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Animation Rigger Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Socket.dev

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Deep knowledge of gameplay and AI animation systems, animation graph/data integration, motion capture pipelines, and rigging/prototyping processes. * Strong practical skill in hand-key facial ...

2K

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Deep knowledge of gameplay and AI animation systems, animation graph/data integration, motion capture pipelines, and rigging/prototyping processes. * Strong practical skill in hand-key facial ...

2K

Lead Animator

Novato, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

Deep knowledge of gameplay and AI animation systems, animation graph/data integration, motion capture pipelines, and rigging/prototyping processes. * Strong practical skill in hand-key facial ...

Cloud Chamber

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Deep knowledge of gameplay and AI animation systems, animation graph/data integration, motion capture pipelines, and rigging/prototyping processes. * Strong practical skill in hand-key facial ...

Cloud Chamber

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · Remote

$123K - $182K/yr

Deep knowledge of gameplay and AI animation systems, animation graph/data integration, motion capture pipelines, and rigging/prototyping processes. * Strong practical skill in hand-key facial ...

COGSWELL COLLEGE LLC

Adjunct Faculty DAA

San Jose, CA · On-site

$3.0K - $4.5K/mo

Experience working with Maya software for animation, modeling, rigging, or lighting of content in animations/films. * Minimum of 3 years of experience working at a professional level with practical ...

Carlost Inc.

Account Manager

Burlingame, CA · On-site

Thorough knowledge of Maya and other animation software. Strong knowledge of Maya character rigging. 3+ years' experience working as a technical animator on shipped titles Solid understanding of ...

Carlost Inc.

Account Manager

Burlingame, CA · On-site

Thorough knowledge of Maya and other animation software. Strong knowledge of Maya character rigging. 3+ years' experience working as a technical animator on shipped titles Solid understanding of ...

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All JobsAnimation Rigger JobsAnimation Rigger Jobs in California

Animation Rigger information

See California salary details

$13

$25

$36

How much do animation rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation rigger in California is $25.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.79 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an animation rigger do?

An Animation Rigger creates the skeletal structures that animators use to bring characters and objects to life in movies, games, and other media. They design and implement control systems for movement, ensuring realistic and flexible animation. Riggers work closely with animators, modelers, and technical artists to ensure characters move naturally and efficiently. They use software like Maya, Blender, or Houdini to build rigs that allow animators to manipulate models with ease.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an animation rigger?

To thrive as an Animation Rigger, you need strong knowledge of anatomy, movement, and 3D animation fundamentals, often backed by a degree in animation, computer graphics, or a related field. Expertise in industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya or Blender, and familiarity with scripting languages like Python or MEL, are typically important; some studios may value certifications in these tools. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication enable collaboration with animators and modelers to deliver high-quality rigs. These competencies help ensure that digital characters move realistically and that production pipelines run efficiently.

How to become an animation rigger?

To become an animation rigger, individuals typically need a strong foundation in 3D modeling, rigging, and animation, often gained through a bachelor's degree in computer graphics, animation, or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Maya or Blender and understanding of character anatomy and movement are essential, along with building a portfolio to showcase rigging skills.

What are popular job titles related to Animation Rigger jobs in California?

For Animation Rigger jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animation Rigger jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Animation Rigger jobs in California are:

Animation Rigger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Rigger job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Internship, 64% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 12% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,405 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Expression of Interest - Rigging Artist

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

AGBO Films LLC
See more jobs at AGBO Films LLCexternal

Temporary

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

About the Company:
Founded in 2017 by Anthony and Joe Russo, AGBO is an artist-led independent studio shaping the future of film and television. The Russo Brothers and AGBO have generated more than $7 billion at the global box office, including Avengers: Endgame. The studio's projects include Academy Award-winning Everything Everywhere All at Once, Netflix hits The Gray Man and Extraction, and Prime Video's visceral thriller The Bluff and the global Citadel franchise. Citadel Season 2 premieres in May 2026.
AGBO is currently in production with Netflix on Tygo and Mercenary, both part of the Extraction universe, as well as with Lionsgate on John Rambo, a prequel to the iconic franchise. The studio is in post-production on The Whisper Man, starring Robert De Niro, and Avengers: Doomsday, which will be released December 18, 2026. AGBO will begin shooting Avengers: Secret Wars later this year. Both upcoming Avengers films are directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and co-produced by AGBO and Marvel Studios.
About the Position:
AGBO is seeking a talented Rigging Artist to join our Visual Effects (VFX) team. The Rigging Artist is responsible for designing and creating complex character and creature rigs and pipeline for use in various projects. They collaborate closely with animators, modelers, and other team members to ensure that characters and creatures move realistically and convincingly within the context of the project.
This is an Expression of Interest role.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Work with department heads to design and build sophisticated character and creature rigs using industry-standard software like Autodesk Maya, Houdini, Blender, or similar tools. This may include creating skeletons, muscle systems, deformations, and control setups.
  • Prepare characters for animation by setting up skinning and weighting to ensure that the mesh deforms correctly as the character moves.
  • Develop facial rigs that allow animators to create expressive facial animations, including lip-syncing, blinking, and emotive expressions.
  • Implement realistic body mechanics in rigs, such as joint limitations, muscle simulations, and secondary animations like cloth and hair.
  • Write scripts and use automation tools to streamline rigging processes and improve efficiency.
  • Troubleshoot rigging issues and provide creative solutions to technical challenges that may arise during the animation process.
  • Collaborate closely with animators, modelers, and other team members to ensure rigs meet the artistic and technical requirements of the project.
  • Maintain detailed documentation and guidelines for the rigs to facilitate smooth handovers to animators and other team members.
  • Provide guidance and mentorship to junior rigging artists, sharing best practices and helping them develop their skills.
  • Keep up-to-date with industry trends, tools, and techniques related to rigging and animation to ensure the team's work remains at the cutting edge of the field.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Animation, Computer Graphics, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 5+ years of proven experience as a Rigging Artist in the animation or VFX industry, with a strong portfolio showcasing your rigging work.
  • Proficiency in industry-standard 3D software, such as Maya or Blender.
  • Solid understanding of anatomy, kinematics, and character movement.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work creatively within technical constraints.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
  • Leadership abilities and experience in mentoring junior artists is a plus
  • Metahuman experience is a plus.
  • Familiarity with scripting languages like Python for automation is a bonus.

Additional Information:
  • This is a temporary position with the possibility of extension based on project needs.
  • This is an Expression of Interest role. You will be contacted once an opportunity becomes available.
  • Remote candidates may be considered; however, preference will be given to those who can work in Los Angeles.
  • Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for sponsorship.
  • Please submit a portfolio or demo reel for consideration.

AGBO Labs LLC is committed to operating fair and unbiased recruitment procedures allowing all applicants an equal opportunity for employment, free from discrimination on the basis of religion, race, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, color, ethnic or national origin or any other classification as may be protected by applicable law. We aim to recruit the right people for the jobs we have to offer, and to assess applications on the basis of relevant skills, education and experience.
AGBO participates in E-Verify - English | Spanish
The job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent to this position.

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