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Animation Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Contribute to the development of animation workflows and tools to streamline the animation process. * Stay up-to-date with industry trends and techniques to continually improve the quality of ...

Bonfire Studios

Lead Gameplay Animator

Irvine, CA · On-site

Inspiring and guiding the animation discipline, setting the creative vision and quality bar for characters and combat in a competitive multiplayer game. * Leading and mentoring a lean animation team ...

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Contribute to the development of animation workflows and tools to streamline the animation process. * Stay up-to-date with industry trends and techniques to continually improve the quality of ...

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Contribute to the development of animation workflows and tools to streamline the animation process. * Stay up-to-date with industry trends and techniques to continually improve the quality of ...

Bonfire Studios

Lead Gameplay Animator

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

Inspiring and guiding the animation discipline, setting the creative vision and quality bar for characters and combat in a competitive multiplayer game. * Leading and mentoring a lean animation team ...

Collabera

Production Artist/ Animator

Irvine, CA

Solid understanding of pose-driven animation design Qualifications Basic Qualifications:- * Experience animating creatures (demons, ghosts, animal type creatures) * Comfortable animating human or at ...

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All JobsAnimation JobsAnimation Jobs in Irvine, CA

Animation information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$11

$42

$75

How much do animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation in Irvine, CA is $42.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.46 and $68.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an animation job involve?

An Animation job involves creating moving images using computer software or traditional techniques like hand-drawing or stop-motion. Animators develop characters, backgrounds, and special effects for films, video games, advertisements, and digital media. They collaborate with writers, designers, and directors to bring stories to life. Strong artistic skills, creativity, and proficiency in animation software like Adobe Animate or Blender are essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the animation position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Animation, you need strong artistic abilities, knowledge of animation principles, and typically a degree in animation, fine arts, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Adobe After Effects, Maya, Blender, or Toon Boom Harmony is highly desirable, and certification in these can be advantageous. Creativity, attention to detail, time management, and effective collaboration skills help animators excel in team-oriented environments. These abilities are crucial for producing high-quality animations that meet client briefs and project deadlines in this fast-evolving industry.

What are some common challenges animators face in their daily work?

Animators often deal with tight deadlines and the need to revise work multiple times to match client or director feedback, which requires patience and adaptability. The role can involve long periods of focused work at a computer, making time management and attention to ergonomic practices important. Additionally, staying updated with the latest animation techniques and software advancements is crucial for remaining competitive in the field. Collaboration with story artists, designers, and technical teams is also a major part of the job, ensuring each project is cohesive and visually appealing.

Are animation professionals still in demand?

Animation professionals are still in demand across industries such as entertainment, advertising, and gaming, especially with the growth of digital media and virtual reality. Skills in software like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender, along with a strong portfolio, can improve job prospects in this competitive field.

What jobs can animation get?

Animation skills can lead to jobs such as 3D animator, character animator, motion graphics artist, visual effects artist, and storyboard artist. These roles are common in industries like film, television, video game development, advertising, and digital media, often requiring proficiency in software like Adobe After Effects, Maya, or Blender.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animation jobs in Irvine, CA?

The most popular types of Animation jobs in Irvine, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Animation jobs in Irvine, CA?

For Animation jobs in Irvine, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animation jobs in Irvine, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Animation jobs in Irvine, CA are:

What cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for Animation jobs?

Cities near Irvine, CA with the most Animation job openings:

Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation job openings in Irvine, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,990 per year, or $42.3 per hour.

Senior Gameplay Animator

Ember Lab

Orange, CA • On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

At Ember Lab, our goal is to create powerful, transformative experiences that impact people for a lifetime. Having released our debut game, Kena: Bridge of Spirits, in 2021 this journey is just beginning. We're looking for collaborative team members who share our passion for storytelling and are eager to help us shape the future of Ember Lab.


We believe a strong, collaborative environment is critical to creating memorable experiences. As a Senior Gameplay Animator, you will conceptualize, design, develop and execute 3D animations. You will collaborate across teams to bring these animations and Ember Lab work to life!


Description

  • Create, test, and iterate on gameplay animations related to combat and interactive events
  • Integrate animations into game project and relevant animation systems
  • Collaborate with the design and engineering teams to ensure animations align with gameplay mechanics and technical constraints.
  • Iterate and refine animations based on feedback from team members and playtesting.
  • Attend to bugs related to tasks and maintain relevant animation features
  • Contribute to the development of animation workflows and tools to streamline the animation process.
  • Stay up-to-date with industry trends and techniques to continually improve the quality of animations.


Requirements

  • 5+ years of gameplay animation experience
  • Strong skills in animating body mechanics and action
  • Excellent Maya animation skills
  • Proficient with animation systems in UE5
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines
  • Shipped 1+ title
  • Unreal Engine 4 or 5 experience


Location

  • In Office


To Apply

  • Please include a portfolio


Compensation Range

The standard annual base salary range for this role in the U.S. is $88,000 - $120,000 USD. Actual pay will vary depending on experience, qualifications, performance and location. The base salary range for locations outside of the U.S. will be adjusted according to location.


At Ember Lab, we like to keep things professional and straightforward when it comes to hiring. All of our recruitment happens through official channels like an Ember Lab email, our recruitment platform BambooHR, or LinkedIn.


If you ever get a message from someone claiming to be us through an unexpected or suspicious platform, it's probably not legit-feel free to ignore it or give us a heads-up at contact@emberlab.com.


We've got your back when it comes to keeping the process safe and secure!


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