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Animation Rigging Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Skild AI

Senior Robot Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$100K - $300K/yr

This is an animation-first role focused on the computer graphics side of motion - rigging, keyframe animation, body mechanics, and the editing and retargeting of captured data. Strong candidates pair ...

AGBO

Expression of Interest - Animator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

Experience structuring & maintaining animation processes such as rigging, or prototyping. * Character Performance experience. * Effectively tell the story in a meaningful way through vivid and ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Socket.dev

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123 - $182/hr

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 animation ...

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 animation ...

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.

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsAnimation Rigging JobsAnimation Rigging Jobs in California

Animation Rigging information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$36

How much do animation rigging jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation rigging 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 is an animation rigging?

An Animation Rigging job involves creating the digital skeletons that allow characters and objects to move in animation and video games. Rigging artists design and implement the control systems, including joints, bones, and deformers, that animators use to bring models to life. They work closely with modelers and animators to ensure smooth movement and realistic deformations. Strong technical skills in 3D software and scripting are often required for this role.

What does an animation rigging artist do?

Animation Rigging artists spend their days designing and building digital skeletons and control systems that allow animators to create lifelike movement for characters and objects. You may work closely with modelers and animators to ensure rigs are user-friendly and optimized for the production pipeline, regularly troubleshooting or refining rigs based on animation feedback. Collaboration is a big part of the job, as you often interact with technical artists, animators, and supervisors to maintain the quality and efficiency of the rigging process. The role can involve balancing technical tasks with creative problem-solving, making it both challenging and rewarding for those passionate about animation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed for animation rigging?

To thrive in Animation Rigging, you need a solid understanding of anatomy, movement, and 3D animation principles, usually supported by experience in computer graphics or related fields. Proficiency with industry-standard software like Autodesk Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max, as well as scripting languages such as Python or MEL, is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and clear communication help riggers effectively integrate with animators and technical artists. These competencies are crucial for building flexible, efficient rigs that enable high-quality animation and seamless production workflows.

How to become an animation rigger?

To become an animation rigger, you should develop skills in 3D modeling, rigging, and animation using software like Maya or Blender. A relevant degree in computer graphics, animation, or a related field, along with a strong portfolio demonstrating rigging work, is often required. Gaining experience through internships or personal projects helps build proficiency and industry connections.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animation Rigging jobs in California?

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Animation Rigging jobs?

Cities in California with the most Animation Rigging job openings:

Animation Rigging jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Rigging job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,405 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Senior Robot Animator

Skild AI

San Mateo, CA • On-site

$100K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
At Skild AI, we are building the world's first general purpose robotic intelligence that is robust and adapts to unseen scenarios without failing. We believe massive scale through data-driven machine learning is the key to unlocking these capabilities for the widespread deployment of robots within society. Our team consists of individuals with varying levels of experience and backgrounds, from new graduates to domain experts. Relevant industry experience is important, but ultimately less so than your demonstrated abilities and attitude. We are looking for passionate individuals who are eager to explore uncharted waters and contribute to our innovative projects.
Position Overview
We're looking for a Senior Robot Animator to help bring our robots to life. In this role, you'll work closely with our robotics, simulation, and hardware teams to rig, animate, and refine motion that runs both in simulation and on physical machines, supporting a range of teams and programs across the company. This is an animation-first role focused on the computer graphics side of motion - rigging, keyframe animation, body mechanics, and the editing and retargeting of captured data. Strong candidates pair animation craft with an intuition for what a physical robot can actually execute.
Responsibilities
  • Author robot motion in Maya (or Blender) using keyframe, procedural, and capture-based techniques
  • Work with our robotics engineers to take motion from digital content creation (DCC) to real hardware
  • Choreograph and time performances, including multi-robot sequences and motion cut to music or camera
  • Deliver finished rendered work as well as sequences performed by the machines themselves
  • Build motion libraries and retargeting that support our simulation and machine learning work
  • Partner with our hardware teams on previz and range-of-motion studies that inform design
Preferred Qualifications
  • 5+ years animating professionally in film/VFX, games, or robotics, or equivalent senior-level experience - demo reel required
  • Expert keyframe animation with a strong sense of weight, timing, and body mechanics
  • Rigging experience with mechanical or articulated characters: constraints, IK/FK, joint limits, mechanism-accurate setups
  • Comfortable cleaning, editing, and retargeting motion capture onto non-human skeletons
  • Background working with humanoid or robotic characters in simulation or the real world
  • Familiarity with controls/rigid-body dynamics/simulation is a plus

Base Salary Range
$100,000-$300,000 USD

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