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Computer Animation Jobs in Oakland, CA (NOW HIRING)

Pixar

Senior Research Scientist

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$219K - $284K/yr

... art of computer animation. The Northern California studio has created some of the most successful and beloved animated films of all time, including "Toy Story," "Monsters, Inc.," "Cars," "The ...

Skild AI

Senior Robot Animator

San Mateo, CA

$120K - $137K/yr

This is an animation-first role focused on the computer graphics side of motion - rigging, keyframe animation, body mechanics, and the editing and retargeting of captured data. Strong candidates pair ...

Skild AI

Senior Robot Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$100K - $300K/yr

This is an animation-first role focused on the computer graphics side of motion - rigging, keyframe animation, body mechanics, and the editing and retargeting of captured data. Strong candidates pair ...

Pixar Animation Studios

On-Call Chef

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$23.70 - $30.67/hr

... Pixar Animation Studios. As an On Call Chef, you'll support the Chef de Cuisine and Senior Sous ... Basic Computer knowledge: email, Google Sheets and Docs, Word, Excel, Slack to communicate with ...

Human Computer Lab

Character Artist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$142K - $149K/yr

Human Computer Lab is a research lab building character robots that feel alive and responsive. Our ... Are pursuing a degree in screen-writing, animation, character design, industrial design, or a ...

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Computer Animation information

See Oakland, CA salary details

$12

$45

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How much do computer animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for computer animation in Oakland, CA is $45.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.14 and $73.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is computer animation?

A Computer Animation job involves creating moving images and visual effects using computer software. Animators work in industries like film, television, video games, and advertising to bring characters, environments, and objects to life. They use techniques such as 2D animation, 3D modeling, rigging, and motion capture. The role often requires creativity, technical skills, and proficiency in industry-standard software like Maya, Blender, or Adobe After Effects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in computer animation?

To thrive in Computer Animation, you need a strong foundation in 3D modeling, animation principles, and a keen artistic eye, typically supported by a degree in animation, visual arts, or a related field. Mastery of industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, and Adobe After Effects, along with a robust digital portfolio, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration make candidates stand out in this profession. These skills ensure the creation of compelling animations that meet client or studio standards and contribute to successful project outcomes.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in computer animation?

Computer animators often encounter tight deadlines, rapidly changing project requirements, and the need to continuously update their technical skills as software evolves. Working as part of a creative team, animators must adapt their personal style to match the project's vision and collaborate closely with directors, designers, and programmers. Handling feedback constructively and managing workload during peak production times are also common challenges. However, these aspects of the job can foster growth, creativity, and resilience in a dynamic and rewarding field.

Is computer animation a good career?

Computer animation is a viable career that involves creating visual effects and animated content using software like Maya or Blender. It requires strong artistic skills, technical knowledge, and often a portfolio or certification; job opportunities are available in entertainment, advertising, and gaming industries. The field can offer creative fulfillment and competitive salaries, but it also demands continuous learning and adaptation to new tools and technologies.

What jobs can I get with a computer animation degree?

A computer animation degree can lead to roles such as 3D animator, character animator, visual effects artist, motion graphics designer, and game designer. These jobs typically require proficiency with software like Maya, Blender, or Adobe After Effects and may involve working in film, television, gaming, or advertising industries.

What kind of jobs can computer animators get?

Computer animators can work in industries such as film, television, video game development, advertising, and virtual reality. Common roles include 3D animator, character animator, visual effects artist, and motion graphics designer, often requiring proficiency in software like Maya, Blender, or Adobe After Effects. Many positions require a portfolio and a strong understanding of storytelling, timing, and technical skills.

What are popular job titles related to Computer Animation jobs in Oakland, CA?

For Computer Animation jobs in Oakland, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Computer Animation jobs in Oakland, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Computer Animation jobs in Oakland, CA are:

What cities near Oakland, CA are hiring for Computer Animation jobs?

Cities near Oakland, CA with the most Computer Animation job openings:

Computer Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computer Animation job openings in Oakland, CA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,145 per year, or $45.3 per hour.

Intern - Animator and Rigging Artist

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Human Computer Lab
See more jobs at Human Computer Labexternal

Other

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Human Computer Lab is a research lab building character robots that feel alive and responsive. Our first robot, LeLamp, explores a new category of consumer robotics where everyday objects become interactive and help us reshape our attachment to technology.

Our goal is to push the frontier of human-robot interaction by making technology more legible, emotionally intuitive, and human-centered. We are building the foundation for a new generation of robots designed for everyday environments.

What to expect

We're looking for a technical animator to rig LeLamp, our first robot, and own the animation pipeline that brings it to life on physical hardware people will actually live with. This role sits at an unusual intersection: the technical depth to build a rig that maps onto real joint constraints and actuator limits, and the creative sensibility to design motion that feels intentional and warm, shaping whether the robot comes across as alive or mechanical. You'll work closely with the CEO and engineers to translate design intent into motion that runs on the robot itself, not just in a viewport.

In this role, you will:

  • Build and maintain the robot rig, defining joint hierarchies, constraints, and control structures aligned with hardware limits

  • Design and animate behaviors including idle motion, reactions, transitions, gestures, and interaction sequences

  • Work with controls and firmware engineers to translate animation intent into real robot motion

  • Stay aligned with mechanical updates and maintain the rig as the platform evolves

  • Maintain a URDF-compatible or simulation-ready representation of the robot

  • Help define the robot’s motion language and expressive vocabulary

  • Build internal tools, workflows, and documentation for the animation pipeline

  • Evaluate animations on physical hardware and iterate until intent translates reliably

You may be a good fit if you:

  • Have professional experience as a technical animator or rigger with a strong rigging and animation portfolio

  • Are fluent in Maya, Blender, or similar DCC tools and can build production-quality rigs from scratch

  • Understand animation principles such as timing, weight, anticipation, and follow-through

  • Have experience rigging mechanical or non-organic subjects with real-world constraints

  • Have strong intuition for what makes motion feel alive rather than mechanical

  • Are comfortable building pipelines in environments where they don't yet exist

  • Have experience animating robots, mechanical characters, or non-humanoid subjects

  • Have exposure to procedural animation, motion graphs, or behavior trees

  • Are familiar with URDF, ROS, or simulators such as Gazebo, MuJoCo, or Isaac Sim

  • Have experience working in Unity, Unreal, or other real-time animation environments

  • Have experience collaborating with engineering teams on hardware or robotics projects

You will be a strong fit, if you:

  • Care deeply about motion as a form of communication

  • See constraints like joint limits and actuator bandwidth as part of the creative process

  • Take ownership of the robot’s motion language from keyframe to hardware execution

  • Work well in small, collaborative teams across animation, engineering, and design

  • Want to create motion for a physical object that lives in someone’s home, not just on a screen

The early team becomes the DNA of the company. We set ourselves and others to a high standard, and we respond with kindness when things get hard but keep everyone accountable. This requires us to be curious, creative, and diverse in our thinking and approach.
We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Even if you don't meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply. Studies show that women and underrepresented groups often hold back unless they meet 100% of the criteria - we don't want that to be the reason we miss out on great talent.

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