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Background Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Handel Architects

Interior Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Title Interior Designer Location San Francisco - San Francisco, CA 94103 US (Primary) Years of ... Background in high-end residential or hospitality projects preferred * Degree in Interior Design or ...

Meta

Designer

Burlingame, CA

$122K/yr

We are seeking a talented and passionate designer to help define, deliver, and maintain visual ... Multidisciplinary background in brand identities, design systems, and template-driven creative ...

General Atomics

Designer IV

Poway, CA · On-site

$65K - $99K/yr

We are seeking an experienced, highly motivated CAD Designer (Designer IV) to join our Propulsion ... Background in Engineering preferred.

General Atomics

Designer IV

Poway, CA · On-site

$65K - $99K/yr

We are seeking an experienced, highly motivated CAD Designer (Designer IV) to join our Propulsion ... Background in Engineering preferred.

City Design Studio LLC

Intermediate Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The selected designers will be assuming a key role in these projects. We are seeking highly ... The ideal candidate will have a strong background in architecture and project management skills and ...

Kai Cyber, Inc.

Product Designer

San Jose, CA · On-site

Background in designing for global audiences and accessibility standards (WCAG). * Excellent understanding of user-centered design principles, accessibility, and responsive design. * Strong ...

Renesas Electronics

Product Designer

La Jolla, CA

$145K - $165K/yr

Background in engineering or exposure to hardware/software development environments. * Experience ... Designing workflows that solve real engineering problems * Communicating design intent clearly to ...

Renesas Electronics

Product Designer

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$145K - $165K/yr

Background in engineering or exposure to hardware/software development environments. * Experience ... Designing workflows that solve real engineering problems * Communicating design intent clearly to ...

HCI Systems

DAS / ERRCS Designer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

HCI Systems

DAS / ERRCS Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Actalent

Pcb Designer

Poway, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Background in designing PCBs for complex products such as UAVs, test equipment, or similar electronic systems is advantageous. * Ability to provide direction and informal mentorship to less ...

New

HCI Systems

DAS / ERRCS Designer

Ontario, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

HCI Systems

DAS / ERRCS Designer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

HCI Systems

DAS / ERRCS Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

HCI Systems

DAS / ERRCS Designer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

HCI Systems

DAS / ERRCS Designer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

HCI Systems

DAS / ERRCS Designer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Actalent

Pcb Designer

Poway, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Background in designing PCBs for complex products such as UAVs, test equipment, or similar electronic systems is advantageous. * Ability to provide direction and informal mentorship to less ...

New

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsBackground Designer JobsBackground Designer Jobs in California

Background Designer information

See California salary details

$35K

$82.1K

$108.6K

How much do background designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 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:

What are popular job titles related to Background Designer jobs in California?

For Background Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Background Designer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Background Designer jobs in California are:

Background Designer jobs near you
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.

Interior Designer

Handel Architects

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 hours ago

Job description

Job Title
Interior Designer
Location
San Francisco - San Francisco, CA 94103 US (Primary)
Years of Experience
5+
Job Description
About Handel Architects
Handel Architects is an award-winning, full-service Architecture, Planning, and Interior Design firm with offices in San Francisco, New York, Boston, and Hong Kong. We create sustainability-driven, innovative spaces that shape vibrant communities worldwide. Our San Francisco Interior Design studio specializes in luxury multi-family residential projects, designing refined residences and amenity spaces with a hospitality-inspired approach that brings our clients' visions to life.
We're a collaborative team of passionate Architects and Designers who thrive in an open studio environment. We share ideas, support each other, and design spaces that positively impact lives. Our culture values creativity, camaraderie, and growth-we celebrate achievements, work hard, and genuinely enjoy what we do.
We operate on a hybrid schedule: in-office Monday-Thursday, with optional remote work on Fridays.
About the Job
Our San Francisco studio is seeking an Interior Designer with 5+ years of experience to join our design-driven team.
We're seeking a talented and passionate Interior Designer eager to join the creative process and build upon their design and technical skills. Our studio fosters open dialogue and encourages every team member to actively participate in the design process.
As a seasoned Interior Designer, you'll partner closely with Project Managers and teams on multiple, concurrent projects to design and plan residential units and amenity spaces. With support, you'll manage small projects or parts of larger ones, taking projects from storyboard through documentation, construction, and installation.
This is a great opportunity for a motivated Interior Designer looking to grow professionally, contribute to meaningful projects, take ownership, and help shape thoughtful, beautiful, and inspirational spaces.
Qualifications
  • 5+ years of professional Interior Design experience
  • Background in high-end residential or hospitality projects preferred
  • Degree in Interior Design or Interior Architecture; certification preferred
  • Strong conceptual and visual design skills, including the ability to produce presentation imagery that communicates design narratives
  • Solid understanding of design methodology, space planning, and concept development, including finish and FFE selections, rendered plans and elevations, and furniture layouts
  • Proficiency in Photoshop, InDesign, and 3D modeling/rendering tools such as SketchUp, Rhino, V-Ray, Enscape, or Lumion
  • Technical proficiency in Revit, with experience producing details and construction documentation
  • Experience coordinating with consultants and participating in project meetings
  • Experience presenting design concepts to clients
  • Knowledge of interior finish specifications, construction administration, and installation processes
  • Familiarity with CA residential building codes
  • Detail-oriented, with a strong focus on accuracy, quality, and follow-through
  • Collaborative team member with strong communication skills
  • Experience managing finish libraries, coordinating with vendors, and mentoring junior designers
  • Self-motivated and well-organized, with the ability to manage tasks independently

What We Offer
  • Competitive Salary
  • Annual discretionary bonus
  • Health Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life)
  • Competitive PTO
  • 401(K) with Employer Contribution
  • Professional Development Opportunities
  • Convenient Downtown Location at Powell BART station
  • Calm and collaborative work environment

How To Apply
To apply, please create an account and submit your resume and portfolio. Portfolios are required for this job application.

Apply