1

3D Rigger Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$103.31 - $120.28/hr

Develop disassembly procedures including tooling and rigging designs for rotating machinery ... Proficient using CAD, 3D design software, and Matlab Emergency Response Commitment Seattle City ...

Technical Animator

Seattle, WA · On-site

$45 - $46/hr

Strong understanding of character rigging, skinning, deformation, body mechanics, and animation principles. * Proficiency in Maya, Blender, or comparable 3D animation software. * Ability to rapidly ...

Strong understanding of character rigging, skinning, deformation, body mechanics, and animation principles. * Proficiency in Maya, Blender, or comparable 3D animation software. * Ability to rapidly ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$103.32 - $121.23/hr

Develop disassembly procedures including tooling and rigging designs for rotating machinery ... Proficient using CAD, 3D design software, and Matlab Emergency Response Commitment Seattle City ...

Showing results 21-29

3D Rigger information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$16

$29

$41

How much do 3d rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3d rigger in Seattle, WA is $29.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.25 and $33.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges 3D riggers face when working on animated projects?

3D Riggers often encounter challenges such as creating rigs that are both flexible and stable enough to handle a wide range of character movements without deformation or technical issues. Balancing the needs of animators for control and simplicity, while ensuring the rig performs efficiently in production, can be demanding. Additionally, adapting rigs for different software pipelines and collaborating closely with modelers and animators to troubleshoot problems are frequent parts of the job. Overcoming these challenges requires strong technical skills, creativity, and effective communication within the team.

How do you become a 3D rigger?

To become a 3D rigger, you typically need a strong foundation in 3D modeling and animation, often gained through a degree in computer graphics, animation, or a related field. Proficiency in rigging tools such as Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max, along with knowledge of anatomy and scripting, is essential; building a portfolio of rigging projects can also help demonstrate your skills to employers.

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

To thrive as a 3D Rigger, you need a strong understanding of anatomy, movement, and 3D modeling principles, often supported by a degree in animation, computer graphics, or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard tools like Autodesk Maya, Blender, and scripting languages such as Python or MEL is typically required. Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help in collaborating with animators and technical artists. These skills ensure the creation of efficient, realistic rigs that enable smooth animation and enhance overall production quality.

What is a 3D rigger?

3D Riggers are professionals in the animation, film, and gaming industries who create digital skeletons for 3D models. Their work involves designing and building the underlying structures that allow 3D characters or objects to move realistically when animated. Riggers use specialized software to set up controls and deformers, enabling animators to pose and animate models efficiently. Their expertise ensures that characters can express a wide range of movements and emotions, which is essential for believable animation.
What are popular job titles related to 3D Rigger jobs in Seattle, WA? For 3D Rigger jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various 3D Rigger job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,583 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Interfaco Ltd

Seattle, WA • On-site

$103.31 - $120.28/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Position Description

Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation's largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

Seattle City Light's Engineering & Technology Operations Division is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to ensure reliable operation of hydro turbine generating units and all auxiliary systems that support the generating units. In this position, you will be responsible for design changes, maintenance and construction of powerhouse and dam support systems, gates, hoists, structural equipment, piping systems, ventilation system, etc. This position reports to the Mechanical Engineering Supervisor.

Job Responsibilities

Here is more about what you'll be doing:

  • Reporting to City Light's Boundary Project and provide engineering support with operations and maintenance
  • Meet regularly with the mechanical maintenance crew to review planned work and ensure projects are completed and documented
  • Provides support with procurement and sourcing of materials
  • Work independently to complete tasks and manage priorities
  • Recommend projects at our plants and facilities when deficiencies are identified, with a goal of enhancing worker safety and productivity or generation reliability and efficiency
  • Ensure customers (Shops and Generating Plants) and other engineering disciplines (Electrical & Civil) are included as needed in the development of designs
  • Ensure that designs meet or exceed all Codes, Laws and Ordinances and promote safe operations of equipment and a safe environment for yourself, your co-workers and the general public
  • Experience with Work Asset Management systems for creating work tasks, preventative maintenance requirements and ordering equipment
Design Engineering
  • Reverse engineering - review old parts without existing information or drawings. Determine functionality, loading, forces, and calculate/design new replacement parts.
  • Full design engineering includes calculate part stresses, strains - to be compliant with safety and code requirements and produce drawings with part dimensions, tolerances, bearing clearances, and alignment requirements.
  • Review designs for code compliance and/or industry standards.
  • Modifications or replacement of piping with ASME B31.1 & B31.3 piping codes
Field Engineering
  • Knowledge of rotating machinery systems and their testing procedures and control systems.
  • Develop disassembly procedures including tooling and rigging designs for rotating machinery.
  • Develop assembly procedures for rotating machinery including proper materials, clearances, bolt torque values, alignment and fit up. Confirm shaft run out measurements meet industry standards.
  • Oversee and inspect work performed by machine shop, machinists, iron workers, and structural welders during generator and support system overhauls.
  • Directing of in-place machining of turbine and generator components including the use of boring bars and alignment verification.
Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes and has:

Requires five years of professional mechanical engineering experience and a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or other combinations of education and/or experience which provide preparation to do professional mechanical engineering work.

Work Environment/Physical Demands
  • Most work is performed at the City's hydroelectric project
  • Work may entail exposure to all types of weather, high noise levels, hazardous/toxic substances, confined spaces and work near heavy equipment
  • May be required to work nights, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays
  • Overnight travel may be required
  • Work at other City Light projects and facilities may be required, including travel to Seattle
License, Certification and Other Requirements
  • Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Washington
  • Current Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience working at a hydroelectric generating facility
  • Experience with large rotating machinery
  • Experience with vibration analysis of rotating machinery
  • Knowledge of welding codes and welding procedure generation
  • Experience with Non-Destructive Examination (NDE) methods
  • Experience with mechanical data analysis to determine changes in machine operation
  • Ability to work on multiple projects and adapt to project and site needs
  • Power Plant, plant maintenance, and maintenance procedure experience
  • The ability to communicate and collaborate with skilled trade workers
  • Proficient using CAD, 3D design software, and Matlab
Emergency Response Commitment

Seattle City Light is committed to reliable service during emergencies. Through our Emergency Response Program, each employee is assigned a role—usually aligned with their regular duties—to support emergency operations. Your participation is required and vital to helping the utility stay prepared and serve our community when it matters most.

Additional Information

The full salary range for this position is $74.99 to $87.31 per hour.

Application Process
  • A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement
  • A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.

Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Who May Apply

This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits

Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers

#J-18808-Ljbffr