ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animation Rigger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Epic Games

Animation Systems Programmer

Larkspur, CA · On-site

$167K - $245K/yr

Experience with rigging systems, animation state machines, low-level animation systems, physics-based, procedural, and/or IK animation systems * Experience with multi-threaded programming and system ...

2K

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Deep knowledge of gameplay and AI animation systems, animation graph/data integration, motion capture pipelines, and rigging/prototyping processes. * Strong practical skill in hand-key facial ...

New

Cloud Chamber

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · Remote

$123K - $182K/yr

Deep knowledge of gameplay and AI animation systems, animation graph/data integration, motion capture pipelines, and rigging/prototyping processes. * Strong practical skill in hand-key facial ...

New

2K

Lead Animator

Novato, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

Deep knowledge of gameplay and AI animation systems, animation graph/data integration, motion capture pipelines, and rigging/prototyping processes. * Strong practical skill in hand-key facial ...

New

Cloud Chamber

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Deep knowledge of gameplay and AI animation systems, animation graph/data integration, motion capture pipelines, and rigging/prototyping processes. * Strong practical skill in hand-key facial ...

New

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Experience structuring & maintaining animation processes such as rigging or prototyping. Experience working with motion capture data and editing it. Excellent problem solving and debugging skills.

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Experience structuring & maintaining animation processes such as rigging or prototyping. * Experience working with motion capture data and editing it. * Excellent problem solving and debugging skills.

2K Games

Senior Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

Experience structuring & maintaining animation processes such as rigging, or prototyping. A love for research, reference, and documenting your findings to share with the team. Strong collaborative ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Experience structuring & maintaining animation processes such as rigging or prototyping. * Experience working with motion capture data and editing it. * Excellent problem solving and debugging skills.

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Experience structuring & maintaining animation processes such as rigging or prototyping. Experience working with motion capture data and editing it. Excellent problem solving and debugging skills.

2K Games

Senior Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

Experience structuring & maintaining animation processes such as rigging, or prototyping. A love for research, reference, and documenting your findings to share with the team. Strong collaborative ...

Roblox

3D Animator (Short Term)

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$9.1K - $11K/mo

Proficiency in FACS-based facial animation (Facial Action Coding System) or equivalent high-quality facial rigging/expression work * Expert-level skills in Autodesk Maya for animation production and ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsAnimation Rigger JobsAnimation Rigger Jobs in California

Animation Rigger information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$36

How much do animation rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation rigger in California is $25.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.79 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an animation rigger do?

An Animation Rigger creates the skeletal structures that animators use to bring characters and objects to life in movies, games, and other media. They design and implement control systems for movement, ensuring realistic and flexible animation. Riggers work closely with animators, modelers, and technical artists to ensure characters move naturally and efficiently. They use software like Maya, Blender, or Houdini to build rigs that allow animators to manipulate models with ease.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an animation rigger?

To thrive as an Animation Rigger, you need strong knowledge of anatomy, movement, and 3D animation fundamentals, often backed by a degree in animation, computer graphics, or a related field. Expertise in industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya or Blender, and familiarity with scripting languages like Python or MEL, are typically important; some studios may value certifications in these tools. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication enable collaboration with animators and modelers to deliver high-quality rigs. These competencies help ensure that digital characters move realistically and that production pipelines run efficiently.

How to become an animation rigger?

To become an animation rigger, individuals typically need a strong foundation in 3D modeling, rigging, and animation, often gained through a bachelor's degree in computer graphics, animation, or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Maya or Blender and understanding of character anatomy and movement are essential, along with building a portfolio to showcase rigging skills.

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

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

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

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

Animation Rigger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Rigger job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 71% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 70% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,405 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Animation Systems Programmer

Epic Games

Larkspur, CA • On-site

$167K - $245K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

WHAT MAKES US EPIC?
At the core of Epic's success are talented, passionate people. Epic prides itself on creating a collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment. Whether it's building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences, we're always innovating.
Being Epic means being a part of a team that continually strives to do right by our community and users. We're constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development.
ENGINEERING - SPECIAL PROJECTS
What We Do
The Special Projects team at Epic is responsible for executing high-impact projects that push the envelope to define the future of real-time graphics and gaming technology (The Matrix Awakens, Lumen in the Land of Nanite). In collaboration with the Unreal Engine team, we strive to put our technology and knowledge into the hands of users, empowering developers and content creators with the most powerful suite of real-time tools in the world.
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 that push boundaries, explore new technology, and help define the future of Unreal Engine. You will be responsible for developing, enhancing, optimizing, and maintaining the core animation systems and will work closely with Animation, Design, and Engineering colleagues to ensure characterful and entertaining animation that is efficient and performant. You will also help identify potential issues and deploy correct solutions, using your technical knowledge to help bridge and facilitate communication between the animation team and other departments.
In this role, you will
  • Architect, implement, and maintain core animation systems used across the Special Projects team
  • Work closely with other engineers, animators, technical animators, product designers, leads and external technology partners across multiple teams and time zones
  • Write technical documentation and designs
  • Conduct exploratory research to pioneer and develop innovative animation systems and techniques that push the boundaries of what is possible in real-time production
What we're looking for
  • Extensive experience writing C++ applications
  • Excellent linear algebra skills and applications of linear algebra in software
  • Experience with rigging systems, animation state machines, low-level animation systems, physics-based, procedural, and/or IK animation systems
  • Experience with multi-threaded programming and system tasks such as graphics, audio, I/O, networking, memory handling, debuggers, etc.
  • Experience with application-level programming, such as script compilers and user-facing tools
  • Strong artistic intuition and an eye for quality animation; as technical tooling becomes more advanced, you prioritize the visual "feel" of the animation to ensure it meets the highest standards
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, self-motivated, and able to work independently
  • Creativity in problem-solving and the ability to think outside of the established solutions
  • Knowledge of ML/AI and its potential applications
  • Someone who is user-focused, passionate, solutions-focused, and innovative. These traits equal success at Epic and influence everything we do
EPIC JOB + EPIC BENEFITS = EPIC LIFE
Our intent is to cover all things that are medically necessary and improve the quality of life. We pay 100% of the premiums for both you and your dependents. Our coverage includes Medical, Dental, a Vision HRA, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance & a 401k with competitive match. We also offer a robust mental well-being program through Modern Health, which provides free therapy and coaching for employees & dependents. Throughout the year we celebrate our employees with events and company-wide paid breaks. We offer unlimited PTO and sick time and recognize individuals for 7 years of employment with a paid sabbatical.
California Base Pay Range
$167,399-$245,519 USD
ABOUT US
Epic Games is a leading interactive entertainment company. For over 30 years we've been making award-winning games and engine technology that empowers others to make visually stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal Engine technology not only provides game developers the ability to build high-fidelity, interactive experiences for PC, console, mobile, and VR, it is also a tool being embraced by content creators across a variety of industries such as media and entertainment, automotive, and architectural design. As we continue to build our Engine technology and develop remarkable games, we strive to build teams of world-class talent.
Like what you hear? Come be a part of something Epic!
Epic Games deeply values diverse teams and an inclusive work culture, and we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Learn more about our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy here.
Note to Recruitment Agencies: Epic does not accept any unsolicited resumes or approaches from any unauthorized third party (including recruitment or placement agencies) (i.e., a third party with whom we do not have a negotiated and validly executed agreement). We will not pay any fees to any unauthorized third party. Further details on these matters can be found here.

Apply