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Background Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Actalent

Pcb Designer

Poway, CA

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

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 · 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 ...

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 ...

HCI Systems

DAS / ERRCS Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

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

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

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

$35 - $45/hr

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

Ontario, CA

$35 - $45/hr

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

$35 - $45/hr

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

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

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

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

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

Sacramento, CA

$35 - $45/hr

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

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

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

Pleasanton, CA

$35 - $45/hr

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 ...

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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 14, 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.

Designer IV

General Atomics

Poway, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

General Atomics rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Job Summary
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.
We are seeking an experienced, highly motivated CAD Designer (Designer IV) to join our Propulsion Systems Technologies Team. In this role, you will have the opportunity to help design, integrate, and support a wide array of innovative propulsion system solutions that directly impact the performance and reliability of our unmanned aircraft systems.
At GA-ASI, we highly value new ideas, creativity, and fresh thinking, as we continue to lead the unmanned aerial systems industry. You will have the opportunity to learn and grow with exposure to multiple aircraft platforms and diverse propulsion system types, while impacting how we design and document propulsion hardware.
In this role, you would support the engineering team by defining and executing creative solutions to engaging engineering design challenges of moderate scope and complexity. This position is ideal for a hands-on and detail-oriented designer who enjoys solving complex engineering challenges and wants to be a key contributor to GA-ASI's next-generation propulsion systems.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Support the design, analysis, testing, integration, manufacturing, and fielding of various types of aircraft propulsion systems, including piston engines, turbine engines, propellers, fuel systems, oil systems, power generation, and related components.
  • Support, document, and contribute to the completion of component, assembly, and system design and analysis.
  • Collaborate on new designs and assist the team with drawing package completion.
  • Maintains a currency in CAD techniques, ANSI Y14.5 drawing principles as well as applicable state-of-the-art engineering design software applications.
  • Collaborate and effectively interact with peers, management, and other engineering disciplines on technical matters requiring communication and coordination to solve complex challenges.
  • Prepare and review engineering documentation for delivery to peers, technical staff, executive management, and customers.
  • Perform work either individually or in a team environment and be able to work extended hours as required.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • Responsible for observing all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company
  • Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
  • Additional duties as assigned or required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Qualifications
  • Typically requires a high school diploma or a certificate from a recognized organization certifying completion of a training program utilizing technical engineering software applications and five or more years of experience in all aspects of drafting techniques and skills using 3D CAD solid modeling. May substitute additional education in lieu of work experience.
  • Experience with CREO, Windchill, Solidworks, NX, and Teamcenter is highly desirable; experience with 3D modeling tools such as Autodesk, SketchUp, Onshape, Solid Edge, or Blender may also be applicable and may be considered as relevant work experience.
  • Must be able to determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to a range of complex challenges.
  • Must have good communication, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills, as well as excellent computer skills.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain DOD Security Clearance.
  • A thirst for learning about new products and concepts.
Other Qualifications We Value:
  • Having an understanding of a wide range of mechanical and propulsion engineering concepts, principles, codes, and theory; experience demonstrating a broad application of those concepts; and is continuously expanding their knowledge of principles, concepts, theory, and practices in related technical specialties.
  • Experience with assembling, disassembling, and repair of mechanical systems.
  • A&P, aircraft mechanic or technician experience is a plus.
  • Background in Engineering preferred.

What General Atomics employees say

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About General Atomics

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1955

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