ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animation Jobs in San Rafael, CA (NOW HIRING)

Epic Games

Animation Systems Programmer

Larkspur, CA · On-site

$167K - $245K/yr

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 ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Create gameplay, AI, and scripted animation that matches the visual style of the game, using both keyframe and augmented mocap techniques. * Work closely with programmers and designers to support a ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

Create gameplay, AI, and scripted animation that matches the visual style of the game, using both keyframe and augmented mocap techniques. * Work closely with programmers and designers to support a ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Create gameplay, AI, and scripted animation that matches the visual style of the game, using both keyframe and augmented mocap techniques. * Work closely with programmers and designers to support a ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Create gameplay, AI, and scripted animation that matches the visual style of the game, using both keyframe and augmented mocap techniques. * Work closely with programmers and designers to support a ...

Gamma

UI Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$122K - $163K/yr

The role involves creating pixel-perfect layouts, smooth animations, and responsive interactions while collaborating closely with designers to deliver accessible components. Responsibilities : • ...

Hera (YC S25)

Founding AI Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Hera is a pioneering company developing the world's first AI motion designer that simplifies the animation process for video creators. The Founding AI Engineer will be responsible for building and ...

Gamma

UI Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$122K - $163K/yr

About the role You'll build Gamma's visual experience: pixel-perfect layouts, smooth animations, and responsive interactions that make the product feel magical. That means owning design system ...

IDW

Motion Designer

Oakland, CA · On-site

W work collaboratively with clients, internal designers, and production artists to create stand-alone animations and compelling high-quality videos. The role includes start-to-finish motion design ...

Superpower

Motion Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

Design UI animations and micro-interactions that elevate the product experience * Collaborate with brand designers, product designers, and engineers to integrate motion into every surface * Work with ...

Prisms VR

3D Artist (Remote)

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$110K - $140K/yr

As a 3D Artist, you will craft characters, environments, and educational 3D motion graphic animations for virtual reality. The ideal candidate should know and enjoy every aspect of the 3D content ...

Superpower Health, Inc

Motion Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

Design UI animations and micro-interactions that elevate the product experience * Collaborate with brand designers, product designers, and engineers to integrate motion into every surface * Work with ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAnimation JobsAnimation Jobs in San Rafael, CA

Animation information

See San Rafael, CA salary details

$11

$43

$78

How much do animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation in San Rafael, CA is $43.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.38 and $71.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 the most commonly searched types of Animation jobs in San Rafael, CA?

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

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

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

What cities near San Rafael, CA are hiring for Animation jobs?

Cities near San Rafael, CA with the most Animation job openings:

Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation job openings in San Rafael, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 12% Internship, 59% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 68% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,377 per year, or $43.9 per hour.

Animation Systems Programmer

Epic Games

Larkspur, CA • On-site

$167K - $245K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 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