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Animatronics Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Tait

Producer

Burbank, CA · On-site

Experience in managing location-based entertainment technologies such as ride, audio, video, projection, show control, animatronics, etc. * Knowledge in location-based entertainment related ...

TAIT

Producer

Burbank, CA · On-site +1

Experience in managing location-based entertainment technologies such as ride, audio, video, projection, show control, animatronics, etc. * Knowledge in location-based entertainment related ...

NBCUniversal

Mgr Ride/Show Engineering

Universal City, CA

$96K - $118K/yr

Bachelor's degree in an applicable technical field required. * 5+ years' experience in theme park engineering roles including mechanical show systems, show action equipment (SAE), animatronics, or ...

All JobsAnimatronics JobsAnimatronics Jobs in California

Animatronics information

See California salary details

$8

$25

$60

How much do animatronics jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for animatronics in California is $25.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.83 and $30.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive in Animatronics, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, robotics, electronics, and sculpture or model-making, often supported by a relevant technical degree or certification. Proficiency with CAD design software, servo controllers, pneumatics, and 3D printing tools is commonly required. Creativity, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork skills help animatronics professionals excel, especially when troubleshooting complex moving systems or collaborating on large projects. These skills ensure the successful design, fabrication, and maintenance of lifelike, reliable animatronic figures used in entertainment, theme parks, and exhibits.

What does an animatronics job entail?

An animatronics job involves designing, building, and programming robotic creatures or figures that mimic lifelike movements. Professionals in this field work with mechanics, electronics, and animation to create characters for theme parks, movies, and exhibits. They collaborate with engineers, artists, and programmers to ensure smooth functionality and realistic motion. Animatronics experts may also maintain and troubleshoot existing figures to keep them operational.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of someone working in Animatronics?

On a daily basis, professionals in the animatronics field might design new figures, assemble and test mechanical systems, and troubleshoot technical issues in existing installations. Much of the work involves close collaboration with artists, engineers, and programmers to ensure the final product is both visually convincing and mechanically sound. Regular maintenance and upgrades to animatronic figures are also common, particularly in environments like theme parks or film sets. Project timelines can vary, so you'll likely balance hands-on shop duties with meetings and planning sessions. This varied routine keeps the role dynamic and provides ongoing opportunities to develop new technical and creative skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animatronics jobs in California? The most popular types of Animatronics jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Animatronics jobs in California? For Animatronics jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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Animatronics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animatronics job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,653 per year, or $25.8 per hour.
Production Tech

Production Tech

THIRTEENTH FLOOR ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

La Verne, CA

$25 - $35/hr

Other

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Join Our Creative Team in Los Angeles!

Are you a hands-on problem solver with a passion for electrifying the extraordinary? We’re expanding our technical division at 13th Floor Entertainment production facility and searching for innovative, resourceful, and energetic professionals to help engineer the magic behind the nation’s premier haunted attractions and immersive experiences.

As part of our coast-to-coast portfolio—including Haunted Attractions, Halloween Festivals, Immersive Installations, Escape Rooms, and more—you’ll use your technical expertise to transform creative visions into spine-tingling realities that thrill audiences nationwide.

We’re looking for tech specialists with a knack for wiring, lighting, automation, and interactive effects—those who thrive in fast-paced environments and love bringing bold, imaginative ideas to life through hands-on work.

Our shop is a hub of collaboration, creativity, and excitement, where every day brings new challenges and opportunities to innovate. If you’re ready to join a passionate team and help shape the future of live entertainment technology, we want to hear from you!

Job Title: Production Tech 

Department: Thirteenth Floor Creative Shops

Employment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time Positions

Position Overview:

Ready to electrify the world of immersive horror? 13th Floor Entertainment Group—the nation’s largest Halloween-themed entertainment company—is searching for a rare breed: a Haunt Production Tech with the skills and imagination to conjure unforgettable scares. In this unique role, you’ll blend hands-on technical mastery with creative vision, building the magic behind the mayhem that thrills guests coast to coast.

You’ll wire haunted realms, program eerie lighting, and breathe life into animatronics and interactive puzzles. If you thrive in high-energy environments and have experience with:

  • Wiring and electrical systems
  • DMX programming and lighting control
  • PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) builds
  • Pneumatic systems
  • Fright Ideas controllers (familiarity preferred)
  • Escape game wiring and interactive tech
  • Addressable LED technology

…this is your chance to join a team where your talents don’t just matter—they make nightmares real. Step behind the curtain and help us engineer the extraordinary.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design, install, and troubleshoot electrical systems for haunted attractions, escape rooms, and immersive sets.
  • Program and maintain DMX lighting systems to create dynamic, atmospheric effects.
  • Build and configure PLC systems for automated scare sequences and interactive elements.
  • Assemble and repair pneumatic systems for animatronics and motion-based props.
  • Wire and test fright prop controllers to ensure seamless scares and guest interactions.
  • Collaborate with designers, fabricators, and creative teams to execute technical visions.
  • Travel to off-site locations to install, troubleshoot, or repair tech elements during events.
  • Maintain strict safety standards for all electrical and mechanical systems.

Location & Travel

  • Primary base: La Verne, CA (shop and off-site venues).
  • Must commute to the shop and travel to event locations as needed.

Qualifications

  • Proven experience in wiring, electrical work, or related technical fields.
  • Familiarity with DMX programming tools (e.g., Light-O-Rama, QLab) and PLC software.
  • Familiarity with pneumatics, fright ideas controllers, and escape room tech (training provided for niche systems).
  • Familiarity with addressable LED technology and xLights software.
  • Ability to lift 50+ lbs, work on ladders, and navigate tight/haunted-house-ready spaces.
  • Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours during peak seasons (August–November).
  • Strong problem-solving skills and a “make it work” attitude under pressure.

What We Offer

  • Innovative Projects: Be part of a team creating immersive, cutting-edge experiences in entertainment and storytelling.
  • Dynamic Team Culture: Work in a collaborative, supportive environment where creativity and camaraderie thrive.
  • Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a salary tailored to your experience—your contributions are recognized and valued.

If you’re passionate about creating hauntingly immersive environments and have the skills to bring eerie atmospheres to life, we want to see your work! Apply today and join our talented team of artists redefining the world of haunted entertainment.

Apply