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Computer Animator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TechLink Systems

Flash - Animator

Torrance, CA · On-site

They are looking for a FLASH1- Animator/Developer with Knowledge in ActionScript, CSV, XML, and ... ActionScript, CSV, XML, and HTML5, etc.) Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Computer Science or ...

TechLink Systems

Flash - Animator

Torrance, CA · On-site

They are looking for a FLASH1- Animator/Developer with Knowledge in ActionScript, CSV, XML, and ... ActionScript, CSV, XML, and HTML5, etc.) Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Computer Science or ...

AGBO

Expression of Interest - Animator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

The Animator is responsible for designing and creating the motion of computer graphics characters. This role will help lead the development of animation assets to support the execution of the overall ...

Skydance

Pipeline Technical Director

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$53 - $62.50/hr

... within computer animation, visual effects, or the game industry * Experience supporting animation pre-production departments such as Story, Editorial, and Previs, a plus * Expert in Python

Skydance

Pipeline Technical Director

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$53 - $62.50/hr

... within computer animation, visual effects, or the game industry * Experience supporting animation pre-production departments such as Story, Editorial, and Previs, a plus * Expert in Python

Pixar

Senior Research Scientist

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$220 - $285/hr

... 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 ...

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Computer Animator information

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$69

How much do computer animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for computer animator in California is $38.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.59 and $63.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a computer animator do?

A computer animator creates moving images and visual effects using computer software. They design, model, and animate characters, environments, and objects for use in films, television, video games, and other digital media. Computer animators work closely with other artists and directors to bring stories and concepts to life, often using specialized animation tools and techniques. Their work may involve both 2D and 3D animation, depending on the project's requirements.

What are some common challenges computer animators face when working within a production team?

Computer animators often work closely with other departments, such as modeling, rigging, and lighting, which requires strong communication and flexibility. One common challenge is adapting animation work based on feedback or technical constraints, such as tight deadlines or changes in the creative direction. Additionally, animators may need to troubleshoot software issues or optimize their work to ensure smooth performance in the final render. Collaborating effectively and staying adaptable are key to overcoming these challenges in a fast-paced production environment.

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

To thrive as a Computer Animator, you need strong artistic abilities, proficiency in animation principles, and a relevant degree or certification in animation or a related field. Expertise in industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Adobe After Effects, and Blender is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills that help animators bring stories and characters to life. These skills ensure high-quality, visually compelling animations that meet project goals and client expectations.

Is computer animation a good career?

Computer animation is a viable career for those with strong artistic skills and proficiency in software such as Maya or Blender. It offers opportunities in entertainment, advertising, and gaming industries, often requiring a portfolio and sometimes a degree in animation or related fields. Job prospects depend on skill level, experience, and industry demand.

What jobs can I get with computer animation?

Computer animators can work in various fields such as film and television production, video game design, advertising, and virtual reality development. They create animated content using software like Maya, Blender, or Adobe After Effects and often collaborate with artists, designers, and programmers to produce visual effects and character animations.

What are popular job titles related to Computer Animator jobs in California?

For Computer Animator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Computer Animator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Computer Animator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Computer Animator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Computer Animator job openings:

Computer Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computer Animator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 62% In-person, and 38% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,900 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Intern - Animator and Rigging Artist

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Human Computer Lab
See more jobs at Human Computer Labexternal

Internship

Posted 10 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.

Apply