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Contract 3D Rigging Artist Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Scattermesh

Senior 3D Technical Character Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130.60K - $156.30K/yr

... 3D Technical Facial Character Artists to work across client projects on a full time basis on-site ... The ideal candidate should have experience in rigging, sculpting, python/mel, shading, texture ...

Scattermesh

Senior 3D Technical Character Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130.60K - $156.30K/yr

... 3D Technical Facial Character Artists to work across client projects on a full time basis on-site ... The ideal candidate should have experience in rigging, sculpting, python/mel, shading, texture ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Fairfax, VA · Remote

$40/hr

... 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Alexandria, VA · Remote

$40/hr

... 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Leesburg, VA · Remote

$40/hr

... 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Rockville, MD · Remote

$40/hr

... 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

Washington, DC · Remote

$40/hr

... 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Varsity Tutors

Blender Tutor

College Park, MD · Remote

$40/hr

... 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

College Park, MD · Remote

$40/hr

... rigging, rendering with Arnold and V-Ray, particle systems, and scene management. Ability to ... Skilled at teaching 3D modeling, texturing, and rendering workflows in 3DS Max. Guides students ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Washington, DC · Remote

$40/hr

... rigging, rendering with Arnold and V-Ray, particle systems, and scene management. Ability to ... Skilled at teaching 3D modeling, texturing, and rendering workflows in 3DS Max. Guides students ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Alexandria, VA · Remote

$40/hr

... rigging, rendering with Arnold and V-Ray, particle systems, and scene management. Ability to ... Skilled at teaching 3D modeling, texturing, and rendering workflows in 3DS Max. Guides students ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Leesburg, VA · Remote

$40/hr

... rigging, rendering with Arnold and V-Ray, particle systems, and scene management. Ability to ... Skilled at teaching 3D modeling, texturing, and rendering workflows in 3DS Max. Guides students ...

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Contract 3D Rigging Artist information

See Reston, VA salary details

$20

$41

$71

How much do contract 3d rigging artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract 3d rigging artist in Reston, VA is $41.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.27 and $50.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract 3D Rigging Artist, and why are they important?

A Contract 3D Rigging Artist needs expertise in character rigging, anatomy, and animation principles, typically supported by a degree in animation or related experience. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, and knowledge of scripting languages like Python or MEL is essential. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication help artists collaborate smoothly with animators and technical teams. These skills ensure the creation of flexible, efficient rigs that allow for high-quality animation and seamless project delivery.

How does a Contract 3D Rigging Artist typically collaborate with animators and modelers during a project?

As a Contract 3D Rigging Artist, you'll work closely with both modelers and animators to ensure that character rigs function smoothly and meet project requirements. You'll often receive models from the modeling team and will need to create rigs that allow animators to bring the characters or objects to life. Regular communication and feedback sessions are common, as you may need to adjust rigs based on animator input or troubleshoot deformation issues. This collaborative process helps ensure the final animations are both visually appealing and technically sound.

What are Contract 3D Rigging Artists?

Contract 3D Rigging Artists are professionals who specialize in creating the digital skeletons and control systems (rigs) used to animate 3D models in films, video games, and other digital media, typically on a freelance or temporary contract basis. They work with character models to ensure they can be moved and posed realistically by animators. These artists often collaborate closely with modelers, animators, and technical directors to ensure rigs are functional, efficient, and meet the creative needs of the project. Contract rigging artists are hired for specific projects or time periods, giving studios flexibility in staffing for various production cycles.
What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Rigging Artist jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of 3D Rigging Artist jobs in Reston, VA are:
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Contract 3D Rigging Artist jobs near you

Senior 3D Technical Character Artist

Scattermesh

Herndon, VA • On-site

$130.60K - $156.30K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 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

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