2

Full Time Animation Rigging Jobs in Vancouver, BC

3D Character Artist

New Westminster, BC · On-site

CA$80K - CA$95K/yr

Collaborate with Technical Artists, Animators, Designers, and other disciplines to ensure assets ... Basic knowledge of character skinning and rigging * Knowledge of groom / hair workflow via hair ...

Full Time Animation Rigging information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Full Time Animation Rigger, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time Animation Rigger, you need a solid understanding of anatomy, movement, and 3D modeling, typically supported by a degree in animation, computer graphics, or a related field. Proficiency with rigging tools and software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, and scripting languages like Python or MEL is usually required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with animators and troubleshoot complex rigging challenges. These skills ensure that animated characters and objects move realistically and efficiently throughout the production pipeline.

What is the difference between Full Time Animation Rigging vs Full Time Character Animator?

AspectFull Time Animation RiggingFull Time Character Animator
Required SkillsRigging software, technical skills, anatomy knowledgeAnimation software, storytelling, character performance
Work EnvironmentStudio, post-production, VFX companiesAnimation studios, film, TV, gaming
Common CertificationsTechnical courses in rigging, 3D modelingAnimation courses, portfolio showcase

Full Time Animation Rigging focuses on creating the digital skeletons and controls for characters, enabling animators to bring characters to life. In contrast, Full Time Character Animators work on bringing those characters to life through performance and movement. Both roles often collaborate closely but require different skill sets and focus areas within the animation pipeline.

What is full time animation rigging?

Full time animation rigging is a specialized position in the animation and visual effects industries where an individual works exclusively on creating the digital skeletons and control systems (rigs) that animators use to bring characters and objects to life. Rigging artists design these systems to allow for natural movement and expression, ensuring that models can be animated efficiently and realistically. This role often involves close collaboration with modelers, animators, and technical directors, and requires a strong understanding of anatomy, motion, and 3D software tools. Full time rigging artists are typically employed at animation studios, game development companies, or VFX houses.

What are some common challenges faced by animation rigging artists in a full-time role, and how can they be addressed?

Full-time animation rigging artists often encounter challenges such as balancing the technical requirements of rigs with the creative needs of animators, managing tight production deadlines, and maintaining compatibility across various animation software. Effective communication with animators and modelers is key to ensuring rigs meet both functional and artistic expectations. Continuous learning and staying updated on industry-standard tools, like Maya or Blender, can also help address technical hurdles and improve workflow efficiency.
What are the most commonly searched types of Animation Rigging jobs in Vancouver, BC? The most popular types of Animation Rigging jobs in Vancouver, BC are:
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Infographic showing various Full Time Animation Rigging job openings in Vancouver, BC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Locum Tenens, 49% As Needed, 22% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 10% Nights. Highlights an 69% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution.
Senior Creature Technical Director (Rigging) - Expression of Interest - ILM Vancouver

Senior Creature Technical Director (Rigging) - Expression of Interest - ILM Vancouver

The Walt Disney Company

Vancouver, BC • Hybrid

CA$112K - CA$143K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Walt Disney Company rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 128 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 50 rated entertainment


Job description

Job Posting Title:

Senior Creature Technical Director (Rigging) - Expression of Interest - ILM Vancouver

Req ID:

10144787

Job Description:

This role is considered Hybrid, which means the employee will work 2-3 days onsite at a Company designated location and occasionally from home.

This posting is an opportunity to submit your resume for future consideration; this is not a role that is open at this time. We anticipate this role may be open in the future, but we are not actively hiring for the position. If you would like to be considered for this potential role, please submit your resume. If the role becomes available, you may receive an email or call from a recruiter.

Position Summary

We are looking for an outstanding artist to join our Creature team. As a Senior Creature Technical Director (TD), you will be responsible for the creation of high quality character and creature rigs and simulations, using various software technologies. Senior Creature TDs at ILM are able troubleshoot complicated creature issues, collaborate with their peers and produce high quality work under the direction and support of their supervisors, and help mentor junior artists.

At ILM, we believe a good idea is a good idea, regardless of where it comes from! Do you thrive in a creative environment? Do you enjoy sharing knowledge and learning from others? If you love art, technology, and movies, then this might be the role you're looking for!

ILM strives to be an inclusive environment, and the Creature team embraces promising individuals with a variety backgrounds and experiences.

What You'll Do
  • Build high quality, hero creature rigging and skinning in Maya

  • Set up and run cloth, hair, rigid body, crowd, muscle simulations

  • Troubleshoot creature rigging and pipeline issues for artists in other departments

  • Mentor junior character artists and help them develop their skills

  • Script utilities/tools/plug-ins in Maya

  • Participate in reviews, dailies, and department meetings as needed

  • Special projects as necessary

What We're Looking For
  • 5+ years meaningful professional experience and a Bachelor's degree in computer graphics, fine arts, design, or photography, or related field; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience

  • Experience as Maya rigger for assets in digital animation, visual effects, games, or commercials

  • Experience setting up and running a variety of simulation shotwork

  • Knowledge of anatomy and enveloping

  • Positive demeanour and a phenomenal teammate, with good interpersonal and communication skills

  • Proficiency with Linux, Maya, and Houdini

  • Experience with python scripting

  • Ability to learn quickly and assimilate new information

  • Nice to have: C++, basic proficiency in another subject area such as modelling, texture, lighting, or animation

As part of your application please submit a demo reel, shot breakdown, or equivalent showcasing your work. A current resume is required.

JoinILM

The hiring range for this position in Vancouver is C$112,200 to C$143,600 per year based on a 40-hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other variable pay or benefits, may be offered dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:

ILM Vancouver

Job Posting Primary Business:

ILM Vancouver

Primary Job Posting Category:

Rigging - Studios

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Vancouver, BC, Canada

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-03-03

What Walt Disney Company employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Walt Disney logo

About Walt Disney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Disney, we're storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world. "We create happiness." That's our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you'll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!

Industry

Amusement, gambling, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burbank, CA, US

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