ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animation Rigging Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

All JobsAnimation Rigging JobsAnimation Rigging Jobs in Seattle, WA

Animation Rigging information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$16

$29

$41

How much do animation rigging jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation rigging 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 is an animation rigging?

An Animation Rigging job involves creating the digital skeletons that allow characters and objects to move in animation and video games. Rigging artists design and implement the control systems, including joints, bones, and deformers, that animators use to bring models to life. They work closely with modelers and animators to ensure smooth movement and realistic deformations. Strong technical skills in 3D software and scripting are often required for this role.

What does an animation rigging artist do?

Animation Rigging artists spend their days designing and building digital skeletons and control systems that allow animators to create lifelike movement for characters and objects. You may work closely with modelers and animators to ensure rigs are user-friendly and optimized for the production pipeline, regularly troubleshooting or refining rigs based on animation feedback. Collaboration is a big part of the job, as you often interact with technical artists, animators, and supervisors to maintain the quality and efficiency of the rigging process. The role can involve balancing technical tasks with creative problem-solving, making it both challenging and rewarding for those passionate about animation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed for animation rigging?

To thrive in Animation Rigging, you need a solid understanding of anatomy, movement, and 3D animation principles, usually supported by experience in computer graphics or related fields. Proficiency with industry-standard software like Autodesk Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max, as well as scripting languages such as Python or MEL, is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and clear communication help riggers effectively integrate with animators and technical artists. These competencies are crucial for building flexible, efficient rigs that enable high-quality animation and seamless production workflows.

How to become an animation rigger?

To become an animation rigger, you should develop skills in 3D modeling, rigging, and animation using software like Maya or Blender. A relevant degree in computer graphics, animation, or a related field, along with a strong portfolio demonstrating rigging work, is often required. Gaining experience through internships or personal projects helps build proficiency and industry connections.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animation Rigging jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Animation Rigging jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Animation Rigging jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Animation Rigging jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animation Rigging jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Animation Rigging jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Animation Rigging jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Rigging job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 40% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,583 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Technical Animator (Animation Blueprints & Control Rig) - Remote or On-Site

Studio Wildcard

Seattle, WA • Remote

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

We're Studio Wildcard, developers of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved -- one of the most popular and original video games in recent years. Despite our massive success, we've been able to stay independent, so that we can steer our own future in games and beyond. There's never been a better time for you to join this adventure and help us build ARK Survival Ascended, the next chapter of our original hit franchise! We're expanding and updating many of the ARK community's most beloved features while taking full advantage of the latest tools and technologies.


We’re looking for an exceptionally talented Technical Animator who lives and breathes Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints and Control Rig. You will own high-impact animation systems that bring creatures, characters, and gameplay to life. This is a systems-focused technical animation role: deep expertise in visual programming (AnimBPs + Control Rig) is the core requirement. Comfort with programming logic is essential, but day-to-day C++ work is not the focus.


Responsibilities:

  • Design, write, and implement animation systems, using Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints and Control Rigs
  • Create sophisticated Control Rig solutions (procedural animation, IK/FK systems, full-body IK, terrain adaptation, foot placement, active ragdoll blending, etc.)
  • Develop responsive, scalable animation systems for bipeds, quadrupeds, and fantasy creatures
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams to improve current solutions and create new ones
  • Create documentation and provide pipeline improvements
  • Optimize animation systems for performance, LODs, and large-scale creature ecosystems


Requirements:

  • Minimum 3 years of professional experience as a Technical Animator / Animation Programmer / Technical Artist focused on real-time animation systems, with at least one shipped title.
  • Expert-level proficiency with Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints (complex state machines, layered blends, procedural logic, gameplay-driven systems).
  • Strong self-motivation and willingness to participate in many areas of game development
  • Experience using Unreal Engine 5


Pluses:

  • C++ experience (useful for deeper engine integration or performance work, but not a primary focus of the role)
  • Experience with character/creature rigging and skinning in Maya, or Control Rig
  • Degree in computer science or a related field
  • Experience with Rigging and Animation
  • Physics-driven animation (ragdoll, physics blending, cloth, custom physics solvers)
  • Tool Programming, MEL, PyMel Python
  • Houdini experience


Required Application Materials:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter which should include
    • Why you are interested in working for Studio Wildcard
    • What games you are currently playing
  • Portfolio or examples demonstrating Animation Blueprint and/or Control Rig work


About Studio Wildcard

Studio Wildcard was founded in 2014 by industry veterans Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak, with the mission of bringing AAA quality to ambitious indie productions designed for core gamers. With countless years of combined industry experience across multiple independent and studio-backed titles, Wildcard's core team continues to grow, with offices in Redmond, WA, and Gainesville, FL including distributed team members across multiple continents.


Equal Opportunity Employer
Wildcard is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws, regulations or ordinances. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to disability during the application or the recruiting process, please let us know.  


Pay Transparency Information
The expected annual base pay range(s) for this position vary based on a variety of factors, which include: (but aren't limited to) skills, competencies, qualifications, knowledge, and experience. Each pay range is only relevant to those residing in WA state and can vary based on geographical location. 


Wildcard Benefits
We pay 100% of all premiums for the employee and discounted rates for dependent premiums. Our coverage includes Medical (5 different plans to choose from), Dental, Vision, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, 401(k) option, 100% covered Parental Leave, PTO, Paid Holidays, Unlimited Sick Time, and FSA/ HSA options