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Character Rigger Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Scattermesh

Senior 3D Technical Character Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

... Character Artists to work across client projects on a full time basis on-site in Herndon, VA. This ... The ideal candidate should have experience in rigging, sculpting, python/mel, shading, texture ...

Scattermesh

Senior 3D Technical Character Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

... Character Artists to work across client projects on a full time basis on-site in Herndon, VA. This ... The ideal candidate should have experience in rigging, sculpting, python/mel, shading, texture ...

Pop-Up Talent

Production Coordinator

Arlington, VA · On-site

$56K/yr

Vibrant, personal relationship with Jesus as Lord and Savior and a commitment to godly character ... Rigging and safety best practices * Lighting Consoles * ProPresenter WORKING CONDITIONS: * Required ...

Pop-Up Talent

Production Coordinator

Arlington, VA

Vibrant, personal relationship with Jesus as Lord and Savior and a commitment to godly character ... Rigging and safety best practices * Lighting Consoles * ProPresenter WORKING CONDITIONS: * Required ...

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Character Rigger information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$25

$36

How much do character rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for character rigger in Virginia is $25.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.88 and $29.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Character Rigger do?

A Character Rigger is responsible for creating digital skeletons and control systems that allow 3D characters to move realistically in animations, films, and games. They build rigs that deform correctly and provide animators with intuitive controls for posing and motion. This role requires strong knowledge of anatomy, technical skills in software like Maya or Blender, and scripting abilities for automation. Riggers work closely with animators and modelers to ensure smooth character motion and realistic deformation.

How to become a character rigger?

To become a character rigger, you typically need a strong foundation in 3D modeling, animation, and rigging software such as Maya or Blender. Gaining skills in anatomy, weight painting, and scripting, along with a portfolio demonstrating rigging projects, is essential; some professionals also pursue relevant degrees or certifications in animation or computer graphics.

How much do character riggers make?

Character riggers typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 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 larger studios or competitive markets.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Character Rigger position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Character Rigger, you need strong knowledge of anatomy, animation principles, and technical proficiency in 3D rigging, often supported by a degree in animation, computer graphics, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, and scripting languages like Python or MEL is highly valued. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are key soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities enable character riggers to build functional, efficient rigs that meet animators' needs and support seamless production workflows.

What is the highest paying rigger job?

The highest paying rigger jobs are typically in the film, television, or aerospace industries, where specialized skills in complex rigging, safety standards, and advanced equipment are required. Senior rigging supervisors or lead riggers with extensive experience and certifications can earn six-figure salaries, especially in high-budget productions or large-scale projects.

What does a typical day look like for a Character Rigger working on a production team?

A typical day for a Character Rigger involves creating or refining the skeletal structures and controls that allow 3D characters to move realistically in animation. You’ll often collaborate closely with animators, modelers, and technical directors to troubleshoot issues, implement feedback, and ensure rigs fit the artistic and technical requirements of the project. Daily tasks may include building new rigs, adjusting skin weights, writing scripts to automate repetitive processes, and participating in team meetings. This collaborative and iterative process helps ensure characters animate smoothly and efficiently throughout the production pipeline.

What art-related jobs are about $80,000 a year?

For a Character Rigger, salaries around $80,000 annually are common in experienced roles within the video game and animation industries, especially in larger studios or tech hubs. These positions often require strong skills in 3D modeling, rigging software like Maya or Blender, and a solid portfolio. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and company size.
What are the most commonly searched types of Character Rigger jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Character Rigger jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Character Rigger jobs in Virginia? For Character Rigger jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Character Rigger jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Character Rigger jobs in Virginia are:
Character Rigger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Character Rigger job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,650 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Senior 3D Technical Character Artist

Scattermesh

Herndon, VA • On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Scattermesh is a fast-paced small company looking to disrupt, transform, and innovate on behalf of our clients. We are inventors, technologists, artisans, problem solvers, and collaborators seeking to redefine the content experience by changing how content is managed and delivered to clients. We have an amazing team and we want to add a few talented revolutionaries who want to make a difference solving hard problems. Create your story and start making an indelible impact today.
Job Summary
Scattermesh is expanding its team and we are looking to hire experienced Senior 3D Technical Facial Character Artists to work across client projects on a full time basis on-site in Herndon, VA. This role requires an artist with strong technical understanding of facial kinematics and human anatomy with the skills to apply that knowledge. The ideal candidate should have experience in rigging, sculpting, python/mel, shading, texture painting as it applies to human characters with a focus on facial performances.
Responsibilities and Duties
  • Surpassing Uncanny Valley - Create believable and detailed 3D characters applying your strong understanding of anatomy, modeling, sculpting and texturing expertise from scratch or scan data based on concept art.
  • Pass on Your Knowledge - As an expert in your field, help your peers grow by giving advice and critiques of their work.
  • Deliver Results - Conceptualize, present, and execute ideas within a schedule, while leading the way in technical and artistic problem solving.
  • Take Initiative - Design and enhance our character performance pipeline with new tools and techniques. Drive technological solutions to enhance productivity and quality of our products.
  • Grow - Research new and emergent technologies and advise how best to apply to our work in a practical way.

Qualifications and Skills
  • 10+ years experience in a professional setting working on characters and digital human technologies
  • Expert understanding of human facial anatomy, including eyes, skin and hair
  • Mastery of realistic sculpting, texturing, hair grooming, shading and rendering
  • Deep understanding of FACS, facial blendshapes and facial performance animation, wrinkle-map systems and beyond in the context of photorealistic human characters
  • Expert technical skills in Maya, including Python scripting. C++, etc a plus.
  • Experience collaborating with Riggers, Pipeline Engineers and Supervisors to improve production outcomes
  • Experience with Metahuman to Maya toolset a plus
  • Is self-motivated and self-reliant
  • Must have both a learning and mentoring mind-set
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • US citizenship required

Benefits and Perks
Scattermesh is as obsessed about our employees as our customers. We want to provide great benefits and perks so you can focus on making an impact. We recognize that industry is moving away from better benefits so we have decided to do our part to start reversing the trend. Join us in our quest to disrupt, transform and innovate.
Benefits
  • Competitive Market Leading Pay
  • 25-30 days - Paid Time Off (PTO) / Holiday
  • 100% Company paid medical/dental/vision/plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • 401(k) Matching with no cliff vest

Apply