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Forensic Animation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

YA Group

Case Analyst

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Our experts use tools such as 3D modeling, vehicle and site inspections, Event Data Recorder downloads, and forensic animations to deliver clear, analytically grounded findings. Our multidisciplinary ...

All JobsForensic Animation JobsForensic Animation Jobs in California

Forensic Animation information

See California salary details

$25.2K

$60.4K

$93.3K

How much do forensic animation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic animation in California is $60,355.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,300.00 and $68,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paid animation job?

In the field of forensic animation, senior roles such as Lead Forensic Animator or Animation Supervisor tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures depending on experience, location, and employer. Advanced skills in 3D modeling, animation software, and forensic analysis contribute to higher compensation in this specialized area.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Animator, you need expertise in 3D modeling, animation, and a strong understanding of physics and forensic science, typically supported by a degree in animation, computer graphics, or a related field. Proficiency with technical tools such as Autodesk 3ds Max, Blender, Adobe After Effects, and knowledge of legal standards for evidence presentation is essential. Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and the ability to communicate complex scenarios clearly are vital soft skills. These competencies are crucial for creating accurate, reliable, and comprehensible visual reconstructions that can withstand legal scrutiny and aid in courtroom proceedings.

How does a forensic animator typically collaborate with legal teams and experts during a case?

Forensic animators work closely with attorneys, investigators, and subject matter experts to accurately reconstruct incidents using visual media. They regularly participate in meetings to understand case details, gather technical data, and ensure their animations are factually precise and admissible in court. Collaboration often involves reviewing evidence, incorporating expert feedback, and adapting animations based on new findings or legal requirements. This teamwork is essential for creating clear, compelling visuals that aid juries and judges in understanding complex scenarios.

What is the highest paid forensics job?

The highest paid forensics jobs are often senior forensic scientists, forensic laboratory managers, or forensic consultants, with salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. These roles typically require advanced degrees, specialized certifications, and extensive experience in forensic analysis and case management.

What is the difference between Forensic Animation vs Forensic Artist?

AspectForensic AnimationForensic Artist
CredentialsOften requires degrees in animation, digital media, or forensic scienceTypically needs art, illustration, or forensic science background
Work EnvironmentWork with legal teams, law enforcement, and courtrooms, using 3D modeling and animation softwareWork with law enforcement, creating sketches or composites based on witness descriptions
Industry UsageUsed in court cases to visualize incidents, accidents, or crime scenesUsed to generate suspect sketches or composite images from witness descriptions

While both roles support criminal investigations, Forensic Animation focuses on creating detailed digital visualizations of incidents, whereas Forensic Artists primarily produce sketches or composites based on witness accounts. Both require strong artistic skills, but Forensic Animation emphasizes digital animation expertise.

Do forensic artists get paid well?

Forensic artists typically earn salaries that vary based on experience, location, and employer, with median annual wages around $50,000 to $70,000. Experienced forensic artists with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in government agencies or private firms. Salary potential increases with advanced training in art, anatomy, or digital tools.

What is a forensic animator?

A forensic animator creates visual reconstructions of crime scenes, accidents, or incidents for use in legal cases. They use computer animation software and forensic data to produce accurate, detailed visuals that help clarify complex events for courts and investigators.

What is forensic animation?

Forensic animation is the process of using computer-generated graphics to recreate incidents such as accidents, crimes, or other events for investigative or courtroom purposes. These animations help visualize complex scenarios, making them easier for juries, judges, and attorneys to understand. Forensic animators use evidence like witness statements, photographs, measurements, and expert analysis to build accurate, detailed visual representations. The animations can be used to clarify timelines, demonstrate perspectives, and illustrate events that are otherwise difficult to explain verbally.
What are popular job titles related to Forensic Animation jobs in California? For Forensic Animation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Animation jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Animation jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Forensic Animation jobs? Cities in California with the most Forensic Animation job openings:
Forensic Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Animation job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 70% In-person, and 30% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,355 per year, or $29 per hour.

Senior Managing Accident Reconstructionist

YA Group

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

The Role:
The Senior Managing Accident Reconstructionist leads a team of expert staff in reconstructing vehicular accidents and requires excessive experience in forensic engineering and/or accident reconstruction investigations. This role requires traveling to the site of vehicular accidents, assessing conditions leading to the accident, utilizing specialized software to reconstruct the accidents, working with forensic animators to develop 3D models and other graphics for trial exhibits, accurately analyzing crash patterns, and providing written conclusions to determine factors contributing to the accidents.
The ideal candidate has an established network of clientele and is experienced with building, establishing, and maintaining rapport with this network.
This is a fully remote role open to candidates located anywhere in the United States. Candidates located in the listed states are encouraged to apply.
In This Role, You Will:
  • Lead a team of experts in conducting accident investigations by traveling to and documenting accident scenes, downloading vehicle data recorders, performing analysis of accidents using crash simulation software, writing reports as needed and providing litigation support services to clients.
  • Handle large, complex projects and manage all aspects of the project from start to finish.
  • Support business development efforts by building and maintaining rapport with current clients and generating new work for themselves and a team of experts supporting them.
  • Partner with business development representatives, attend conferences and events to promote the company and skills of expert staff.
  • Communicate with clients and team regarding scope of work, investigation tasks, budget, and ensures all project completion timelines, deadlines and deliverables are met.
  • Ensure workload is evenly distributed amongst experts.
  • Mentor, lead and guide a team of experts in all aspects of project work.
  • Provide expert testimony in depositions or trials as expert witness if/when requested.
  • Perform vehicular investigations, including documenting crash scenes, using 3D laser scanners, photography, drones, CDR/EDR download, and measuring devices.
  • Analyze vehicle crush patterns and conducts research (vehicle specifications, crash test data, maintenance history, etc.)
  • Process 3D laser scan point cloud data using engineering workstation computers.
  • Work with forensic animators to develop scaled 3D drawings of crash scenes and vehicles.
  • Utilize PC Crash (or other similar collision reconstruction software) to perform simulations of automobile collisions.
  • Utilize engineering principles and momentum equations to calculate factors such as impact and departure speeds, collision forces, trajectories of the vehicles, and other types of analysis.
  • Compare calculations with crash test reports of similar collisions to correlate damages based on speed and velocity.
  • Create reports as requested by clients detailing the accident reconstruction process and including findings and conclusions.
  • Provide reports to clients to assist with determining the contributory factors of an accident.
  • Act as a team lead and review other staff's work to ensure project deliverables are accurate and timely.
  • Research papers and journals related to vehicular accident reconstruction to advance the scientific techniques used in the reconstruction work.

What You Bring:
  • Degree in Mechanical Engineering required.
  • 10+ years of experience in biomechanics, accident reconstruction, premises liability, or related work
  • PE license, ACTAR certification, and/or SAE certification
  • Advanced expertise in collision dynamics, including impact and departure speeds, forces, and trajectories •
  • Strong background in automotive engineering and control systems
  • Extensive experience working with insurance carriers, attorneys, and/or adjusters
  • Experience performing computer simulations
  • Highly proficient in CAD
  • Prior deposition and courtroom testimony experience a plus
  • Based in (or planning to relocate to) the job location
  • Enjoys working in a team environment and has a passion for learning
  • Willingness to travel to remote site locations as needed

Who We Are:
YA Group is an international professional services organization providing forensic consulting, engineering, risk mitigation, and related services. Founded over 25 years ago as a property damage consulting firm, YA has expanded through organic growth and strategic acquisitions. Today, YA has over 700 professionals dedicated to excellence, partnership, and driving innovation.
YA Group's Accident Reconstruction & Biomechanics team applies scientific investigation, engineering principles, and advanced technology to determine how collisions occur and why. Our experts bring extensive training and experience using sophisticated tools-including 3D modeling, vehicle and site inspections, Event Data Recorder downloads, and forensic animations-to analyze physical evidence and reconstruct events with clarity and accuracy. Capable of handling the full spectrum of motor vehicle accidents-from low-speed impacts to complex rollover events, heavy-truck collisions, autonomous vehicle incidents, and ADAS evaluations-our multidisciplinary specialists deliver analytically grounded findings that support clients across insurance, legal, corporate, and transportation sectors. In addition, our professionals are experienced in litigation support and are courtroom-qualified experts, providing clear, confident testimony to effectively communicate reconstruction results and technical conclusions.
We Offer:
  • Employee-focused culture
  • Strong commitment to work-life balance
  • Remote work
  • Flexible vacation & Paid holidays
  • Paid family care/sick leave
  • Parental leave
  • Medical, Dental, Vision + more
  • 401k w/match
  • Career growth
  • Competitive salaries + Bonus

Fraudulent Recruitment Alert:
Please be vigilant against fraudulent recruitment attempts. YA will never ask for personal financial information (such as bank account numbers or identification numbers) via social media or chat-based apps. We also will not request money for the purchase of business equipment, post job opportunities on Craigslist or conduct interviews solely via text message.
All official email communications regarding your application will come from notify@dayforce.com or directly from a member of our talent team using an @yagroup.com domain name.
If you suspect any fraudulent activity, please contact us directly at careers@yagroup.com.
Disclosures:
As part of our recruitment process, we may use AI-assisted tools to support candidate screening and evaluation. These tools are designed to assist-rather than replace-human decision-making, and all employment decisions are made by our recruiting team in accordance with applicable laws and our commitment to equal employment opportunity.
Where required by law, we will provide additional information about the use of these tools, including their purpose, and offer alternative processes or accommodations upon request.

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