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Animation Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Epic Games

Animation Systems Programmer

Larkspur, CA · On-site

$167K - $245K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What You'll Do Epic Games is looking for an experienced Animation Systems Programmer for our Special Projects team. As a member of our team, you will play a critical role in driving future projects ...

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 ...

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 ...

Mattel

Sr Manager, TV Animation

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$112K - $128K/yr

Mattel Studios is seeking a Sr. Manager, Adult & Four-Quad TV Animation to help drive the development and execution of a slate of premium animated programming based on Mattel's dynamic portfolio of ...

Mattel

Sr Manager, TV Animation

El Segundo, CA

$112K - $128K/yr

Mattel Studios is seeking a Sr. Manager, Adult & Four-Quad TV Animation to help drive the development and execution of a slate of premium animated programming based on Mattel's dynamic portfolio of ...

Mattel

Sr Manager, TV Animation

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$150 - $210/hr

Mattel Studios is seeking a Sr. Manager, Adult & Four-Quad TV Animation to help drive the development and execution of a slate of premium animated programming based on Mattel's dynamic portfolio of ...

Mattel

Sr Manager, TV Animation

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$112K - $128K/yr

Mattel Studios is seeking a Sr. Manager, Adult & Four-Quad TV Animation to help drive the development and execution of a slate of premium animated programming based on Mattel's dynamic portfolio of ...

Absurd Ventures

Principal Gameplay Animator

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collaborate with the Animation Director to define the animation style and direction. * Partner with Design and Engineering teams to implement animation systems that enhance gameplay feel ...

Absurd Ventures

Principal Gameplay Animator

Santa Monica, CA · On-site +1

$150K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collaborate with the Animation Director to define the animation style and direction. * Partner with Design and Engineering teams to implement animation systems that enhance gameplay feel ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Work closely with programmers to establish and refine the animation pipeline. * Develop high-quality gameplay animations that meet project standards and ensure animations align with the animation ...

Absurd Ventures

Principal Gameplay Animator

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collaborate with the Animation Director to define the animation style and direction. * Partner with Design and Engineering teams to implement animation systems that enhance gameplay feel ...

Absurd Ventures

Principal Gameplay Animator

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collaborate with the Animation Director to define the animation style and direction. * Partner with Design and Engineering teams to implement animation systems that enhance gameplay feel ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Work closely with programmers to establish and refine the animation pipeline. * Develop high-quality gameplay animations that meet project standards and ensure animations align with the animation ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Work closely with programmers to establish and refine the animation pipeline. * Develop high-quality gameplay animations that meet project standards and ensure animations align with the animation ...

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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 Aug 13, 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 is an animation programmer?

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 the most commonly searched types of Animation Programmer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Animation Programmer jobs in California are:

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
Infographic showing various Animation Programmer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,158 per year, or $39 per hour.

Senior Simulation Animation Engineer - Special Projects

Apple

Cupertino, CA • On-site

$130K - $149K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Apple rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 677 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or Apple Store experience we deliver is the result of us making each other's ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It's the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you'll do more than join something - you'll add something.
Description
As as Senior Simulation Animation Engineer you will have an opportunity to be part of an innovation-focused organization within Apple that is developing simulations and generating synthetic data. You will be able to work on highly ambitious and impactful simulation projects. This team has a strong focus on enabling AIML-based features and products. Our ideal team member brings experience but is also fearless when it comes to trying new things and is willing to iterate on ideas. We value team members who can quickly prototype, iterating all the way to high-quality implementations. Moreover, we value team members who can collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams across the organization.
Minimum Qualifications
4 years of professional experience.
Strong proficiency in C++ and solid software engineering fundamentals.
Knowledge of animation principles, skeletal animation, and character rigging concepts.
Experience implementing animation graphs, blend systems, runtime animation retargeting, and IK solvers.
Familiarity with profiling, optimization, and debugging in a real-time environment.
Good communication skills and ability to collaborate with animators, designers, and engineers.
Experience with a major game engine.
Preferred Qualifications
Familiarity with USD format and tools, especially for animation
Experience in video game real time animation systems
Experience with offline animation and rendering pipelines
Experience with hair and cloth simulations

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apple logo

About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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