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Animation Rigging Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Adjunct Faculty DAA

San Jose, CA · On-site

$3.0K - $4.5K/mo

... internships, and practice; instructional management, tutoring; curriculum and course development ... Experience working with Maya software for animation, modeling, rigging, or lighting of content in ...

Animation Rigging Internship information

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$5

$16

$25

How much do animation rigging internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation rigging internship in the United States is $16.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animation rigging internship?

An Animation Rigging Internship is a temporary position where students or recent graduates gain practical experience in creating and managing digital skeletons (rigs) that allow 3D models to move realistically in animation or video games. Interns typically work with professional animators and rigging artists, learning industry-standard software and techniques for character and object rigging. These internships help build a strong foundation for a career in animation, visual effects, or game development by providing hands-on experience and mentorship. Interns often collaborate closely with other departments, such as modeling and animation, to ensure rigs meet production needs and perform efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animation rigging intern?

To thrive as an Animation Rigging Intern, you need a solid understanding of 3D animation principles, basic rigging techniques, and familiarity with anatomy, often supported by coursework in animation or computer graphics. Proficiency with industry-standard software like Autodesk Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max, and some knowledge of scripting languages such as Python or MEL are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with animators and technical artists. These abilities are essential to create flexible, efficient rigs that support high-quality character animation and streamline production workflows.

What are some common challenges faced during an animation rigging internship, and how can interns successfully overcome them?

Animation Rigging Interns often encounter challenges such as understanding complex character anatomies, adapting to different rigging software, and meeting tight production deadlines. Successfully overcoming these hurdles involves proactive communication with senior riggers, regularly seeking feedback, and taking advantage of training resources offered by the studio. Building a strong foundation in both technical and artistic aspects of rigging can also help interns contribute effectively to collaborative projects and accelerate their learning curve.

What is the difference between Animation Rigging Internship vs Character Rigger?

AspectAnimation Rigging InternshipCharacter Rigger
Required CredentialsBasic knowledge of rigging, animation, and relevant softwareAdvanced rigging skills, certifications in 3D software
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, learning-focused, team collaborationFull-time professional role, specialized rigging tasks
Industry UsageEntry-level, training position in animation and game studiosMid to senior-level position, responsible for complex character rigs
Search & Comparison IntentLearning, entry-level opportunities, internshipsCareer advancement, specialized rigging roles

In summary, an Animation Rigging Internship is an entry-level position designed for learning and gaining experience in rigging within animation or game studios. A Character Rigger is a professional role requiring advanced skills, responsible for creating complex character rigs. The internship offers foundational exposure, while the character rigger role involves specialized expertise and greater responsibilities.

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What cities are hiring for Animation Rigging Internship jobs?

Cities with the most Animation Rigging Internship job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Animation Rigging jobs?

The most popular types of Animation Rigging jobs are:

What states have the most Animation Rigging Internship jobs?

States with the most job openings for Animation Rigging Internship jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Animation Rigging Internship jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Animation Rigging Internship jobs are:

Infographic showing various Animation Rigging Internship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 12% Internship, 58% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,624 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Assistant Professor (3D Animation) (0070059)

Honolulu, HI


University of Hawaii
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

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234th of 627 rated colleges and universities

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Recommended by students


Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Description Title: Assistant Professor (3D Animation) Position Number: 0070059 Hiring Unit: College of Arts, Languages & Letters, School of Cinematic Arts Location: Manoa Date Posted: 08/14/2026 Closing Date: Continuous - application review begins 10/15/2026 Salary Information: Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience Monthly Type: 9 Month Tenure Track: Tenure Full Time/Part Time: Full Time Temporary/Permanent: Permanent Other Conditions: Full-time, tenure track position in 3D Animation to begin Fall 2027, pending position clearance and availability of funds. As Hawai'i's Film School, School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) is at the forefront of cinematic arts education in the Pacific. Located in Honolulu at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, SCA is dedicated to academic and creative excellence through its bachelor of arts degree designed to encourage innovation and collaboration with an emphasis on Hawaii, Pacific, and Asia.

Focused in the heart of a state with a robust film and television industry, SCA encourages professional development, mentorship and community engagement through a variety of programs, including internships, master classes, and industry screenings. SCA nurtures and empowers students to develop their own unique voice as storytellers. Exploring cinematic arts forms rooted in personal experience and place-based learning through animation, cinema studies, digital cinema production, and screenwriting.

Duties and Responsibilities: Teach beginning to advanced courses in 3D animation; Assist in the development, support, and teaching of a curricular program in animation, stressing multiple theoretical, critical, historical, and technical approaches in the study, design, application, and distribution of animation; Development of creative works or scholarship in your field of specialization, leading to public screenings and presentations; Involvement in and presentations at nationally recognized professional organizations/conferences in your field; Work towards the development of internship opportunities for students; Supervise animation labs; Involvement in service to the department, university, and community; Advise student majors in the animation track; and Other duties as assigned by the Chair. Minimum Qualifications: Terminal degree (i.e., M.F.A. or equivalent) in Animation, Digital Arts, Film/Media Arts,or closely related field from a college or university of recognized standing (degree must be completed by August 2027); Professional industry experience and accomplishment in 3D animation as demonstrated through the creation, direction, and collaboration of projects that include 3D animation; Experience teaching college level animation classes; Demonstrated knowledge and experience across the 3D animation production pipeline, including pre-visualization, modeling, texturing, rigging, character animation, visual effects (VFX), lighting, and rendering, with advanced expertise in one or more of these areas

Proficiency in industry-standard software suites and specialized applications, including: Unreal Engine, Maya and Adobe Creative Suite ZBrush, Substance Painter, Maxon Cinema 4D or comparable software Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collegially with students, faculty, staff, and administration. Desirable Qualifications: Proficiency in and knowledge of 2D animation as demonstrated through creative or professional work. Advanced and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of: 2D animation software including but not limited to ToonBoom Harmony, Storyboard Pro, Adobe Creative Suite, or comparable software.

Animation history. Experience in community engagement. To Apply: Click on the "Apply" button at the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and attach required documents: Letter of application that addresses abilities to meet duties and how minimum and desirable qualifications are met.

Applicants should further discuss their suitability, collegiality and enthusiasm for creating and participating in programs across disciplines in a highly collaborative curriculum. Statement of teaching philosophy; Curriculum vitae; Transcript(s) showing highest degree received; copies of transcripts acceptable at time of application, original transcript required at time of hire; URL link(s) to portfolio, samples, or professional or scholarly work; List of at least five references and contact information. Inquiries: Search Committee Chair: Laura Margulies, lmarguli@hawaii.edu EEO, Clery Act, ADA The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status

For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/ Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks. In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office. Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/


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About University of Hawaii

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The University of Hawaii, located in Honolulu, HI, US, is an internationally recognized institution of higher learning. Spanning across ten campuses, including one online university, it represents the public system of higher education in the state of Hawaii. Established in 1907, the university operates in the educational services industry, its mission rooted in quality and affordable education for all. It offers over 600 different study programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in a broad spectrum of disciplines. Some of its unrivaled specialties encompass tropical agriculture, tropical medicine, oceanography, astronomy, electrical engineering, volcanology, and Pacific Islands and Asian area studies.

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Colleges, universities, and professional schools

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10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Honolulu, HI, US

Year founded

1907


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