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Computer Animation Jobs in Oakland, CA (NOW HIRING)

Human Computer Lab

Controls Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$98K - $127K/yr

Human Computer Lab is a research lab building character robots that feel alive and responsive. Our ... Collaborate with animators, mechanical and electrical engineers on actuator selection, structure ...

PSRTEK

Voice to Face Avatar expert

San Jose, CA · On-site

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a ... Experience with animation software/avatar technology platforms like Synthesis * Experience with ...

Apple

AI/ML Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

$150K - $277K/yr

Experience with audio, computer vision, 3D graphics and animation algorithms. Experience deploying algorithms to GPUs or other hardware accelerators. Understanding of SW/HW parallelism, threads ...

Jobsbridge

IOS Developer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$60.75 - $83.50/hr

Requirements: BS/MS degree in Computer Science, Engineering or a related subject Proven working ... Animation, Core Graphics and Core Text Experience with third-party libraries and APIs Working ...

Figure

Sr/Staff Graphics Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

Develop and tune shaders for real-time vector graphics, animations, and visual effects. * Implement ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Graphics, or a related field. * At ...

Figure

Sr/Staff Graphics Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150K - $275K/yr

Develop and tune shaders for real-time vector graphics, animations, and visual effects. * Implement ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Graphics, or a related field. * At ...

veear projects

Senior Front End

San Jose, CA

$134K - $177K/yr

... animation experience using D3, Canvas, SVG or WebGL Meticulous attention to visual details and ... React, Angular, Ember BA/BS degree in Computer Science, related technical field, or equivalent ...

LiveX AI Inc.

AI Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$150 - $210/hr

... AI, computer vision, multimodal AI (audio + vision), speech synthesis, or neural rendering. * Experience with talking‑head/audio‑driven animation/lip‑sync/digital human systems, or closely ...

New

Apple

AI/ML Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Experience with audio, computer vision, 3D graphics and animation algorithms. Experience deploying algorithms to GPUs or other hardware accelerators. Understanding of SW/HW parallelism, threads ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsComputer Animation JobsComputer Animation Jobs in Oakland, CA

Computer Animation information

See Oakland, CA salary details

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How much do computer animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 76% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,145 per year, or $45.3 per hour.

Controls Engineer

Human Computer Lab

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$98K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 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 controls/mechatronics engineer who wants to own the systems that make LeLamp move, respond, and feel alive. You'll work at the intersection of hardware and software, designing and tuning control systems, integrating actuators and sensors, and debugging real hardware at the bench to translate intent into expressive motion. This is a high-ownership role working closely with the CEO and founding team across the full mechatronic stack, from low-level motor control and sensor fusion through to the higher-level behaviors that make the robot feel responsive and intentional in the real world.
In this role, you will:
  • Design and tune control systems for actuated subsystems including motion control, feedback, and dynamic response.
  • Integrate actuators, sensors, encoders, and embedded electronics into reliable mechatronic assemblies.
  • Develop control algorithms in C++ and/or Python from simulation through deployment on hardware.
  • Build and maintain URDF models and simulation environments aligned with the physical platform.
  • Diagnose real-world control issues such as instability, backlash, latency, drift, and sensor noise.
  • Collaborate with animators, mechanical and electrical engineers on actuator selection, structure, sensing strategy and motion fine-tuning
  • Develop motion primitives and expressive behaviors that shape how the robot moves.
  • Maintain documentation of control architecture and tuning decisions as the system evolves.

You may be a good fit if you:
  • Have a Masters/PhD (or equivalent experience) in robotics, mechatronics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
  • Have hands-on experience tuning control systems on real robotic hardware.
  • Are fluent in C++ and/or Python for robotics or embedded control work.
  • Have experience with ROS or ROS2 and real-time robotics software stacks.
  • Are comfortable working with CAD tools such as SolidWorks or Onshape.
  • Have experience with actuators, motor drivers, encoders, and IMUs across the full signal chain.
  • Are strong at hardware debugging using tools like oscilloscopes and signal tracing.
  • Have experience building URDF models and working with simulators such as Gazebo, MuJoCo, or Isaac Sim.
  • Are comfortable working in environments where system architecture is still evolving.
  • Have experience with impedance control, torque control, or whole-body control on physical robots
  • Have experience with sensor fusion, state estimation, or Kalman filtering on hardware systems
  • Have embedded programming experience on microcontrollers or DSPs in a controls context
  • Have experience shaping expressive or character-driven robot motion

You will be a strong fit, if you:
  • Are drawn to the physical reality of robotics. You want to see the system move, not just pass a simulation.
  • Move quickly through iteration cycles and don't wait for perfect conditions to make progress.
  • Take ownership over the feel of the robot's motion, not just its correctness.
  • Work well in small, collaborative teams where controls, mechanical, and electrical are in constant conversation.
  • Care about the person on the other end, and understand that how the robot moves is a big part of how it feels to live with.

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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