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Animation Software Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Yardi

Graphic Designer

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$32.69 - $36.78/hr

High level of expertise using Adobe and Apple computer design applications, 3D modeling, animation software and SketchUp * Experience working in Marketing * Experience with 3D modeling * Experience ...

NextDeavor

VOC Platform Success Specialist

San Jose, CA

$45.07 - $56.34/hr

It offers a wide range of programs from web design tools, photo manipulation and vector creation, through to video/audio editing, mobile app development, print layout and animation software. Benefits ...

NextDeavor Inc.

VOC Platform Success Specialist

San Jose, CA · On-site

$45.07 - $56.34/hr

It offers a wide range of programs from web design tools, photo manipulation and vector creation, through to video/audio editing, mobile app development, print layout and animation software. Benefits ...

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Animation Software information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$92.3K

$138.7K

How much do animation software jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 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.
What are popular job titles related to Animation Software jobs in California? For Animation Software jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Animation Software jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Software jobs in California are:
Animation Software jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Software job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, 50% Part Time, and 25% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,295 per year, or $44.4 per hour.
Senior Software Engineer, Gameplay Systems & Animation - Unpublished R&D Product

Senior Software Engineer, Gameplay Systems & Animation - Unpublished R&D Product

Riot Games

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Riot engineers bring deep knowledge of specific technical areas but also value the opportunity to work in a variety of broader domains. As a Software Engineer, you'll also dive into projects that focus on team cohesiveness and cross-team objectives. You'll drive important features and provide other engineers with a clear illustration of extraordinary engineering.
As a Senior Software Engineer (Gameplay Systems & Animation ) on an unpublished R&D product, you will report to the Gameplay Engineering Lead, you'll help bring our characters to life through responsive, expressive, and high-quality animation systems. You'll work at the intersection of gameplay engineering and content creation - partnering closely with animators, designers, and technical artists to build scalable systems that power movement, locomotion, and moment-to-moment feel. This role collaborates with multiple groups within the gameplay team, contributing directly to the quality, polish, and performance of our core combat experience. The ideal candidate is passionate about player feel, thrives in cross-disciplinary collaboration, and takes pride in building robust systems that unlock content at scale.
Responsibilities:
  • Design, prototype, and implement robust, scalable gameplay and animation systems, evolving underlying systems to improve reuse, polish, maintainability, and performance.
  • Contribute to locomotion, movement feel, and animation-driven gameplay systems across multiple gameplay domains.
  • Partner closely with animators and technical artists to improve workflows, clarify handoff points, and enable efficient content production.
  • Identify technical risks in animation and gameplay systems and collaborate with technical leaders to implement sustainable architectural solutions.
  • Contribute to adjacent gameplay domains such as combat systems, camera, VFX integration, or other core gameplay systems as needed.
  • Mentor peers across disciplines by sharing insights on animation systems, gameplay feel, and technical problem-solving.
Required Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of professional experience in game development.
  • 3+ years of experience developing or supporting animation systems.
  • Strong C++ programming skills and solid computer science fundamentals.
  • Experience working with Unreal Engine, including its animation systems.
  • Experience implementing gameplay systems closely tied to animation
  • Strong debugging, optimization, and performance-tuning skills.
  • Experience collaborating effectively in cross-disciplinary teams, with strong product sense and player empathy.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with Unreal Engine internals and extending or modifying engine animation systems.
  • Experience improving content pipelines and animation workflows.
  • Exposure to related domains such as gameplay VFX, camera systems, etc.
  • Experience working on mid-sized engineering teams in a live or in-development game environment.

For this role, you'll find success through craft expertise and a collaborative spirit that prioritizes the delight of players. We will look at your past studies and experience, but for this role, we also look for dedicated people with a personal relationship with games. If you embody player empathy and care about players' experiences, this is the role for you!
Our Perks:
Riot focuses on work/life balance, shown by our open paid time off policy and other perks such as flexible work schedules. We offer medical, dental, and life insurance, parental leave for you, your spouse/domestic partner, and children, and a 401k with company match. Check out our benefits pages for more information.
At Riot Games, we put players first. That mission drives every decision in our quest to create games and experiences that make it better to be a player. Whether you're working directly on a new player-facing experience or you're supporting the company as a whole, everyone at Riot is part of our mission. And just like in our games, we're better when we work together. Our goal is to create collaborative teams where you are empowered to bring your unique perspective everyday. If that sounds like the kind of place you want to work, we're looking forward to your application.
It's our policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and members of Riot Games, Inc. Riot Games makes reasonable accommodations for handicapped and disabled Rioters and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, handicap, veteran status, marital status, criminal history, or any other category protected by applicable federal and state law. We consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state and local law, including the California Fair Chance Act, the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the Washington Fair Chance Act.
Per the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the following core duties may create a basis for disqualifying candidates with relevant criminal histories:
  • Safeguarding confidential and sensitive Company data
  • Communication with others, including Rioters and third parties such as vendors, and/or players, including minors
  • Accessing Company assets, secure digital systems, and networks
  • Ensuring a safe interactive environment for players and other Rioters

These duties are directly related to essential operations, safety, trust, and compliance obligations within our organization. Please note that job duties may evolve based on business needs and additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary to maintain operational efficiency and security.
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About Riot Games

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Riot Games was founded in 2006 by Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill with the intent to change the way video games are made and supported for players. In 2009, Riot released its debut title League of Legends to worldwide acclaim. The game has since gone on to become the most played PC game in the world and a key driver of the explosive growth of esports. Players are the foundation of our community and it's for them we continue to evolve and improve the League of Legends experience.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2006

Social media

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