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Animation Rigging Internship Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

COGSWELL COLLEGE LLC

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 ...

All JobsAnimation Rigging JobsAnimation Rigging Internship JobsAnimation Rigging Internship Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

Animation Rigging Internship information

See Santa Clara, CA salary details

$6

$19

$29

How much do animation rigging internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation rigging internship in Santa Clara, CA is $19.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $21.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 most commonly searched types of Animation Rigging jobs in Santa Clara, CA? The most popular types of Animation Rigging jobs in Santa Clara, CA are:
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Animation Rigging Internship jobs near you

Adjunct Faculty DAA

UNIVERSITY OF SILICON VALLEY

San Jose, CA • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Summary

Transfer knowledge including theory, practical skills, methods, and techniques. Impart practical application of principles, techniques, and software. Other aspects of teaching include; supervision of instructional activities, such as cooperative work experiences, internships, and practice; instructional management, tutoring; curriculum and course development; and creation of teaching and instructional materials.

Classes include:

  • Character Rigging - emphasis on character rigging techniques: joints, surface binding, articulation, forward and inverse kinematics, and hierarchical node structures
  • Storyboarding - principles of Storytelling in a visual medium to pre-visualize animation or live-action film. Topics include scale and camera angle, camera movement, character staging, composition, and basic editing processes
  • 2D Animation, level 2 - Advanced study of facial animation and expression with an introduction to animal characters and animation
  • Modeling - introduction to hard and organic surface modeling
  • Lighting and Layout - lighting, scene composition, blocking
  • Digital Painting - painting textures for shaders and fully realized scenes

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Teach several classes per semester
  • Collaborate with department faculty in curriculum implementation, student support, and continuous program improvement.
  • Ensure curriculum and syllabi are up to date and all classes have relevant materials through program review
  • Maintain regular office hours outside of instructional time
  • Participate in department meetings and student success initiatives
  • Participate in program learning assessment
  • Maintain industry knowledge
  • Other duties and related projects as assigned

Qualifications

Education:

Master's Degree in Related Field OR Bachelor's Degree with equivalent experience. Bachelor's degree is only acceptable with extensive industry experience.

Experience:

  • 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 domain-specific experience.
  • Teaching experience in an academic or professional setting is preferred.

Skills:

  • Ability to work with and help students. Ability and willingness to discern and meet the needs of students.
  • Skilled in storyboarding, digital painting, rigging, modeling and 2D animation
  • Strong computer skills including the ability to collect and analyze information.
  • Competent in a wide variety of tools or techniques related to the pertinent field.
  • Demonstrated excellent communication skills.
  • Ability to establish interpersonal rapport and relate to individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures
  • Ability to work with others in a collegial and productive manner.

EEO Statement

USV is an Equal Employment Opportunity & Americans with Disabilities Act institution. We value diversity, strive for a more unified campus where all people are valued, treated fairly, and possess a sense of belonging. USV encourages minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities to apply.

Working Conditions

This job operates in a professional office environment with extensive people interaction. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and office machines.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear and use a telephone. The employee frequently is required to sit for long periods; use hands and reach with hands and arms for such activities as keyboarding.

Benefits

Not Eligible for Benefits

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