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Character Technical Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Absurd Ventures

Art Director

Santa Monica, CA

$185K - $225K/yr

... and technical requirements across the team. * Lead the art team through the full production ... Oversee the full scope of visual development, including concept art, character designs ...

Absurd Ventures

Art Director

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$185K - $225K/yr

... and technical requirements across the team. * Lead the art team through the full production ... Oversee the full scope of visual development, including concept art, character designs ...

Tolan

Art Director

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$180K - $240K/yr

You have a body of work that shows range, taste, and a point of view - not just technical ... Bonus Points If You: * Have worked on character-driven products where personality and ...

Access Audio, Inc

Director of Lighting

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

We take excellence seriously, and we value respect, teamwork, and strong character. * You'll be ... Interface directly with production managers, technical directors, stage managers, and clients

Access Audio

Director of Lighting

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

We take excellence seriously, and we value respect, teamwork, and strong character. * You'll be ... Interface directly with production managers, technical directors, stage managers, and clients

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Character Technical Director information

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$26K

$115.5K

$232K

How much do character technical director jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for character technical director in the United States is $115,510.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $154,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Character Technical Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Character Technical Director, you need a strong understanding of character rigging, anatomy, scripting (such as Python or MEL), and a degree in computer graphics, animation, or a related field. Expertise with industry-standard 3D software like Maya, Houdini, and proprietary rigging tools is typically required, along with familiarity with game engines or VFX pipelines. Creative problem-solving, strong communication, and the ability to collaborate with animators and modelers make someone stand out in this position. These skills ensure the creation of flexible, efficient rigs and seamless character animation workflows essential for high-quality visual productions.

How does a Character Technical Director typically collaborate with animators and modelers during production?

A Character Technical Director (TD) works closely with animators and modelers to ensure that character rigs are both artist-friendly and technically robust. During production, a Character TD frequently communicates with modelers to make sure character geometry supports the required deformations for animation. They also partner with animators to gather feedback on rig usability, making adjustments to enhance control and efficiency. This collaborative workflow is essential for addressing technical challenges and delivering high-quality character performances.

What is a Character Technical Director?

A Character Technical Director (Character TD) is a specialist in animation and visual effects who is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the technical aspects of character rigs and animation systems. They create the digital skeletons and control interfaces that animators use to bring characters to life in movies, games, or television. Character TDs work closely with modelers and animators to ensure characters move realistically and efficiently. This role requires a blend of artistic understanding and technical expertise, often involving programming and scripting to automate and streamline animation workflows.

What is the difference between Character Technical Director vs Character Artist?

AspectCharacter Technical DirectorCharacter Artist
Primary FocusTechnical pipeline, rigging, tools developmentConcept art, modeling, texturing
Required SkillsProgramming, rigging, technical problem-solvingArtistic skills, modeling, texturing
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with technical and art teams in game/film studiosPrimarily in art departments, creating visual assets

The Character Technical Director focuses on the technical aspects of character creation, including rigging and pipeline development, while the Character Artist emphasizes creating the visual and artistic elements of characters. Both roles often work closely but serve different functions within the character development process.

More about Character Technical Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Character Technical Director jobs? Cities with the most Character Technical Director job openings:
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What states have the most Character Technical Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Character Technical Director jobs include:
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Character Technical Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Character Technical Director job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $115,510 per year, or $55.5 per hour.
Lighting Designer

Lighting Designer

Poly Prep Country Day School

Brooklyn, NY • On-site

$30K - $35K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Poly Prep's mission is to prepare and inspire the next diverse generation of leaders and global citizens to act with intelligence, imagination, and--above all--character.
Poly Prep seeks applicants for the position of Part Time Lighting Designer for the 2026 - 2027 school year productions. We seek a talented and energetic individual whose competence, integrity, and collegiality will enrich our first-rate Performing Arts Department. The ideal candidate will possess a professional background in theater design, be able to work collaboratively and independently and have experience working with middle and upper school aged students.
We seek a visionary designer with a passion for engaging in professional settings that highlight students; have strong communication and collaboration skills; and excellent organizational and time management skills. In view of our commitment to anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion, we seek an individual whose creative vision is aligned with those values, who can serve as a role model for our students, and whose personal integrity and collegiality will enrich a high-achieving, collaborative department.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:
  • Discuss preliminary design plans with production directors and department supervisors at the start of each production rehearsal process and revise as per the needs of the show
  • Complete design work following production schedules
  • Adhere to production budgets and proper guidelines for purchases, receipts, and reimbursements
  • Work with theater technical director and performing arts supervisors to maintain a professional and productive environment
  • Counsel technical theater director on equipment and maintenance needs
  • Attend and contribute to production meetings during or after the school day
  • Attend and be available for some weekends, production tech weeks, and performances

QUALIFICATIONS
Education: High School diploma required coupled with experience in theater design and or related discipline.
Experience: Three years of professional or academic theater design experience
Specific Skills: Lighting equipment mastery
Special Requirements: Available for weekends for production tech weeks and performances
Salary: $30,000 - $35,000
Poly Prep strives to be an equitable, just, and diverse community, one proud of and deeply committed to empowering students to discover who they are and what they want to be. In keeping with the country day school philosophy, we seek community members who will share a passion for learning in and out of the classroom. Every educator at Poly Prep aspires to uphold our mission "to support and inspire the next diverse generation of leaders and global citizens to act with intelligence, imagination and--above all--character."
We offer a supportive environment, with a full benefits package (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a generous match on our 403(b) retirement plan, long-term disability, flexible spending account, pre-tax commute benefit, and free lunch) if eligible.
Click Lighting Designer to submit your resume, cover letter, and specific evidence of qualifications to Ashley Hacker, ahacker@polyprep.org
Poly Prep is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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