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Background Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Designing and/or drafting complete DAS and ERRCS (Emergency Responder Radio Communication Systems ... Strong computer skills including a solid background in AutoCAD is required; Revit experience is ...

Designing and/or drafting complete DAS and ERRCS (Emergency Responder Radio Communication Systems ... Strong computer skills including a solid background in AutoCAD is required; Revit experience is ...

Designer, Menswear

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$67K - $95K/yr

As the Menswear Designer, you are passionate, enthusiastic, and rigorous, with an obsessive eye for ... At Everlane, we carefully consider a wide range of compensation factors, including your background ...

New

Strong background in general electronics and electronic systems. * Experience working with ... Experience designing high-density layouts with HDI requirements and multilayer boards. * Deep ...

The Senior Designer will be responsible for the design, production, and coordination of ... AtkinsRéalis is a federal contractor which mandates a satisfactory background screening report and ...

Senior Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$115K - $175K/yr

The Senior Designer will be responsible for the design, production, and coordination of ... AtkinsRéalis is a federal contractor which mandates a satisfactory background screening report and ...

PCB Designer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

Strong background in general electronics and electronic systems. * Experience working with ... Experience designing high-density layouts with HDI requirements and multilayer boards. * Deep ...

Product Designer

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

Product Designer for a Genetics Company expanding into AI, and Wearable Tech CRI Genetics has spent ... Bonus: background in genomics, science platforms, or tools with regulatory context (HIPAA/CLIA)

Product Designer

Berkeley, CA · Hybrid

$100K - $150K/yr

Has a background in STEM * Experience designing consumer products across applications * Full stack and product design experience (UI and UX) * Track record of creating intuitive interfaces for users

Senior Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$115K - $175K/yr

The Senior Designer will be responsible for the design, production, and coordination of ... AtkinsRealis is a federal contractor which mandates a satisfactory background screening report and ...

PCB Designer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

Strong background in general electronics and electronic systems. * Experience working with ... Experience designing high-density layouts with HDI requirements and multilayer boards. * Deep ...

Product Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Has a background in STEM * Experience designing consumer products across applications * Full stack and product design experience (UI and UX) * Track record of creating intuitive interfaces for users

Product Designer

Alameda, CA · Hybrid

$100K - $150K/yr

Has a background in STEM * Experience designing consumer products across applications * Full stack and product design experience (UI and UX) * Track record of creating intuitive interfaces for users

Product Designer

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$100K - $150K/yr

Has a background in STEM * Experience designing consumer products across applications * Full stack and product design experience (UI and UX) * Track record of creating intuitive interfaces for users

Hardware Designer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$60.71/hr

Job Title: Hardware Designer Location: Fremont, CA Employment Type: Contract Industry ... Upon offer of employment, the individual will be subject to a background check. * Overtime: May be ...

New

Product Designer

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

$100K - $150K/yr

Has a background in STEM * Experience designing consumer products across applications * Full stack and product design experience (UI and UX) * Track record of creating intuitive interfaces for users

A background in visual design is a plus * Experience working within and contributing to design ... Please note this is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or ...

A background in visual design is a plus * Experience working within and contributing to design ... Please note this is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or ...

A background in visual design is a plus * Experience working within and contributing to design ... Please note this is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or ...

Showing results 21-40

Background Designer information

See California salary details

$35K

$82.1K

$108.6K

How much do background designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for background designer in California is $82,059.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,200.00 and $107,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a background designer do?

A background designer creates the visual environments and settings for animations, films, or video games. They develop detailed backgrounds that establish mood, setting, and atmosphere, often using digital tools like Photoshop or Illustrator. Their work supports storytelling by providing immersive and consistent visual contexts for characters and scenes.

What is the difference between Background Designer vs Environment Artist?

AspectBackground DesignerEnvironment Artist
Required SkillsConcept art, 2D/3D design, illustration3D modeling, texturing, scene creation
Work EnvironmentFilm, animation, video gamesVideo game development, film, VR
Common CertificationsArt or design degrees, portfolio3D modeling certifications, portfolio

Background Designers focus on creating visual backgrounds and environments primarily for animation, film, and 2D projects, emphasizing illustration and concept art. Environment Artists typically work in 3D space, building detailed, immersive environments for video games and films. While both roles require strong artistic skills, Background Designers lean more toward 2D art and concept design, whereas Environment Artists specialize in 3D modeling and scene construction.

How does a background designer typically collaborate with animators and other artists during a production?

Background Designers work closely with animators, layout artists, and art directors to ensure that environments support the story and visual style of a project. Communication is key, as designers must adapt their work based on feedback and evolving animation needs. It’s common to participate in regular team meetings, share progress, and make revisions, ensuring backgrounds integrate seamlessly with character animation and overall scene composition. This collaborative environment helps maintain consistency and enhances the visual storytelling of the production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a background designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Background Designer, you need strong drawing skills, a solid understanding of perspective and composition, and often a degree in art, illustration, or animation. Familiarity with digital painting software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and sometimes 3D modeling tools is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with other artists and directors are crucial soft skills. These abilities ensure that visual environments enhance storytelling and meet the artistic vision of animation or gaming projects.

What is a background designer?

Background designers are artists responsible for creating the visual environments and settings in animation, film, video games, and other media productions. They design and illustrate the scenery, such as landscapes, interiors, and exteriors, that characters interact with. Their work helps establish the mood, style, and atmosphere of a scene, supporting the storytelling by providing context and depth. Background designers often collaborate closely with art directors, layout artists, and other team members to ensure their backgrounds fit seamlessly into the overall visual style of the project.
What are the most commonly searched types of Background Designer jobs in California? The most popular types of Background Designer jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Background Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,059 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

$35 - $45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

We are seeking skilled DAS (Distributed Antenna Systems) Designers and Senior Designers to join our team. In this role, you will design and generate DAS/ERRCS/low-voltage RF system drawings, perform RF modeling, prepare technical submittals, RFI’s, and closeout documents.


Designing and/or drafting complete DAS and ERRCS (Emergency Responder Radio Communication Systems) shop drawings for multi-family, high-rise, military, healthcare, and commercial facilities.
• Conduct RF modeling, heat mapping, link budget creation, and predictive coverage analysis using industry-standard tools.
• Work closely with Project Managers and Account Executives to complete accurate DAS designs and prepare submittals in a timely and professional manner.
• Prepare documentation required by AHJs including RF test plans, grid testing documentation, commissioning reports, and product data sheets.
• Manage and update electronic and physical engineering libraries including job folders, equipment manuals, technical data sheets, brochures, and templates.
• Apply company and National CAD/BIM standards to all shop drawings.
• Research code requirements and resolve design problems through evaluation of multiple technical solutions.
• Coordinate designs with electrical engineers, GCs, low-voltage trades, RF vendors, and building owners to ensure a complete and compliant system.
• Read and interpret blueprints, RF reports, site surveys, specifications, schematics, and manufacturer installation manuals.
• Identify out-of-scope work and design gaps based on contract documents, proposals, plans, and specifications.
• Recommend value-engineered solutions for efficient and code-compliant DAS designs.
• Respond to questions, solutions, and RFI-related items regarding DAS design in a timely and professional manner.
• Effectively communicate project milestones, issues, and needs to management.
• Perform document control tasks such as printing, downloading, and filing.
• Perform material and equipment take-offs from plans.
• Complete all appropriate company paperwork as required.


  • Strong computer skills including a solid background in AutoCAD is required; Revit experience is highly preferred.
    • Familiarity with IFC, NFPA 1221/1225, local AHJ DAS code requirements, FCC rules, and building codes related to RF/ERRCS systems.
    • Experience with RF modeling tools such as iBwave is strongly desired.
    • Industry certifications such as iBwave Level 1–3, GROL, NICET, or related RF/telecom certifications are preferred.
    • Proficiency in AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, Bluebeam, and related design software.
    • Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
    • Self-motivated, organized, able to multitask, and capable of managing deadlines with minimal supervision.
    • Ability to independently take initiative to complete projects accurately and on time.
    • Applicants must meet background and driving record requirements.
    • Regular, reliable, and predictable attendance.

Why Join Us?

  • Unlimited Growth – Our expanding DAS/ERRCS markets drive consistent double-digit growth, creating ongoing opportunities for advancement.
    Comprehensive Benefits – Enjoy 401(k) with matching, reduced-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus flexible spending accounts. Additional voluntary benefits include life insurance, disability, and accident coverage.
    Paid Time Off – Recharge with paid holidays and our PTO plan.
    Weekly Pay – Get paid every Friday.
    Employee Perks – From appreciation events and department outings to wellness programs and pet insurance, we invest in our team’s well-being.

Equal Employment Opportunity

HCI is an equal opportunity employer. We will not unlawfully discriminate against qualified applicants or employees with respect to any terms and conditions of employment based upon actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions and lactation), gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, disability, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances (“Protected Classifications”). When legally required, HCI will reasonably accommodate employees and applicants with disabilities if the person is otherwise qualified to perform all the essential functions of the position safely and competently.


USD $35.00 - USD $45.00 /Hr.