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Computer Science Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

3D Animator

Pasadena, CA · On-site +1

The 3D Animator will create high-fidelity, cinematic animations that communicate complex scientific ... Experience working with CAD files and converting them into production-ready 3D assets * Background ...

The 3D Animator will create high-fidelity, cinematic animations that communicate complex scientific ... Experience working with CAD files and converting them into production-ready 3D assets * Background ...

What you'll need to succeed: * BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, AI/ML, Computer Graphics ... Background in animation, simulation, robotics, video games, or interactive environments.

Whatyou'llneed to succeed: * BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, AI/ML, Computer Graphics, Robotics ... Background in animation, simulation, robotics, video games, or interactive environments.

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Computer Science Animation information

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$67

How much do computer science animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for computer science animation in the United States is $67.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67.31 and $67.31 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.

Can you be an animator with a computer science degree?

Yes, a computer science degree can provide a strong foundation for a career in animation, especially in areas like computer-generated imagery (CGI), game development, or technical animation. Skills in programming, software tools such as Maya or Blender, and understanding of graphics algorithms are valuable for computer science graduates pursuing animation roles.

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.

Will AI replace animators?

Computer Science Animation professionals use AI tools to enhance and automate certain tasks, but AI is unlikely to fully replace human animators due to the need for creativity, storytelling, and artistic judgment. Animators will continue to adapt by integrating AI into their workflows, emphasizing skills in both traditional animation and new technologies. Human oversight remains essential for producing nuanced and expressive animations.

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, character animator, visual effects artist, motion graphics designer, or game designer. These jobs typically require proficiency in animation software like Maya, Blender, or Adobe After Effects and may involve working in film, television, gaming, or advertising industries.
More about Computer Science Animation jobs
What cities are hiring for Computer Science Animation jobs? Cities with the most Computer Science Animation job openings:
What states have the most Computer Science Animation jobs? States with the most job openings for Computer Science Animation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Computer Science Animation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Computer Science Animation jobs are:
Infographic showing various Computer Science Animation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 44% As Needed, 19% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 28% Nights. Highlights an 70% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,000 per year, or $67.3 per hour.
Staff Research Engineer - Computer Graphics, Next Generation AI/ML Animation R&D

Staff Research Engineer - Computer Graphics, Next Generation AI/ML Animation R&D

Sony Electronics

Culver City, CA • On-site, Remote

$180K - $205K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Sony Corporation of America, located in New York, NY, is the U.S. headquarters of Sony Group Corporation, based in Tokyo, Japan. Sony's principal U.S. businesses include Sony Electronics Inc., Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC, Sony Music Entertainment, Sony Music Publishing and Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. With some 900 million Sony devices in hands and homes worldwide today, a vast array of Sony movies, television shows and music, and the PlayStation Network, Sony creates and delivers more entertainment experiences to more people than anyone else on earth. To learn more: www.sony.com/en.

Position Summary

Sony Corporation of America currently has an opening for Staff Research Engineer in our U.S. Research Center located in Culver City, CA.

This position is responsible for leading technical efforts on developing AI/ML based animation core technologies and producing Next Gen. photo-real 3D CG animation content for Sony's future business and services.

Responsibilities include driving technical requirements for novel animation algorithm R&D in close collaboration with Sony's professional creators and world-class research scientist teams to analyze, benchmark, validate and develop complex algorithms of novel 3D content creation workflow efficiently.

Finally, you will be responsible for invention disclosures, working with patent attorneys to secure intellectual property.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Technical Lead in fundamental theories, principles and algorithm development in the field of AI/ML 3D CG animation and visualization based on scientific survey, analysis, benchmark and validation.
  • Actively engage in project's new initiatives and strategy. Support, propose and contribute to project plan for new business creation.
  • Document all phases of research and development.
  • Oversee submission of intellectual property.
  • Travel to visit project collaborators in oversea.
  • Honesty, trustworthiness and ethical conduct are material requirements for the responsibilities outlined above

QUALIFICATIONS FOR POSITION

Your qualifications and experience should include:

  • PhD in Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering, or related scientific field, is required.
  • Solid publication record in AI/ML based 3D CG animation algorithm research, particularly in the field of facial animation, hair or garment modeling/simulation.
  • 4+ years of industry experience, preferably in 3D Computer Graphics.
  • Excellent communication skills are required.
  • Highly proficient with Unreal Engine (MetaHuman), Maya, or related CG platforms.
  • All candidates must be authorized to work in the USA.

We are committed to creating an inclusive employee experience for you to thrive as part of Sony's purpose to "fill the world with emotion through the power of creativity and technology."

Benefits:

SCA offers benefits-eligible employees (generally regularemployees scheduled to work 20 or more hours a week) a comprehensive benefits program that offers coverage and support for employees and their family's physical, emotional, and financial well-being.

What we offer you:

  • Comprehensive medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coveragewith coverage for spouses/domestic partners and child dependents, including access to a Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

  • Employeeassistanceplan and comprehensive behavioral health benefits

  • Fertility benefits, including, surrogacy, and adoptionassistanceprograms

  • Basic and supplemental life insurance for employees as well as supplemental life insurance coverage for their spouses/domestic partners and children

  • Voluntary benefits such as group legal, identity theft protection, accident, and hospital indemnity insurance

  • Short-term & long-term disability plans

  • Up to12 weeksof paid parental and caregiver leave

  • 401(k) Plan with pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax options and company match with immediate vesting

  • Educationassistanceand student loan programs

Other Programs:

  • Flexible Work Arrangements, including remote and hybrid work schedules

  • Time off to include vacation, paid holidays, sick leave, Summer Fridays (early release), and a winter break between Christmas and New Year's Day (based on business needs)

  • Referral bonuses (subject to eligibility)

  • Matching gift program

  • A wide variety of employee business resource groups (EBRGs)

  • Special discountson Sony products, offered exclusively to Sony employees

  • Employee stock purchase plan (Sony covers commissions and fees for your Sony stock purchases made through after-tax payroll deductions)

Theanticipatedannual base salary for this position is $180,000 to $205,000.In addition to the annual base salary, this role has an annual bonus target of13%.Thisrange does not include any other compensation components or other benefits that an individual may be eligible for. The actual base salary offered depends on a variety of factors, which may include as applicable, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.

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SCA will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction recordsin accordance withapplicable law.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.

Disability Accommodation for Applicants to Sony Corporation of America

Sony Corporation of America provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in job application procedures. For reasonable accommodation requests, please contact us by email at careers@sonyusa.com or by mail to: Sony Corporation of America, People Experience Department, 25 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010. Please indicate the position you are applying for.

We are aware that unauthorized individuals or organizations may attempt to solicit personal information or payments from job applicants by impersonating our company through fraudulent job postings. We take these matters seriously but cannot control third-party websites. To protect your personal information, please verify that any job posting you respond to also appears on our official Careers page:www.sonyjobs.com. Please also be advised that we never request personal identifying information (such as Social Security numbers, bank details, or copies of identification documents) during the initial stages of our application process. If you have any doubts about the authenticity of a job posting or communication, please contactcareers@sonyusa.combefore submitting any information.

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