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3D Character Rigger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Roblox

3D Animator (Short Term)

San Mateo, CA · On-site

You'll focus on creating high-quality, foundational character animations for the Roblox platform ... quality facial rigging/expression work * Expert-level skills in Autodesk Maya for animation ...

Jam City

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

A minimum of 5 years of experience rigging characters and props using Maya. * A minimum of 3 years ... Skilled in 3D character animation for bipedal humanoids, creatures, and organic forms. * Expertly ...

Jam City

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA

$90K - $110K/yr

A minimum of 5 years of experience rigging characters and props using Maya. * A minimum of 3 years ... Skilled in 3D character animation for bipedal humanoids, creatures, and organic forms. * Expertly ...

Jam City Inc

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90 - $110/hr

A minimum of 5 years of experience rigging characters and props using Maya. * A minimum of 3 years ... Skilled in 3D character animation for bipedal humanoids, creatures, and organic forms. * Expertly ...

Jam City

Technical Animator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

A minimum of 5 years of experience rigging characters and props using Maya. * A minimum of 3 years ... Skilled in 3D character animation for bipedal humanoids, creatures, and organic forms. * Expertly ...

Jam City

Principal 3D Generalist

San Francisco, CA

$75K - $120K/yr

Modeling, texturing, lighting, rigging, skinning and shader development experience. * Must have ... Firm grasp of both Environment and Character art process. * Good understanding of human and animal ...

Jam City

Principal 3D Generalist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

Modeling, texturing, lighting, rigging, skinning and shader development experience. * Must have ... Firm grasp of both Environment and Character art process. * Good understanding of human and animal ...

Jam City

Principal 3D Generalist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

Modeling, texturing, lighting, rigging, skinning and shader development experience. * Must have ... Firm grasp of both Environment and Character art process. * Good understanding of human and animal ...

Sawhorse Productions

Roblox 3D Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$30 - $45/hr

Versatile 3D Modeling: Model a broad range of assets, from characters and vehicles to props and ... Knowledge of avatar rigging or custom character controllers in Roblox * Prior experience creating ...

Sawhorse Productions

Roblox 3D Artist

Los Angeles, CA

$30 - $45/hr

Versatile 3D Modeling: Model a broad range of assets, from characters and vehicles to props and ... Knowledge of avatar rigging or custom character controllers in Roblox * Prior experience creating ...

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3D Character Rigger information

What is a 3D character rigger?

3D Character Riggers are professionals in the animation, film, and gaming industries who create the digital skeletons and controls that allow 3D characters to move realistically. They build rigs—internal structures of bones and joints—so that animators can manipulate characters for movement, expression, and action. Riggers must have a solid understanding of anatomy, movement, and software tools like Maya or Blender. Their work is essential for bringing digital characters to life in movies, video games, and visual effects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3D character rigger, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 3D Character Rigger, you need a solid understanding of anatomy, kinematics, and computer graphics, often supported by a degree in animation or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard tools like Autodesk Maya, Blender, and scripting languages such as Python or MEL is typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and attention to detail are valuable soft skills for collaborating with animators and technical artists. These skills ensure efficient rig creation, seamless character movement, and smooth production pipelines in animation and game development.

What are some common challenges faced by 3D character riggers when working on diverse animation projects?

3D Character Riggers often encounter challenges such as adapting rigs to accommodate a wide variety of character designs and animation styles, ensuring both flexibility and stability in movement. Collaborating closely with modelers and animators is crucial to address issues like skin deformation and maintaining consistent quality across different assets. Additionally, Riggers must frequently troubleshoot technical problems that arise with new software tools or unique project requirements, making strong problem-solving skills essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between 3D Character Rigger vs 3D Modeler?

Aspect3D Character Rigger3D Modeler
Primary RoleCreates skeletal structures and controls for character animationBuilds detailed 3D models of characters, objects, or environments
Skills & ToolsRigging software (Maya, Blender), anatomy knowledgeModeling software (Maya, ZBrush), topology, texturing
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, game development, VFXModeling studios, game design, VFX
CredentialsOften requires knowledge of anatomy, rigging techniquesRequires strong modeling and texturing skills

While both roles work closely in the 3D pipeline, a 3D Character Rigger focuses on creating the underlying skeleton and controls for animation, whereas a 3D Modeler builds the detailed character models. Understanding both roles helps in collaborative production environments.

What are popular job titles related to 3D Character Rigger jobs in California?

For 3D Character Rigger jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching 3D Character Rigger jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for 3D Character Rigger jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for 3D Character Rigger jobs?

Cities in California with the most 3D Character Rigger job openings:

3D Character Rigger jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3D Character Rigger job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

3D Animator (Short Term)

Roblox

San Mateo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

We're seeking a talented Senior 3D Animator to join our team at Roblox for a 6-month engagement. You'll focus on creating high-quality, foundational character animations for the Roblox platform-specifically basic ability and locomotion sets that bring avatars to life with polish and personality.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute directly to core Roblox avatar experiences used by millions of players worldwide.

You Will:
  • Create and refine a suite of standard locomotion and ability animations, including:
    • Idle poses (variations for personality/stance)
    • Walk, run, sprint cycles
    • Jump, land, fall animations
    • Other basic movement/ability actions as needed
  • Deliver clean, weighty, and expressive animations optimized for Roblox's avatar system (R15 preferred)
  • 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 SyncSketch (or similar) for review and approval workflows
You Have:
  • Strong experience in character animation, with a focus on creating believable, game-ready locomotion and action animations
  • Excellent acting skills through motion-conveying emotion, weight, timing, and personality in movement
  • Proficiency in FACS-based facial animation (Facial Action Coding System) or equivalent high-quality facial rigging/expression work
  • Expert-level skills in Autodesk Maya for animation production and Tools
  • Familiarity with SyncSketch (or comparable online review/approval tools)
  • Proven track record creating animations for video games (mobile, PC, or console experience a plus)
  • Strong sense of timing, weight, anticipation, follow-through, and polish in game animation principles

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