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Weekend Animation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA ยท On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Contribute to the development of animation workflows and tools to streamline the animation process. * Stay up-to-date with industry trends and techniques to continually improve the quality of ...

Contribute to the development of animation workflows and tools to streamline the animation process. * Stay up-to-date with industry trends and techniques to continually improve the quality of ...

Principal Technical Animator

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$138K - $261K/yr

Lead the architecture design of animation state machines, animation trees, and animation pipelines. * Establish technical specifications and best practices; provide clear technical roadmaps for the ...

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA ยท On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Create gameplay, AI, and scripted animation that matches the visual style of the game, using both keyframe and augmented mocap techniques. * Work closely with programmers and designers to support a ...

Contribute to the development of animation workflows and tools to streamline the animation process. * Stay up-to-date with industry trends and techniques to continually improve the quality of ...

Inspiring and guiding the animation discipline, setting the creative vision and quality bar for characters and combat in a competitive multiplayer game. * Leading and mentoring a lean animation team ...

This role will help lead the development of animation assets to support the execution of the overall production's creative vision. This is an Expression of Interest role. Key Responsibilities: * Show ...

Iterate quickly based on feedback from animation leads, designers, and engineers * Export animations properly for Roblox Studio integration (using compatible formats and best practices) * Use ...

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA

$129K - $148K/yr

Drive animation performance without pushing out of a believable and realistic style; your hand-keyed work will fit seamlessly with motion capture * Join forces with designers and engineers to create ...

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA ยท On-site

$129K - $148K/yr

Drive animation performance without pushing out of a believable and realistic style; your hand-keyed work will fit seamlessly with motion capture * Join forces with designers and engineers to create ...

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Weekend Animation information

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

To thrive as a Weekend Animator, you need a solid understanding of animation principles, experience with storyboarding, and a relevant degree or diploma in animation or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Adobe After Effects, Toon Boom, or Maya is typically required. Creativity, time management, and strong communication skills help you deliver engaging content and collaborate effectively with teams, even under tight deadlines. These abilities ensure high-quality animations are produced efficiently to meet weekend or special project needs.

What are some common challenges faced by animators working weekend shifts, and how can they be managed?

Animators working weekend shifts often navigate unique challenges such as tight turnaround times for last-minute projects, limited access to immediate feedback from team members who may not be working, and maintaining work-life balance. Effective communication with supervisors and team members before the weekend can help clarify priorities and expectations. Using collaborative tools and setting clear milestones for weekend projects can also streamline workflow and reduce the risk of miscommunication. Proactively scheduling breaks and managing workload is important to prevent burnout during these less traditional work hours.

What is a Weekend Animation job?

A Weekend Animation job typically refers to a position where an individual works as an animator or event facilitator during weekends, often at resorts, hotels, or entertainment venues. Their main responsibilities include organizing and leading recreational activities, games, or performances for guests, especially children and families. Weekend animators help create a fun and engaging atmosphere, ensuring guests have a memorable experience during their stay. These roles may also require excellent communication skills, creativity, and the ability to work with diverse groups of people.

What is the difference between Weekend Animation vs Child Entertainment Coordinator?

AspectWeekend AnimationChild Entertainment Coordinator
CredentialsTypically no formal certification required, but experience in entertainment or animation is preferredOften requires certifications in child care, first aid, or entertainment
Work EnvironmentRecreational facilities, hotels, resorts, or event venues during weekendsAmusement parks, resorts, or event settings focusing on children's activities
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in hospitality and entertainment industries for weekend eventsUsed in family-oriented venues and entertainment sectors

Weekend Animation involves organizing entertainment activities during weekends, often in hotels or resorts, focusing on general audiences. Child Entertainment Coordinators specifically focus on engaging children with age-appropriate activities, often requiring certifications in child care. While both roles involve entertainment, the main difference lies in the target audience and required qualifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animation jobs in California? The most popular types of Animation jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Weekend Animation jobs? Cities in California with the most Weekend Animation job openings:
Infographic showing various Weekend Animation job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 9% Temporary, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.
Senior Gameplay Animator

Senior Gameplay Animator

Ember Lab

Orange, CA โ€ข On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

At Ember Lab, our goal is to create powerful, transformative experiences that impact people for a lifetime. Having released our debut game, Kena: Bridge of Spirits, in 2021 this journey is just beginning. We're looking for collaborative team members who share our passion for storytelling and are eager to help us shape the future of Ember Lab.
We believe a strong, collaborative environment is critical to creating memorable experiences. As a Senior Gameplay Animator, you will conceptualize, design, develop and execute 3D animations. You will collaborate across teams to bring these animations and Ember Lab work to life!
Description
  • Create, test, and iterate on gameplay animations related to combat and interactive events
  • Integrate animations into game project and relevant animation systems
  • Collaborate with the design and engineering teams to ensure animations align with gameplay mechanics and technical constraints.
  • Iterate and refine animations based on feedback from team members and playtesting.
  • Attend to bugs related to tasks and maintain relevant animation features
  • Contribute to the development of animation workflows and tools to streamline the animation process.
  • Stay up-to-date with industry trends and techniques to continually improve the quality of animations.

Requirements
  • 5+ years of gameplay animation experience
  • Strong skills in animating body mechanics and action
  • Excellent Maya animation skills
  • Proficient with animation systems in UE5
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines
  • Shipped 1+ title
  • Unreal Engine 4 or 5 experience

Location
  • In Office

To Apply
  • Please include a portfolio

Compensation Range
The standard annual base salary range for this role in the U.S. is $88,000 - $120,000 USD. Actual pay will vary depending on experience, qualifications, performance and location. The base salary range for locations outside of the U.S. will be adjusted according to location.
At Ember Lab, we like to keep things professional and straightforward when it comes to hiring. All of our recruitment happens through official channels like an Ember Lab email, our recruitment platform BambooHR, or LinkedIn.
If you ever get a message from someone claiming to be us through an unexpected or suspicious platform, it's probably not legit-feel free to ignore it or give us a heads-up at contact@emberlab.com.
We've got your back when it comes to keeping the process safe and secure!