $161K/yr

We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and ... What We Need: We are looking for a Senior Technical Animation Designer to be responsible for ...

2K

Senior Technical Animation Designer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and ... What We Need: We are looking for a Senior Technical Animation Designer to be responsible for ...

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All JobsAnimation Programmer JobsAnimation Programmer Jobs in California

Animation Programmer information

See California salary details

$11

$39

$67

How much do animation programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation programmer in California is $39.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.38 and $50.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Animation Programmer vs 3D Animator?

AspectAnimation Programmer3D Animator
Required SkillsProgramming, scripting, technical knowledge of animation pipelinesArtistic skills, character animation, storytelling
Work EnvironmentGame studios, software companies, technical teamsGame studios, film, advertising, freelance
Tools & SoftwareUnity, Unreal Engine, scripting languagesMaya, Blender, 3ds Max
FocusImplementing animation systems, optimizing performanceCreating and refining character animations

While both roles involve animation, an Animation Programmer focuses on coding and technical implementation of animations within software, whereas a 3D Animator emphasizes creating artistic character movements. Understanding these differences helps employers and professionals identify the right skill set for each role.

How do Animation Programmers typically collaborate with animators and game designers during a project?

Animation Programmers work closely with animators to ensure that character movements and environmental animations are seamlessly integrated into the game engine. They often participate in regular meetings with animators and designers to discuss technical constraints, workflow improvements, and creative solutions for complex animation systems. This collaboration ensures that artistic vision aligns with technical feasibility, resulting in smooth, responsive animations. Effective communication and an understanding of both creative and technical perspectives are essential for success in this role.

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

To thrive as an Animation Programmer, you need strong programming skills in languages like C++ or Python, a solid understanding of mathematics (especially linear algebra), and experience with animation systems in game engines. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Unreal Engine, Unity, and Autodesk Maya, as well as relevant APIs and scripting languages, is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the creation of smooth, realistic animations and seamless integration with gameplay, which are vital for engaging and immersive user experiences.

What are animation programmers?

Animation programmers are software developers who specialize in creating and implementing animation systems within video games or interactive media. They work closely with animators and designers to ensure that character and object movements are smooth, realistic, and responsive. Their responsibilities often include building tools for animators, optimizing animation performance, and integrating animations with game mechanics. Animation programmers use programming languages like C++ or C# and often work with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine.
What are popular job titles related to Animation Programmer jobs in California? For Animation Programmer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animation Programmer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Programmer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Animation Programmer jobs? Cities in California with the most Animation Programmer job openings:
Animation Programmer jobs near you
Senior Software Engineer - Robot Animation

Senior Software Engineer - Robot Animation

Netpace

San Francisco, CA

Other

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Robot Animation Engineer

Our project is developing a new class of robotic platforms for social interaction. The project is at an exciting early stage where you can have significant strategic impact on a potentially massive market opportunity. As a Robot Animation Engineer, you will be innovating at the frontier between art and engineering to develop solutions that achieve creative and technical product objectives. Your job will bridge ideas, people, and implementations in the exciting and unexplored space of social human-robot interaction systems. You will work with a global cross-disciplinary team of designers, hardware engineers, and software engineers in order to rapidly prototype and evaluate interaction concepts as well as take them to production.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Architect and implement client capabilities for expressive multimodal robot behavior including intelligent physical motion and 2D animation
  • Research and evaluate software frameworks to apply to robot behavior prototyping and production
  • Develop and maintain tools and pipelines for teams of artists and engineers to create engaging content for interactive robotics systems
  • Develop procedural art and animation assets for interaction concept prototypes
  • Participate in brainstorming sessions on morphology and motion design
  • Collaborate with cross-disciplinary and multi-cultural team of designers, hardware engineers, and software engineers to design solutions
  • Work independently and in a self-directed manner to deliver on schedule

Requirements for position:

  • B.S. in Computer Science, Computational Media, or similar field
  • 5+ years of professional software experience (preferably in graphics, gaming, or media production)
  • Experience developing industry pipelines and tools for art, animation, and/or game production
  • Strong grasp of mathematics for 2D and 3D animation and graphics (e.g. geometry, linear algebra, kinematics, physics)
  • Experience collaborating with designers to achieve creative and aesthetic objectives
  • Strong systems thinking, and ability to switch between creative and technical tasks
  • Strong written and spoken communication skills
  • Work authorization in the US (no H1B or green card sponsorship)
  • Willingness to travel internationally and work across time zones
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About Netpace

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Netpace is a reputable company in the Information Technology and Services industry, headquartered in San Ramon, California, in the United States. The company specializes in providing digital transformation solutions by leveraging cutting-edge technologies. It offers a wide array of services, including Software Development, IT Consulting, Cloud Services, Infrastructure Management, and Digital Marketing. Ever since its launch, Netpace has been driven by a mission to use technology as a medium to shape future businesses and make a significant impact.

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

San Ramon, CA, US

Year founded

1996

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