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Computer Science Animation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

GitHub, Inc.

Staff Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... and animations support GitHub's brand and principles. * Shaping: Defining great products and ... OR Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design, Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Art, Computer Science ...

WorkNovas LLC

Full stack(REact/Node)

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Implementing interactive elements, animations, and transitions to enhance user engagement and ... Expertise with unit testing & Test-Driven Development (TDD) * BS/MS in computer science or ...

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Computer Science Animation information

See California salary details

$5

$66

How much do computer science animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for computer science animation in California is $66.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66.44 and $66.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is computer science animation?

Computer science animation refers to the creation of moving images and visual effects using computational techniques and programming. It combines principles from computer science, such as algorithms, data structures, and software development, with artistic design to produce animations for films, video games, simulations, and educational tools. Professionals in this field often use specialized software and programming languages to model, render, and animate digital objects and scenes. The field is interdisciplinary, drawing from mathematics, physics, and graphic design to achieve realistic and engaging results.

How is computer science used in animation?

Computer science plays a key role in animation by developing algorithms and software for creating realistic visuals, modeling characters, and simulating physical effects. Animation professionals often use programming skills and tools like Maya or Blender to automate processes and enhance visual quality.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Computer Science Animator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computer Science Animator, you need a solid background in computer science, programming (such as C++, Python), and digital animation principles, often supported by a degree in computer science, animation, or a related field. Proficiency with animation software like Autodesk Maya, Blender, and graphics libraries or game engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine) is essential, along with familiarity with scripting and rendering tools. Strong creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration skills help create engaging animations and facilitate teamwork in multidisciplinary environments. These skills are crucial for producing high-quality visual content that meets technical requirements and creative objectives.

Is computer animation a good career?

Computer animation is a viable career that involves creating visual effects and animated content for film, television, video games, and advertising. It requires skills in software tools like Maya or Blender, a strong understanding of art and storytelling, and often a portfolio or certification. The industry offers opportunities for creative expression and growth, but job stability can vary based on industry demand and individual skill level.

Can you be an animator with a computer science degree?

Computer Science Animation roles often require skills in programming, 3D modeling, and animation software such as Maya or Blender. A computer science degree can provide a strong foundation in programming and problem-solving, which are valuable in animation pipelines, but additional training or experience in art and animation techniques is typically necessary. Combining technical skills with artistic ability can make a candidate well-suited for animation positions in the tech and entertainment industries.

What is the difference between Computer Science Animation vs Computer Graphics?

AspectComputer Science AnimationComputer Graphics
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Animation, or related fieldsBachelor's in Computer Graphics, Digital Media, or related fields
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, gaming companies, film productionDesign firms, visual effects companies, software development
Industry UsageCreating animated content, character animation, visual storytellingGenerating visual images, rendering, 3D modeling

Computer Science Animation focuses on developing animated content and visual storytelling using programming and computer science principles. In contrast, Computer Graphics emphasizes creating and rendering visual images, often involving 3D modeling and visual effects. While both fields overlap in visual design, Computer Science Animation is more centered on animation techniques and interactive media, whereas Computer Graphics covers a broader range of visual content creation.

How do computer science animators typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

Computer science animators often work closely with artists, software developers, and project managers to ensure that animation sequences are both visually appealing and technically feasible. They regularly participate in cross-functional meetings to integrate feedback from creative teams and address any technical constraints or challenges. This collaborative environment helps ensure that the final product meets both artistic and performance standards, and also offers animators opportunities to broaden their skills by learning from adjacent disciplines.

What jobs can I get with computer animation?

With a background in computer animation, you can pursue roles such as 3D animator, visual effects artist, character animator, motion graphics designer, or game designer. These jobs typically require proficiency in software like Maya, Blender, or Adobe After Effects and may involve working in film, television, gaming, or advertising industries.
What are popular job titles related to Computer Science Animation jobs in California? For Computer Science Animation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Computer Science Animation jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Computer Science Animation jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Computer Science Animation jobs? Cities in California with the most Computer Science Animation job openings:
Computer Science Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computer Science Animation job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $138,166 per year, or $66.4 per hour.
Simulation Synthetic Data Engineer - Special Projects

Simulation Synthetic Data Engineer - Special Projects

Apple

Cupertino, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 662 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

Play a role in bringing Apple technology to the world. We are looking for a hardworking, dedicated, and results-oriented Synthetic Data Engineer. You would join a team using simulation to generate synthetic data. Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or experience we deliver is the result of us making each other's ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It's the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you'll do more than join something - you'll add something.
As a Simulation Synthetic Data Engineer, you will help develop next-generation simulation technology powering a broad range of AI/ML efforts at Apple. You will work on highly ambitious projects that transform ideas into production tools and datasets used across the organization to develop new Apple products.We're looking for an engineer who is both practical and inventive-comfortable extending existing simulation frameworks, experimenting with new approaches, and iterating quickly from prototype to high-quality implementation. You will collaborate closely with engineers, technical artists, animators, and research teams to deliver scalable pipelines and compelling synthetic data. Your work will directly influence dataset quality and model performance across multiple product areas.
Master's degree in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent practical experience. Strong programming skills in Python, with solid software engineering fundamentals. Experience with 3D graphics or game engines, including topics such as rendering, animation, scene graphs, or content pipelines. Familiarity with machine learning workflows, especially perception tasks, generative models, or VLMs. Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional partners including engineers, artists, and researchers; strong communication skills.
Programming experience in C++Experience with real-time simulation engines (Unreal, Unity, Godot, Omniverse, custom engines). Familiarity with USD, MaterialX, or other modern 3D content standards. Experience with real-time and offline rendering, ray tracing, lighting, or shading. Knowledge of physics simulation, sensor simulation, or physically-based modeling. Experience with industrial/commercial simulation tools or large-scale data pipelines.

What Apple employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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