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3D Character Rigger Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Senior Facial Character TD (CONTRACT)

OR · On-site +1

$98K/yr

In this role, the Senior Facial Character TD is responsible for authoring effective FACS shapes ... 3D or 4D scan data from FACS sessions * Keeps up with state-of-the-art approaches to facial rigging ...

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 Oregon?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various 3D Character Rigger job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Senior Facial Character TD (CONTRACT)

Insomniac Games

OR • On-site, Remote

$98K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Author FACS shapes and develop high-fidelity facial rigs for human and non-human characters.

  • Collaborate with animation, character art, and engineering teams to produce high-quality face rigs and support tools.

  • Process and clean 3D or 4D scan data from FACS sessions and contribute to automated tools and workflows.


Job description

This position is for temporary engagement through our staffing partner, Yoh Enterprise Solutions.

Insomniac Games is looking for a new Senior Facial Character TD. In this role, the Senior Facial Character TD is responsible for authoring effective FACS shapes from scratch for human and non-human characters; collaborates in developing rigs to support high-fidelity animated facial performances; participates in facial research & development efforts. Expected to have an expert understanding of FACS and facial anatomy and cutting-edge approaches to facial technology.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

  • Expert level understanding of FACS and facial anatomy for cutting edge application to facial animation technology
  • Expert proficiency in sculpting FACS shapes using deformers and/or sculpting tools for human and non-human characters
  • Expert understanding of facial skeletal and muscle anatomy;
  • Collaborates with animation, character art, and engineering teams to produce high quality face rigs
  • Authors rigging systems to augment or support blendshape-based facial rigs
  • Authors high quality photorealistic facial rigs based on FACS using blendshapes
  • Collaborates with Character Art, Animation, and Engineering teams to deliver the highest quality assets with animator/mocap friendly interfaces that run smoothly in engine 
  • Contributes to automated tools and workflows for runtime optimization
  • Contributes to tools for ingesting 3rd party facial rigs
  • Processes and cleans 3D or 4D scan data from FACS sessions
  • Keeps up with state-of-the-art approaches to facial rigging for photorealistic characters in film and games
  • Has strong understanding of facial shape transfer techniques and ability to implement shape transfer pipelines
  • Contributes to tools for authoring and editing facial rigs (python/pyqt/pyside)
  • May be asked to direct actors through FACS during facial acquisitions
  • May ingest and integrate facial assets from 3rd parties
  • May be expected to maintain relationships and provide feedback to external vendors
  • Other duties may be assigned
  • undefinedSupervisory Responsibilities: This role has no supervisory duties but may mentor other TDs with regard to facial mechanics, rigging, sculpting, or solving techniques. Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This role has no supervisory duties but may mentor other TDs with regard to facial mechanics, rigging, sculpting, or solving techniques.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Computer Skills: Expert-level experience with Maya. Experience sculpting details with ZBrush, Mudbox, or comparable; processing scan data with Wrap 3D/$D or comparable; and with deformation transfer workflows. Preferred experience working with faces for realtime applications (Unity, Unreal or other).

Other Skills: Strong understanding of state-of-the-art approaches to authoring photorealistic faces for film or games; of FACS, how it relates to facial anatomy, and ability to identify primary action units on sight; General understanding of current approaches to facial performance capture & solving; of modern approaches to scanning including 4D scanning. Passion for achieving highest quality detail through iteration and refinement. Ability to think outside the box to achieve more realistic solutions or optimize runtime performance. Passion for collaborating and sharing knowledge across teams.