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Animation Software Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Thorough knowledge of Maya and other animation software. Strong knowledge of Maya character rigging. 3+ years' experience working as a technical animator on shipped titles Solid understanding of ...

Thorough knowledge of Maya and other animation software. Strong knowledge of Maya character rigging. 3+ years' experience working as a technical animator on shipped titles Solid understanding of ...

Experience with animation software/avatar technology platforms like Synthesis * Experience with various voice2face technologies like Virbo AI, A2E API * Experience Developing and implementing ...

Animation Systems Programmer

Larkspur, CA · On-site

$167K - $245K/yr

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 ...

Editing experience in Adobe Premiere (or animation software) * Additional media skills a plus: Photography, Motion Graphics, Music Composition, Web Design. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to move and ...

Editing experience in Adobe Premiere (or animation software) * Additional media skills a plus: Photography, Motion Graphics, Music Composition, Web Design. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to move and ...

Editing experience in Adobe Premiere (or animation software) * Additional media skills a plus: Photography, Motion Graphics, Music Composition, Web Design. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to move and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Animation Software information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$92.3K

$138.7K

How much do animation software jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for animation software in California is $92,295.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,200.00 and $105,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is animation software?

Animation software is a computer program used to create moving images, graphics, or visual effects by sequencing individual frames or manipulating digital objects. These tools allow artists and animators to design characters, backgrounds, and scenes, and bring them to life through motion. Animation software can be used for various purposes, including films, video games, advertisements, and educational materials. Popular animation software includes Adobe Animate, Blender, Toon Boom Harmony, and Autodesk Maya.

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

AspectAnimation Software3D Modeler
Primary FocusCreating animations, motion graphics, and visual effectsDesigning and building 3D models and assets
Required SkillsAnimation techniques, timeline management, renderingModeling, texturing, topology, and sculpting
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, post-production houses, freelanceDesign studios, gaming, film, and visualization
Common ToolsAdobe After Effects, Blender, Maya, Cinema 4DBlender, ZBrush, 3ds Max, Maya

While both Animation Software and 3D Modelers work within the 3D industry, Animation Software focuses on bringing models to life through movement and effects, whereas 3D Modelers specialize in creating detailed 3D assets. Understanding these differences helps professionals choose the right tools and career paths in the digital content creation industry.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working with animation software in a collaborative studio environment?

Professionals using animation software in studio settings often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility across different software versions, managing large project files, and keeping asset libraries organized for team access. Effective communication is crucial, as animators frequently need to share work-in-progress files and receive feedback from directors, designers, and technical artists. Staying up-to-date with the latest software updates and plugins is also important to maintain workflow efficiency and quality standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animation software specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animation Software Specialist, you need a solid understanding of animation principles, computer graphics, and software development, often supported by a degree in computer science, animation, or a related field. Expertise in tools such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, Adobe After Effects, and programming languages like Python or C++ is typically required, along with knowledge of industry-standard rendering engines. Strong problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration skills help specialists create innovative and functional animation solutions. These skills enable the development of efficient, user-friendly, and high-quality animation software that meets the needs of artists and studios.
Infographic showing various Animation Software job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,295 per year, or $44.4 per hour.

Realtime Producer (Project Hire) - Disney Television Animation

The Walt Disney Company

Glendale, CA • On-site

$135K - $186K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Walt Disney Company rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 128 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 51 rated entertainment


Job description

Job Posting Title:

Realtime Producer (Project Hire) - Disney Television Animation

Req ID:

10157315

Job Description:

About this Role and our Studio

The Realtime Producer is responsible for supporting the creative intent of assigned projects, leading the production, and ensuring successful delivery of content related to the development and implementation of an Unreal Engine animation pipeline for series production. Projects to include animation tests, shorts, and other ancillary franchise content. Partners closely with studio leadership, technology and other project teams. Manages project team (animation artists, TDs, coordinators, etc.). A proven leader who drives change and thrives on experimentation, innovation, problem solving and discovery.

The anticipated term for this project hire is twelve (12) months.

What You Will Do

  • Understand the technical, creative and strategic goals of each project and establish metrics, tracking and reporting

  • Create and manage staffing plans, schedules and budgets for UE content (shorts, animation test, etc.)

  • Manage communication with UE stakeholders: project leaders, studio leadership, technology, outside partners

  • Partner with CG Sup and UE artists and TDs to drive creative excellence in new UE toolsets

  • Manage project team through day-to-day deliverables

  • Ensure proper documentation of all UE pipeline standards, workflow expectations and delivery specifications for all UE projects

  • Lead team through change as UE development leads to new discoveries

  • Analyze and document workflows on UE projects to help inform development, deployment and optimization of new tools and related workflows

  • Partner with Production Management to design and document UE training requirements

  • Define and communicate changing resource needs

  • Learn the existing production practices at TVA to help support UE integration into the studio

  • Additional duties as necessary, or as defined by individual contracts

Required Qualifications & Skills

  • Producer experience on animated series

  • Unreal Engine production experience at a major animation studio

  • 8+ years of hands-on production of animated programming

  • Demonstrated ability to adapt to change and lead teams

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to interact with a range of personalities and styles and establish effective relationships at all levels of the organization; have a problem-solving approach; be highly self-motivated, well-organized and have a strong work ethic.

  • Extensive experience and knowledge of pre-production, production and post-production methods on animated series.

  • Proficient in animated tv and move production budgeting and scheduling in LA-based union and overseas-outsource business model

  • An experimental, risk-taking mind-set: Must be open to thinking outside of traditional television formats and outside of the traditional linear television model.

  • Familiarity with animation software, hardware, databases and asset management systems

Preferred Qualifications

  • Basic knowledge of live action production and post-production process

  • Wide industry knowledge of talent, process and various pipelines

  • Experience working with overseas animation studios

  • Experience managing creative teams in a high-pressure environment

  • A track record of delivering animated series on-time and on-budget

  • Experience in a large dynamic studio

  • A passion for children's programming/animation/the Disney Brand

Education

  • Bachelor degree or equivalent work experience

Job Location

  • This is a fully onsite role based in Glendale, CA.

The hiring range for this position in California is $135,800 to $186,600 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:

Disney Branded Television

Job Posting Primary Business:

TVA Production

Primary Job Posting Category:

Production Management Entertainment

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Glendale, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-08-07

What Walt Disney Company employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Walt Disney logo

About Walt Disney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Disney, we're storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world. "We create happiness." That's our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you'll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!

Industry

Amusement, gambling, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burbank, CA, US

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