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Animation Project Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Motion Graphics Producer

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Able to multi-task on animation projects with a tireless work ethic * Ability to work ... Exceptional organizational and time management skills * Ability to maintain composure and ...

Manage shot/sequence responsibilities within deadlines to ensure the client's requirements and VC ... Experience in projects that leverage Unreal for animation integration greatly desired. Additional ...

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

... of our project. In this role, you'll collaborate with a passionate group of game developers to ... Manage, support, and mentor a team of animators in developing high-end gameplay and AI animations ...

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

... project and relevant animation systems * Collaborate with the design and engineering teams to ... Strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines * Shipped 1+ title * Unreal Engine 4 or ...

Lead Animator

Novato, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

... of our project. In this role, you'll collaborate with a passionate group of game developers to ... Manage, support, and mentor a team of animators in developing high-end gameplay and AI animations ...

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

... of our project. In this role, you'll collaborate with a passionate group of game developers to ... Manage, support, and mentor a team of animators in developing high-end gameplay and AI animations ...

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

... project and relevant animation systems * Collaborate with the design and engineering teams to ... Strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines * Shipped 1+ title * Unreal Engine 4 or ...

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

... project and relevant animation systems * Collaborate with the design and engineering teams to ... Strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines * Shipped 1+ title * Unreal Engine 4 or ...

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123 - $182/hr

... of our project. In this role, you'll collaborate with a passionate group of game developers to ... Manage, support, and mentor a team of animators in developing high-end gameplay and AI animations ...

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · Remote

$123K - $182K/yr

... of our project. In this role, you'll collaborate with a passionate group of game developers to ... Manage, support, and mentor a team of animators in developing high-end gameplay and AI animations ...

Lead Animator

Novato, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

... of our project. In this role, you'll collaborate with a passionate group of game developers to ... Manage, support, and mentor a team of animators in developing high-end gameplay and AI animations ...

Showing results 41-60

Animation Project Manager information

What does an animation project manager do?

An Animation Project Manager oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of animation projects from start to finish. They are responsible for managing timelines, budgets, resources, and communication among team members, including animators, designers, and clients. Their role ensures that the project meets creative goals while staying on schedule and within budget. They often act as the main point of contact between creative teams and stakeholders, solving problems and keeping the project on track.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animation project manager?

To thrive as an Animation Project Manager, you need strong project management skills, a solid understanding of animation production workflows, and typically a degree in animation, film, or a related field. Familiarity with project management tools (like Asana or ShotGrid), animation software (such as Maya or Adobe Creative Suite), and budgeting systems is essential. Exceptional communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities help you motivate teams and manage complex project timelines. These skills ensure that animation projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the desired creative standards.

What are some common challenges animation project managers face when coordinating multidisciplinary teams?

Animation Project Managers often coordinate teams of artists, animators, technical directors, and sound designers, each with unique workflows and creative perspectives. A frequent challenge is aligning these diverse roles to meet tight production schedules while maintaining high-quality standards. Effective communication and proactive risk management are essential to prevent bottlenecks and ensure that feedback loops are efficient, especially when juggling multiple projects or working with remote contributors. Building strong relationships and fostering a collaborative environment helps the team adapt to shifting client requirements and evolving project scopes.

What is the difference between Animation Project Manager vs Animation Producer?

AspectAnimation Project ManagerAnimation Producer
CredentialsProject management certifications, relevant animation or media experienceProduction management experience, industry-specific knowledge
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with creative teams, manages project timelinesOversees entire production, liaises with clients and stakeholders
Industry UsageCommonly used in animation studios and media companiesOften used interchangeably but more focused on overall production oversight

While both roles involve managing animation projects, the Animation Project Manager primarily focuses on coordinating schedules, resources, and team tasks. The Animation Producer oversees the entire production process, including budgeting, client communication, and creative direction. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the animation industry.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Animation Project Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Animation Project Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Animation Project Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 81% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 85% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Motion Graphics Producer

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

MOTION GRAPHICS PRODUCER

As a Motion Graphics Producer, you will be responsible for leading the creative development and execution of a wide range of 2D animation projects across the SpaceX organization with the ultimate goal of inspiring and educating the public.

In this role, you'll interface directly with both engineering and creative teams to ensure all projects meet or exceed SpaceX's high standards for both quality and accuracy. As a Motion Graphics Producer, you will also manage outside resources as necessary to achieve the end goal and be directly responsible for delivering high quality pieces on time and on budget.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Plan, organize, conceptualize, edit, and create animation pieces for external and internal use from concept to completion
  • Interface directly with engineering, creative, and communication teams to identify priority projects and ensure the most innovative and effective creative is produced
  • Actively monitor and track significant milestones for the company and initiate plans to create supporting content
  • Push the creative envelope while adhering to key quality and accuracy requirements
  • Contribute to the strategic vision and have ownership of the final product's quality
  • Be passionate about delivering the best, most talked about creative in a timely fashion
  • Provide clear communication of project statuses (milestones, financial performance, etc.) to internal teams and any third-party vendors
  • Source and evaluate quality vendors as needed to enhance creative output and support capabilities of internal teams

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree 
  • 3+ years of professional experience creating 2D motion graphics in After Effects

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • 5+ years of experience creating 2D motion graphics
  • Experience with client management and full-cycle production of original content
  • Expertise in other Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere Pro)
  • Experience with creating Lottie files
  • Experience in other design and animation tools (Figma, Cavalry, Jitter, etc.)
  • Experience creating 2D digital assets/iconography
  • Experience with 3D animation
  • Experience with data processing tools (QGIS, ParaViewer, etc.)
  • Experience with scripting languages (Python, JavaScript, etc.)
  • Strong visual and conceptual skills to solve problems and create novel solutions
  • Resourcefulness and ability to locate and archive assets independently
  • Able to multi-task on animation projects with a tireless work ethic
  • Ability to work collaboratively with cross functional teams
  • Excellent verbal, written, and visual communication skills
  • Exceptional organizational and time management skills
  • Ability to maintain composure and articulate directives in an open, ever changing, fast paced environment
  • Ability to stay organized, meet deadlines, and prioritize projects based on the business calendar

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Online portfolio or any supplemental samples of work with examples of 2D animation work is required for consideration
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends to accommodate prototyping and product launch campaigns
  • This is not a remote position and will require relocation if not already local to Hawthorne, CA

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range:         
Level I: $85,000.00 - $100,000.00/per year         
Level II: $95,000.00 - $120,000.00/per year         

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.


What SpaceX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US