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Animation Related Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

2K

Lead Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Set up animation blends, overlays, events, and related systems in Unreal. * Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning. * Develop quick animation prototypes for new ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Utilize exceptional knowledge to create and maintain gameplay and AI systems related to gameplay animation. * Maintain a strong understanding of character performance, form, gestures, and silhouettes ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Utilize exceptional knowledge to create and maintain gameplay and AI systems related to gameplay animation. * Maintain a strong understanding of character performance, form, gestures, and silhouettes ...

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All JobsAnimation Related JobsAnimation Related Jobs in California

Animation Related information

What is an animation related job?

Animation related jobs encompass a wide range of roles that contribute to the creation of animated content for film, television, video games, advertising, and digital media. These roles include animators, storyboard artists, character designers, visual effects artists, 3D modelers, riggers, compositors, and animation directors, among others. Each job focuses on different aspects of the animation process, from conceptualizing characters and environments to bringing them to life through movement and effects. Animation professionals often use specialized software and collaborate with other artists and technical experts to produce high-quality animated works.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an animation related role?

To thrive in an animation-related role, you need strong drawing and storytelling abilities, a solid understanding of animation principles, and typically a degree in animation or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, or Autodesk Maya is essential, and relevant certifications can be advantageous. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong collaboration skills help animators stand out in team-oriented and deadline-driven environments. These skills ensure high-quality, engaging animations that effectively communicate ideas and meet project goals.

What majors are related to animation?

Majors related to animation include Animation, Computer Graphics, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Multimedia Arts, and Digital Media. These programs typically cover skills in drawing, 3D modeling, storytelling, and software tools like Adobe Creative Suite and Autodesk Maya, preparing students for roles in animation and visual effects.

What jobs can I do with animation?

With animation skills, you can pursue roles such as animator, character designer, storyboard artist, motion graphics artist, 3D modeler, visual effects artist, or animation director. These jobs often require proficiency in software like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender and may involve working in film, television, video game development, advertising, or web content creation.

What is the difference between Animation Related vs 3D Modeler?

AspectAnimation Related3D Modeler
Required SkillsAnimation techniques, storytelling, timingModeling, texturing, topology
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, post-production housesDesign firms, gaming, film production
Common Industry UsageCreating animated sequences and charactersBuilding 3D assets for animation or games

Animation Related roles focus on bringing characters and scenes to life through movement and storytelling, while 3D Modelers specialize in creating the digital models used in animations and visual effects. Both roles often work together but require different skill sets and tools.

What are some common challenges animators face when working on collaborative projects?

Animators often work in teams alongside storyboard artists, modelers, riggers, and directors, which can lead to challenges such as maintaining a consistent visual style, coordinating timelines, and integrating feedback from multiple stakeholders. Effective communication and adaptability are crucial for ensuring that individual contributions align with the project's overall vision. Additionally, animators may need to quickly revise their work based on client or director feedback, requiring both technical flexibility and strong problem-solving skills.
What are popular job titles related to Animation Related jobs in California? For Animation Related jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animation Related jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Related jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Animation Related jobs? Cities in California with the most Animation Related job openings:
Animation Related jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Related job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Lead Animator

2K

San Mateo, CA • On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 hours ago

Job description

Who We are:
We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and inspired by a culture of inclusivity to build amazing games that thrill players everywhere. We pursue growth and innovation in an environment of safety and trust. Our culture is built on the belief that the more varied voices in our collective will strengthen our team and our games. We are looking for our next teammate who will raise our bar and make us better.
What We Need:
We are seeking a Lead Animator to lead by example through high-quality animation work while gaining leadership duties. You will help drive the project's visual style by providing regular feedback, mentoring team members, and contributing to the overall quality and success of the team's output. In this role, you'll collaborate closely with technical artists, game designers, producers, engineers, animators, and other cross-functional partners to bring creative ideas and gameplay experiences to life.
What You'll Do:
  • Create high-quality in-game animations that support responsive, polished gameplay.
  • Implement animations directly in Unreal using the project's animation system and Blueprints.
  • Set up animation blends, overlays, events, and related systems in Unreal.
  • Iterate on animation and player feel through playtesting and hands-on tuning.
  • Develop quick animation prototypes for new gameplay features, such as combat abilities, character actions, or animatic sequences.
  • Help define, maintain, and elevate the animation style and quality bar by creating clear examples, documenting standards, and sharing best practices with the team.
  • Provide regular feedback in partnership with the Animation Director, mentoring animators, onboarding and developing team members, and serving as a trusted resource for creative guidance and support.
  • Interpret and translate direction from directors and creative leads into clear, actionable animation goals.
  • Help to organize and assign sub-team tasks based on individual strengths and project deadlines, assisting the Director in creating realistic timelines that balance delivery with team growth.
  • Partner with Technical Animation to explore and refine locomotion and overall character motion, ensuring the smoothest and most polished player experience possible.
  • Collaborate closely with Production on roadmap planning, task estimation, and risk assessment, while balancing competing priorities and adjusting workflows to accommodate evolving project requirements.
  • Escalate issues to the Animation Director when artistic decisions or direction are needed.
What Will Make You a Great Fit:
  • 6-8+ years of experience in game development, including at least one shipped AAA title in an animation role.
  • 2-4+ years of experience in a leadership role and/or mentoring experience.
  • Familiar with Unreal Engine, including animation systems, asset integration, and runtime considerations, with advanced knowledge of Maya.
  • Nimble and able to prioritize and problem-solve quickly, while responding effectively to creative redirection.
  • Strong collaboration and communication skills within and across fields, with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
  • An animation reel that demonstrates high-quality hand-keyed animation.
  • Experience working with Perforce and managing assets in large-scale, multi-team environments.
Bonus Qualifications:
  • Experience leveraging Google Sheets/Excel to organize asset inventories, monitor production status, and facilitate coordination and visibility across departments.
  • Experience creating cinematic sequences, character performances, and story-driven animation that enhances narrative and emotional impact.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $123,200 and $182,360 per year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.
Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program.
Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company's discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses. Ontario only: The use of Artificial Intelligence is not being used to screen candidates. The position is for an existing vacancy.
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