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Internship Character Rigger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

COGSWELL COLLEGE LLC

Adjunct Faculty DAA

San Jose, CA · On-site

$3K - $4K/mo

... internships, and practice; instructional management, tutoring; curriculum and course development; and creation of teaching and instructional materials. Classes include: * Character Rigging - emphasis ...

Epoch Games

Lead Animator

Winston Salem, NC · On-site

In this volunteer position you will be working closely with 3D Character Artists and our Riggers to ... This is not an Internship. We are not looking for short-term Interns. We are looking for a ...

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Internship Character Rigger information

See salary details

$11K

$47.8K

$72.5K

How much do internship character rigger jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for internship character rigger in the United States is $47,800.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,000.00 and $55,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Internship Character Rigger, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Character Rigger, you generally need foundational knowledge of 3D animation principles, rigging techniques, and a relevant degree or coursework in animation, game design, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, and scripting languages like Python or MEL is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication make candidates stand out in collaborative production environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for creating functional, expressive character rigs that contribute to efficient and visually appealing animation pipelines.

What types of projects and software will I typically work with as an Internship Character Rigger?

As an Internship Character Rigger, you will usually work on a variety of character and creature rigs for animation projects, such as video games, films, or commercials. Most studios use industry-standard software like Autodesk Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max, and you may also work with scripting languages such as Python or MEL to automate rigging processes. Expect to collaborate closely with animators, modelers, and technical artists to ensure rigs are both functional and user-friendly. This hands-on experience provides valuable exposure to real production pipelines and cross-disciplinary teamwork.

What are Internship Character Riggers?

Internship Character Riggers are entry-level professionals or students who assist in creating and setting up the digital skeletons and control systems that allow 3D characters to move realistically in animations, games, or films. As interns, they work under the supervision of experienced riggers and animators, learning industry-standard tools and techniques such as creating joint structures, skinning, and building animation controls. Their role often involves collaborating with modeling and animation teams to ensure characters deform naturally and can be efficiently animated. This internship provides valuable hands-on experience for those pursuing a career in character rigging or 3D animation.

What is the difference between Internship Character Rigger vs Character Rigger?

AspectInternship Character RiggerCharacter Rigger
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed relevant education in animation, 3D modeling, or related fieldsProfessional experience or portfolio demonstrating rigging skills, often with certifications in 3D software
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, learning-focused, often in animation or game studiosFull-time or freelance roles in animation, gaming, or VFX industries
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by studios for training and talent developmentUsed by studios and companies for production work

The main difference between an Internship Character Rigger and a Character Rigger lies in experience level, responsibilities, and employment status. Internships are entry-level, focused on learning and skill development, while Character Riggers are experienced professionals responsible for creating complex character rigs for production.

More about Internship Character Rigger jobs
What cities are hiring for Internship Character Rigger jobs? Cities with the most Internship Character Rigger job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Character Rigger jobs? The most popular types of Character Rigger jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Internship Character Rigger jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Internship Character Rigger jobs are:
Internship Character Rigger jobs near you
Infographic showing various Internship Character Rigger job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Internship, 57% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 72% In-person, 14% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,800 per year, or $23 per hour.

Adjunct Faculty DAA

COGSWELL COLLEGE LLC

San Jose, CA • On-site

$3K - $4K/mo

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Summary
Transfer knowledge including theory, practical skills, methods, and techniques. Impart practical application of principles, techniques, and software. Other aspects of teaching include; supervision of instructional activities, such as cooperative work experiences, internships, and practice; instructional management, tutoring; curriculum and course development; and creation of teaching and instructional materials.
Classes include:
  • Character Rigging - emphasis on character rigging techniques: joints, surface binding, articulation, forward and inverse kinematics, and hierarchical node structures
  • Storyboarding - principles of Storytelling in a visual medium to pre-visualize animation or live-action film. Topics include scale and camera angle, camera movement, character staging, composition, and basic editing processes
  • 2D Animation, level 2 - Advanced study of facial animation and expression with an introduction to animal characters and animation
  • Modeling - introduction to hard and organic surface modeling
  • Lighting and Layout - lighting, scene composition, blocking
  • Digital Painting - painting textures for shaders and fully realized scenes

Duties and Responsibilities
  • Teach several classes per semester
  • Collaborate with department faculty in curriculum implementation, student support, and continuous program improvement.
  • Ensure curriculum and syllabi are up to date and all classes have relevant materials through program review
  • Maintain regular office hours outside of instructional time
  • Participate in department meetings and student success initiatives
  • Participate in program learning assessment
  • Maintain industry knowledge
  • Other duties and related projects as assigned

Qualifications
Education:
Master's Degree in Related Field OR Bachelor's Degree with equivalent experience. Bachelor's degree is only acceptable with extensive industry experience.
Experience:
  • Experience working with Maya software for animation, modeling, rigging, or lighting of content in animations/films.
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience working at a professional level with practical domain-specific experience.
  • Teaching experience in an academic or professional setting is preferred.

Skills:
  • Ability to work with and help students. Ability and willingness to discern and meet the needs of students.
  • Skilled in storyboarding, digital painting, rigging, modeling and 2D animation
  • Strong computer skills including the ability to collect and analyze information.
  • Competent in a wide variety of tools or techniques related to the pertinent field.
  • Demonstrated excellent communication skills.
  • Ability to establish interpersonal rapport and relate to individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures
  • Ability to work with others in a collegial and productive manner.

EEO Statement
USV is an Equal Employment Opportunity & Americans with Disabilities Act institution. We value diversity, strive for a more unified campus where all people are valued, treated fairly, and possess a sense of belonging. USV encourages minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities to apply.
Working Conditions
This job operates in a professional office environment with extensive people interaction. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and office machines.
Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear and use a telephone. The employee frequently is required to sit for long periods; use hands and reach with hands and arms for such activities as keyboarding.
Benefits
Not Eligible for Benefits

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