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3D Character Rigger Jobs in Vancouver, BC (NOW HIRING)

Experienced Rigger

Vancouver, BC · On-site

CA$45.07 - CA$60.10/hr

... 3D character rigs and animation interface controls for skeletal motion systems and body/facial ... on rigging projects. Qualifications: Knowledge of applicable software platforms including LINUX ...

CG Animation Lead

Vancouver, BC · On-site

CA$89K - CA$93K/yr

Act as a helpful liaison between animation and downstream or upstream departments like Rigging ... Experience: 5 plus years of TV or Film production experience in 3D character animation, including ...

Lead Animator

Vancouver, BC · On-site

CA$80K/yr

Qualifications: * 4+ years of professional experience in 3D animation using Maya in film or series ... Proven experience as a Lead Animator in CG character animation (series or feature). * Strong ...

Qualifications: * 4+ years of professional experience in 3D animation using Maya in film or series ... Proven experience as a Lead Animator in CG character animation (series or feature). * Strong ...

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 Vancouver, BC?

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

What job categories do people searching 3D Character Rigger jobs in Vancouver, BC look for?

The top searched job categories for 3D Character Rigger jobs in Vancouver, BC are:

Infographic showing various 3D Character Rigger job openings in Vancouver, BC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

3D Character Artist

Offworld industries

New Westminster, BC • On-site

CA$80K - CA$95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

About Offworld:

Offworld Industries Ltd. (Offworld) is the independent studio behind the successful military first-person shooter game, “Squad”. Offworld was formed in 2014 by more than 15 developers who had worked together on the well-known Project Reality mod for Battlefield 2. The founding purpose of the team was to bring a standalone successor of this acclaimed mod to market and build a game development studio and a livelihood from that foundation. 

Fast forward to 2026, Offworld has over 150 employees and is rapidly growing. We have been expanding the studio into serving as a publisher supporting mods and have released our newest title, "Starship Troopers: Extermination", a 16-player PvE first-person shooter based on the 1997 cult-classic film.

We are built on passion, unified spirit and continuing efforts to break the mold. We strive to become a leader in creating large-scale multiplayer games as well as supplying others with the ability to do the same. We are looking for a talented 3D Character Artist for our current and upcoming Unreal Engine based multiplayer games. If you are passionate about making great games and a team player, we are looking for you!

About the role:

As a 3D Character Artist you will work closely with the Art Director and Character Art Lead to create high-quality characters, clothing, and accessories that align with the visual identity of our IP. You’ll collaborate across disciplines and with external partners to deliver assets that are visually compelling, technically sound, and optimized for in-
engine performance.


Responsibilities:

  • Own the full character asset pipeline from creation to implementation, including:
    • 3D modeling, sculpting, retopology
    • UV layout, map baking, and texturing
    • Basic skinning and in-engine implementation
  • Follow established art direction, pipelines, and technical constraints with a focus on efficiency and performance
  • Collaborate with Technical Artists, Animators, Designers, and other disciplines to ensure assets function correctly in-game
  • Participate in art reviews, applying feedback to refine work while contributing ideas that improve workflows and quality
  • Leverage and repurpose existing assets, materials, and textures to efficiently build new content
  • Maintain consistency in character style while balancing visual fidelity with technical limitations

Requirements:

  • Experience working with Unreal Engine 5, including asset implementation
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating:
    • Realistic human anatomy
    • Clothing and accessory creation
    • High-quality material and texture work
  • Expertise with Substance Painter and a solid understanding of PBR workflows and map baking
  • Proficiency in sculpting tools such as ZBrush or 3D-Coat
  • Strong modeling skills in Maya or Blender, including hard-surface asset creation
  • Collaborative mindset with openness to feedback and iteration
  • Ensure Jira tasks are clearly written, properly maintained, and consistently updated to support effective project tracking and team communication.

 


Bonus Skills: 

  • Passion for grounded, immersive FPS games and military themes
  • Experience with Marvelous Designer
  • Basic knowledge of character skinning and rigging
  • Knowledge of groom / hair workflow via hair cards / splines.
  • Experience working with outsourcing partners, including providing feedback and documentation



This is a full-time permanent position, with the requirement to work from our office three days per week. The typical salary range for this position is $80,000 - $95,000 CAD per year and is subject to change. The final agreed upon salary is based on work location and may vary depending on factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.


This role offers:

  • Extended health and dental benefits
  • Wellness and health spending accounts 
  • Retirement savings plan
  • 3 weeks of paid vacation and 2 weeks of paid studio shutdown over the December holiday period
  • Wonderful colleagues!


If you meet the above qualifications, and Offworld sounds like the kind of company you want to be a part of, please apply now with a copy of your resume. 


Offworld Industries is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, language, citizenship, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, physical and/or mental handicap, financial ability or any other characteristic protected by law.