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Animation Rigging Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Epic Games

Character Animation Lead

Cary, NC · On-site

You will combine strong animation fundamentals with technical fluency in Unreal Engine to build ... Familiarity with Control Rig and runtime rigging workflows in Unreal Engine EPIC JOB + EPIC ...

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Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Knoxville, TN · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of 3DS Max modeling techniques, materials and texturing, lighting systems, animation, rigging, rendering with Arnold and V-Ray, particle systems, and scene management. Ability to ...

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Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

KS · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of 3DS Max modeling techniques, materials and texturing, lighting systems, animation, rigging, rendering with Arnold and V-Ray, particle systems, and scene management. Ability to ...

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Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Baton Rouge, LA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of 3DS Max modeling techniques, materials and texturing, lighting systems, animation, rigging, rendering with Arnold and V-Ray, particle systems, and scene management. Ability to ...

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Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Nashville, TN · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of 3DS Max modeling techniques, materials and texturing, lighting systems, animation, rigging, rendering with Arnold and V-Ray, particle systems, and scene management. Ability to ...

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Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Charleston, SC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of 3DS Max modeling techniques, materials and texturing, lighting systems, animation, rigging, rendering with Arnold and V-Ray, particle systems, and scene management. Ability to ...

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Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Paramus, NJ · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of 3DS Max modeling techniques, materials and texturing, lighting systems, animation, rigging, rendering with Arnold and V-Ray, particle systems, and scene management. Ability to ...

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Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Tucson, AZ · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of 3DS Max modeling techniques, materials and texturing, lighting systems, animation, rigging, rendering with Arnold and V-Ray, particle systems, and scene management. Ability to ...

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Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Reading, PA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of 3DS Max modeling techniques, materials and texturing, lighting systems, animation, rigging, rendering with Arnold and V-Ray, particle systems, and scene management. Ability to ...

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Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Eugene, OR · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of 3DS Max modeling techniques, materials and texturing, lighting systems, animation, rigging, rendering with Arnold and V-Ray, particle systems, and scene management. Ability to ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of 3DS Max modeling techniques, materials and texturing, lighting systems, animation, rigging, rendering with Arnold and V-Ray, particle systems, and scene management. Ability to ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Charlotte, NC · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of 3DS Max modeling techniques, materials and texturing, lighting systems, animation, rigging, rendering with Arnold and V-Ray, particle systems, and scene management. Ability to ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Cedar City, UT · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of 3DS Max modeling techniques, materials and texturing, lighting systems, animation, rigging, rendering with Arnold and V-Ray, particle systems, and scene management. Ability to ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Kingsport, TN · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of 3DS Max modeling techniques, materials and texturing, lighting systems, animation, rigging, rendering with Arnold and V-Ray, particle systems, and scene management. Ability to ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Murfreesboro, TN · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of 3DS Max modeling techniques, materials and texturing, lighting systems, animation, rigging, rendering with Arnold and V-Ray, particle systems, and scene management. Ability to ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Lubbock, TX · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of 3DS Max modeling techniques, materials and texturing, lighting systems, animation, rigging, rendering with Arnold and V-Ray, particle systems, and scene management. Ability to ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of 3DS Max modeling techniques, materials and texturing, lighting systems, animation, rigging, rendering with Arnold and V-Ray, particle systems, and scene management. Ability to ...

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All JobsAnimation Rigging Jobs

Animation Rigging information

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$14

$26

$36

How much do animation rigging jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation rigging in the United States is $26.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.08 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying rigger job?

The highest paying rigger jobs are typically senior or lead rigging positions in large animation or VFX studios, often requiring extensive experience, advanced skills in rigging tools like Maya or Houdini, and sometimes specialized knowledge in character or creature rigging. These roles can offer salaries significantly higher than entry-level positions, especially in regions with a strong entertainment industry presence or in companies working on high-budget projects.

What is an Animation Rigging job?

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 a rigger do in animation?

An animation rigger creates the skeletal structure and controls for characters and objects, enabling them to move naturally. They use tools like Maya or Blender and work closely with animators to ensure the rig allows for a wide range of motion and expression.

How much do riggers make in animation?

Animation riggers typically earn between $50,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled riggers with proficiency in tools like Maya or Blender and a strong portfolio can command higher salaries, especially in competitive markets or senior roles.

How to become an animation rigger?

To become an animation rigger, you typically need a strong foundation in 3D modeling, rigging, and animation, often gained through a degree in computer graphics, animation, or a related field. Proficiency in rigging tools like Maya or Blender and understanding of character anatomy and movement are essential, along with building a portfolio to showcase your skills. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions helps develop practical expertise in rigging workflows and industry standards.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Animation Rigging artist?

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 to thrive in the Animation Rigging position, and why are they important?

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.

More about Animation Rigging jobs
What cities are hiring for Animation Rigging jobs? Cities with the most Animation Rigging 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 jobs? States with the most job openings for Animation Rigging jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animation Rigging jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animation Rigging jobs are:
Animation Rigging jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Rigging job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 62% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 70% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,114 per year, or $26 per hour.
Character Animation Lead

Character Animation Lead

Epic Games

Cary, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

WHAT MAKES US EPIC?
At the core of Epic's success are talented, passionate people. Epic prides itself on creating a collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment. Whether it's building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences, we're always innovating.
Being Epic means being a part of a team that continually strives to do right by our community and users. We're constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development.
ART
What We Do
Push your artistic talent to the limit on a team of world-class environment, character, and concept artists who strive to innovate and inspire.
What You'll Do
Epic Games is looking for a Character Animation Director to join our Special Projects team to help drive the vision and execution of character animation across experimental and gameplay-driven prototypes. You will combine strong animation fundamentals with technical fluency in Unreal Engine to build responsive, expressive, and scalable animation systems. You will act as a bridge between animation and engineering - helping to define workflows, shape systems, and solve complex problems at the intersection of gameplay and motion. This role requires both hands-on creation and leadership: setting quality bars, guiding others, and helping a small team move quickly without sacrificing clarity or craft.
In this role, you will
  • Lead the creation and implementation of high-quality, gameplay-driven animation in Unreal Engine
  • Prototype and iterate on new approaches to character movement, responsiveness, and player-driven animation
  • Collaborate closely with engineers and technical designers to design scalable, flexible animation systems. Excite those around you with creative and clear thinking
  • Own animation quality and leadership across projects, ensuring a strong and consistent point of view
  • Translate gameplay needs into animation behaviours that feel intuitive and responsive
  • Debug and solve complex animation and integration issues in the engine
  • Contribute to and help evolve animation pipelines, tools, and workflows for rapid iteration
  • Mentor and support other animators, fostering a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and craft excellence
What we're looking for
  • Expert-level understanding of character animation principles, with the ability to deliver both realistic and stylized motion
  • Deep experience working in Unreal Engine, including Animation Blueprints, state machines, blending, and runtime systems
  • Strong understanding of gameplay animation-how input, timing, and responsiveness shape player experience
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively with engineers and technical designers on complex, system-driven features
  • Experience building or contributing to animation systems (not just assets), including debugging and iteration in-engine
  • Animating in engine using Unreal Engine animation tools
  • Comfort working in ambiguous, exploratory environments with rapid iteration cycles
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to balance creative goals with technical constraints
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills
  • Experienced AAA development or equivalent real-time production environments

Bonus Points
  • Experience with motion matching, procedural animation, or emerging animation technologies
  • Familiarity with Control Rig and runtime rigging workflows in Unreal Engine
EPIC JOB + EPIC BENEFITS = EPIC LIFE
Our intent is to cover all things that are medically necessary and improve the quality of life. We pay 100% of the premiums for both you and your dependents. Our coverage includes Medical, Dental, a Vision HRA, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance & a 401k with competitive match. We also offer a robust mental well-being program through Modern Health, which provides free therapy and coaching for employees & dependents. Throughout the year we celebrate our employees with events and company-wide paid breaks. We offer unlimited PTO and sick time and recognize individuals for 7 years of employment with a paid sabbatical.
ABOUT US
Epic Games is a leading interactive entertainment company. For over 30 years we've been making award-winning games and engine technology that empowers others to make visually stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal Engine technology not only provides game developers the ability to build high-fidelity, interactive experiences for PC, console, mobile, and VR, it is also a tool being embraced by content creators across a variety of industries such as media and entertainment, automotive, and architectural design. As we continue to build our Engine technology and develop remarkable games, we strive to build teams of world-class talent.
Like what you hear? Come be a part of something Epic!
Epic Games deeply values diverse teams and an inclusive work culture, and we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Learn more about our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy here.
Note to Recruitment Agencies: Epic does not accept any unsolicited resumes or approaches from any unauthorized third party (including recruitment or placement agencies) (i.e., a third party with whom we do not have a negotiated and validly executed agreement). We will not pay any fees to any unauthorized third party. Further details on these matters can be found here.

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