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Locum 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 ...

NJI Media LLC

Motion Graphic Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

... rigging, and beyond. * Design for the Moment: Produce fast-turnaround graphics for the occasional ... We don't need a fine artist, but we love a creator who can draw. * A social first mindset: You ...

NJI Media LLC

Motion Graphic Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

... rigging, and beyond. * Design for the Moment: Produce fast-turnaround graphics for the occasional ... We don't need a fine artist, but we love a creator who can draw. * A social first mindset: You ...

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All JobsLocum 3D Rigging Artist JobsLocum 3D Rigging Artist Jobs in Reston, VA

Locum 3D Rigging Artist information

See Reston, VA salary details

$20

$41

$71

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

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for locum 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 Locum 3D Rigging Artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Locum 3D Rigging Artist, you need expertise in anatomy, character rigging, and deformation principles, usually demonstrated by a degree in animation, computer graphics, or related experience. Proficiency in 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 help you collaborate with animators and modelers to deliver flexible, high-quality rigs. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient workflow, well-animated characters, and seamless integration with production teams.

What are the typical challenges a Locum 3D Rigging Artist might face when joining a new project mid-production?

As a Locum 3D Rigging Artist stepping into an ongoing project, you may encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to existing workflows, understanding proprietary rigging systems, and aligning with the animation team's preferences. There may be a need to rapidly familiarize yourself with the project's style guides and technical requirements. Effective communication with animators, modelers, and technical directors is crucial to ensure your rigs integrate smoothly and support the desired character performances.

What is a Locum 3D Rigging Artist?

A Locum 3D Rigging Artist is a temporary or freelance professional who specializes in creating digital skeletons and controls for 3D models, allowing them to move realistically in animation and visual effects projects. They are often brought in to assist with intensive projects or to cover staff absences. Their work is essential in preparing characters, creatures, or objects for animation by building rigs that animators can use to create lifelike movements. Locum rigging artists need strong technical and artistic skills to ensure seamless integration with animation pipelines. They may work in industries such as film, television, video games, or advertising.

What is the difference between Locum 3D Rigging Artist vs 3D Rigging Artist?

AspectLocum 3D Rigging Artist3D Rigging Artist
CredentialsTypically requires a portfolio, relevant 3D rigging certifications, and industry experienceSame as locum, often with additional specialization or full-time experience
Work EnvironmentContract-based, temporary positions often on a project basisFull-time or freelance roles within studios or production companies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by studios needing short-term expertise or filling gaps between staffEmployers seeking ongoing or project-specific rigging work

The main difference is that a Locum 3D Rigging Artist works on temporary, contract basis to fill short-term needs, while a 3D Rigging Artist may work full-time or freelance on ongoing projects. Both roles require similar skills and credentials, but the locum position offers more flexibility and short-term engagement.

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:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Locum 3D Rigging Artist jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Locum 3D Rigging Artist job openings:
Locum 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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