1

Animation Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Senior AI Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$108.90K - $161.16K/yr

You will work closely with our Design, Animation, Audio, VFX, and Art departments to support and finalize the implementations for core AI systems: Combat Management, Perception, Steaming/Memory ...

Senior Combat Designer (Encounters)

Novato, CA · On-site

$100.20K - $148.32K/yr

We will work closely and constructively across design, art, engineering, animation, and audio teams to realize our creative ambitions. Together, we will stay current on technological advancements and ...

Senior AI Engineer

Novato, CA

$108.90K - $161.16K/yr

You will work closely with our Design, Animation, Audio, VFX, and Art departments to support and finalize the implementations for core AI systems: Combat Management, Perception, Steaming/Memory ...

We will work closely and constructively across design, art, engineering, animation, and audio teams to realize our creative ambitions. Together, we will stay current on technological advancements and ...

We will work closely and constructively across design, art, engineering, animation, and audio teams to realize our creative ambitions. Together, we will stay current on technological advancements and ...

Senior Concept Artist (Characters)

Novato, CA · On-site

$100.20K - $148.32K/yr

BONUS: Fluent with 3D modeling and animation packages such as Maya, 3ds Max, etc. Who You Are: * A reliable, positive force multiplier, actively seeking opportunities to integrate work across ...

Senior AI Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$108.90K - $161.16K/yr

You will work closely with our Design, Animation, Audio, VFX, and Art departments to support and finalize the implementations for core AI systems: Combat Management, Perception, Steaming/Memory ...

Work closely with other departments (Environment, Animation, Lighting, Audio, Design) to integrate VFX seamlessly into the gameplay experience. * Act as the primary point of contact for all VFX ...

AI Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$85.70K - $126.86K/yr

You will work closely with our Design, Animation, Audio, VFX, and Art departments to support and finalize the implementations for core AI systems: Combat Management, Perception, Steaming/Memory ...

AI Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$85.70K - $126.86K/yr

You will work closely with our Design, Animation, Audio, VFX, and Art departments to support and finalize the implementations for core AI systems: Combat Management, Perception, Steaming/Memory ...

Senior Combat Designer (Encounters)

Novato, CA · On-site

$100.20K - $148.32K/yr

We will work closely and constructively across design, art, engineering, animation, and audio teams to realize our creative ambitions. Together, we will stay current on technological advancements and ...

BONUS: Fluent with 3D modeling and animation packages such as Maya, 3ds Max, etc. Who You Are: * A reliable, positive force multiplier, actively seeking opportunities to integrate work across ...

AI Engineer

Novato, CA

$85.70K - $126.86K/yr

You will work closely with our Design, Animation, Audio, VFX, and Art departments to support and finalize the implementations for core AI systems: Combat Management, Perception, Steaming/Memory ...

Senior Concept Artist (Characters)

Novato, CA · On-site

$100.20K - $148.32K/yr

BONUS: Fluent with 3D modeling and animation packages such as Maya, 3ds Max, etc. Who You Are: * A reliable, positive force multiplier, actively seeking opportunities to integrate work across ...

Senior AI Engineer

Novato, CA · Hybrid

$108.90K - $161.16K/yr

You will work closely with our Design, Animation, Audio, VFX, and Art departments to support and finalize the implementations for core AI systems: Combat Management, Perception, Steaming/Memory ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Animation information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$11

$43

$76

How much do animation jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation in Santa Rosa, CA is $43.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.89 and $69.90 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.
What are popular job titles related to Animation jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? For Animation jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Animation jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Animation job openings:
Infographic showing various Animation job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 34% Contract. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,624 per year, or $43.1 per hour.
Senior AI Engineer

Senior AI Engineer

2K

Novato, CA • On-site

$108.90K - $161.16K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Cloud Chamber is seeking a Senior AI Engineer to join our talented development team to further push the development of the AI Systems and AI Archetype for BioShock 4. We have high ambitions for tying AI and storytelling together in our project. It will be your responsibility to crystallize that ambition, helping to support several AI systems, and bring several AI Archetypes to life.
In this role, you'll collaborate with an engaged team to push the state of the art and experiment with unproven ideas. We are attempting new and ambitious things with AI in this game. You are bold, brave, and believe in an iterative, experimental approach to game development, moving comfortably between design and engineering, collaborating and communicating ambition and limitations.
What You'll Do:
  • Collaborate with the team to:
    • Iterate and polish existing AI Systems and Archetypes.
    • Bring new Archetypes into existence.
  • Take confident ownership over the architecture and implementation within the systems of your domain.
  • Work on implementation and maintenance of AI behavior tree and associated systems.
  • Focus and help plan for ensuring all of our AI Systems and Archetypes operate performantly and within memory budgets.
  • Improve design-facing tools for authoring and scripting combat encounters.
  • Create and maintain technical documentations.
  • Review the work of other engineers and share expertise in your area of knowledge.
What We'll Do Together:
You will work closely with our Design, Animation, Audio, VFX, and Art departments to support and finalize the implementations for core AI systems: Combat Management, Perception, Steaming/Memory/Performance, etc. You will also help bring new AI Archetypes into realization and work to flush out and finalize existing ones. You will share ownership of those systems and archetypes and collaborate with current engineering leadership to shepherd them to ship. You will be encouraged to push our conception of what is possible in this arena, doing as much to advance the ambition as you will attempt to build it, ultimately bringing our richly imagined world to life.
What You've Done:
  • 5+ years industry or related experience.
  • Worked in an AI for video games programming role.
  • Used Unreal Engine in a professional capacity for scripting Basic AI Systems.
  • Used UE5 AI Debugging Tools and Rewind Debugger.
  • Strong math skills.
  • Strong C++ experience.
  • Developed for current gen AAA consoles.
Who You Are:
  • A reliable, positive force multiplier, actively seeking opportunities to integrate work across disciplines and contribute to a healthy, supportive team environment.
  • A solid communicator with excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, package information for diverse audiences, and deliver difficult feedback with empathy and professionalism.
  • A persistent and self-motivated person with a proactive mindset.
  • Able to maintain effectiveness and quality under pressure, ambiguity, and fast-changing priorities.
  • An active listener able to build and maintain trust-based relationships across all levels of the organization, understand differing perspectives, and navigate organizational complexity with tact and emotional intelligence.
  • Highly open to feedback and direction, possessing a desire to learn new skills, and capable of producing quick, quality revisions based on new insights or constraints.
  • A strong owner of your tasks, who strives to drive their work forward autonomously while maintaining a critical eye for detail and organization, ensuring high standards of quality.
  • Dedicated to upholding Cloud Chamber's core values, contributing to a positive and respectful company culture while striving for excellence in all endeavors.
Who We Are:
At Cloud Chamber we strive to make BioShock games that move people: evocative, immersive, and meaningful experiences that stay with you long after you've rolled credits. Great games are born from great collaborations, supported by a culture that brings out the best in our teams. We work openly, learn through play, take ownership, push ourselves to be better, and deliver for our players.
The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $108,900 and $161,160 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program. Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company's discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses.
For candidates located in Quebec:
  • Proficiency in French is required.
  • Proficiency in English is required to effectively collaborate with teams based in the United States

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform their essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need reasonable accommodation.
Please note that 2K Games and its studios never use instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing only use 2K.com accounts.