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Pipeline Developer Animation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Absurd Ventures

Principal Gameplay Animator

Santa Monica, CA · On-site +1

$150K - $175K/yr

Partner with Design and Engineering teams to implement animation systems that enhance gameplay feel, responsiveness, and player immersion. * Work closely with Technical Animation to improve pipelines ...

M&S Consulting

3D Animator

Pasadena, CA · On-site +1

This role is ideal for a senior-leaning animator/generalist who enjoys working across the full 3D pipeline-from modeling through final render-and translating real-world data, engineering concepts ...

Mattel

Sr Manager, TV Animation

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$112K - $128K/yr

Strong visual storytelling sensibility and understanding of animation production pipelines from ... Meaningful experience in comedy programming is highly desirable. Preferred Skills * Experience ...

Mattel

Sr Manager, TV Animation

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$112K - $128K/yr

Strong visual storytelling sensibility and understanding of animation production pipelines from ... Meaningful experience in comedy programming is highly desirable. Preferred Skills * Experience ...

Mattel

Sr Manager, TV Animation

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$112K - $128K/yr

Strong visual storytelling sensibility and understanding of animation production pipelines from ... Meaningful experience in comedy programming is highly desirable. Preferred Skills * Experience ...

Mattel

Sr Manager, TV Animation

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$150 - $210/hr

Strong visual storytelling sensibility and understanding of animation production pipelines from ... Meaningful experience in comedy programming is highly desirable. Preferred Skills * Experience ...

World Labs

Pipeline Engineer (Graphics/3D)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$164K - $203K/yr

... engineering to product design - creating a tight feedback loop between our cutting-edge research ... Experience with production pipelines at VFX, animation, or gaming studios. * A production support ...

World Labs

Pipeline Engineer (Graphics/3D)

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$164K - $203K/yr

... engineering to product design - creating a tight feedback loop between our cutting-edge research ... Experience with production pipelines at VFX, animation, or gaming studios. * A production support ...

Bonfire Studios

Lead Gameplay Animator

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

You'll set vision, mentor artists, evolve pipelines, and hold the quality bar high for a ... Partnering with cross-discipline leads (design, engineering, art, production) to align animation ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPipeline Developer Animation JobsPipeline Developer Animation Jobs in California

Pipeline Developer Animation information

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a pipeline developer animation?

To thrive as a Pipeline Developer in Animation, you need strong programming skills (especially in Python), understanding of animation workflows, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Maya, Houdini, Shotgun, and version control systems is typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication set standout candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure the smooth integration and automation of processes, enabling artists and technical teams to work efficiently and deliver high-quality animated content.

What is a pipeline developer animation?

Pipeline Developers in animation are technical professionals who design, implement, and maintain the software tools and workflows that connect various stages of the animation production process. They ensure that artists, animators, and technical directors can move assets and data seamlessly between different software applications and departments. Their work helps to automate repetitive tasks, fix bottlenecks, and improve production efficiency. Pipeline Developers often write scripts, develop plugins, and provide technical support to the team throughout the animation pipeline.

What is the difference between Pipeline Developer Animation vs Pipeline TD?

AspectPipeline Developer AnimationPipeline TD
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Animation, or related fieldBachelor's in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, VFX companies, game developmentVFX studios, animation houses, game studios
Industry UsageFocuses on animation pipeline tools and workflowsFocuses on technical pipeline automation and software integration

While both roles involve pipeline development, the Pipeline Developer Animation specializes in creating and maintaining workflows specific to animation and visual effects, whereas the Pipeline TD focuses on automating and integrating technical pipelines across various production stages. Both roles require strong scripting skills and industry experience but differ in their primary focus areas within the production pipeline.

What are common challenges pipeline developers face in animation studios, and how can they overcome them?

Pipeline Developers in animation studios often encounter challenges such as integrating new tools with legacy systems, ensuring smooth data flow between departments, and supporting diverse artist workflows. To overcome these, it’s important to maintain clear documentation, collaborate closely with artists and technical directors, and stay adaptable to rapidly evolving production needs. Regular communication with end users and iterative testing can help ensure the pipeline remains efficient and user-friendly.
What are popular job titles related to Pipeline Developer Animation jobs in California? For Pipeline Developer Animation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pipeline Developer Animation jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Pipeline Developer Animation jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Pipeline Developer Animation jobs? Cities in California with the most Pipeline Developer Animation job openings:
Pipeline Developer Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pipeline Developer Animation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution.

Principal Gameplay Animator

Absurd Ventures

Santa Monica, CA • On-site, Remote

$150K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Summary  

We are looking for a Principal Gameplay Animator to help define and deliver the animation quality, style, and feel of our AAA open world action-adventure game. As a creative and technical contributor, you will create exceptional gameplay animations, establish animation standards, and partner closely with Design, Engineering, Art, and Narrative teams to ensure that our animations are fluid, realistic, and enhance the overall gameplay. 

This role combines hands-on animation development with leadership through craft. You will be expected to solve complex gameplay animation challenges, mentor other animators, influence animation pipelines and workflows, and help shape the overall player experience through world-class character performance and movement. 

Core Responsibilities  

  • Create high-quality gameplay animations that establish the visual and gameplay standard for all characters, creatures, and object animations.  
  • Drive the development of locomotion, traversal, combat, interaction, and systemic animation content; review animation content and help maintain consistent quality and artistic direction across all gameplay features. 
  • Collaborate with the Animation Director to define the animation style and direction.  
  • Partner with Design and Engineering teams to implement animation systems that enhance gameplay feel, responsiveness, and player immersion. 
  • Work closely with Technical Animation to improve pipelines, tools, and workflows. 
  • Help establish efficient workflows that balance visual quality, gameplay requirements, and technical constraints. 
  • Provide feedback and mentorship to other animators.  
  • Ensure animations meet performance and memory constraints for different platforms.  
  • Partner with outsource and co-development teams to review deliverables and ensure quality standards are met. 
  • Stay current with industry trends and techniques in animation.  

Core Qualifications  

  • 7+ years of experience in animation within the video game industry.  
  • Proficiency in Maya and other industry-standard animation tools.  
  • Multiple shipped AAA titles in a gameplay animation role. 
  • Strong understanding of Unreal Engine 5 animation systems, including Animation Blueprints, State Machines, Blend Spaces, Control Rig, and Motion Matching workflows. 
  • Strong understanding of anatomy, motion, and weight in animation.  
  • Experience with both keyframe animation and motion capture techniques.  
  • Proven track record of leading animation teams and delivering high-quality content.  
  • Ability to work collaboratively across departments and communicate effectively.  
  • Strong problem-solving abilities with a balance of artistic vision and technical execution. 
  • Self-motivated, organized, and able to drive complex initiatives with minimal oversight. 

Plus if...  

  • Experience developing animation systems AAA titles or games with a focus on realistic animation. 
  • Experience with creature animation and complex character rigs. 
  • Deep knowledge of traversal and combat animation. 
  • Experience with motion matching, procedural animation, and physics-driven systems. 
  • Experience building or improving animation pipelines and tools. 
  • Experience working with external vendors and co-development partners. 
  • Passion for open world gameplay, player expression, and immersive character performance. 

Description  

  • Full-time job with benefits.  
  • Role is on-site in Santa Monica, CA.  
  • Office is located near downtown Santa Monica - near metro and freeways.  

The base pay range for this position is $150,000 to $175,000 per year. Actual compensation is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We also offer a competitive package of benefits including vacation time, sick time, company holidays, parental leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) matching to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity. 

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