Strong knowledge of Maya character rigging. * 3+ years' experience working as a technical animator on shipped titles. * Solid understanding of object oriented code design in languages such as python ...
Strong knowledge of Maya character rigging. * 3+ years' experience working as a technical animator on shipped titles. * Solid understanding of object oriented code design in languages such as python ...
Strong knowledge of Maya character rigging. 3+ years' experience working as a technical animator on shipped titles Solid understanding of object oriented code design in languages such as python and ...
Strong knowledge of Maya character rigging. 3+ years' experience working as a technical animator on shipped titles Solid understanding of object oriented code design in languages such as python and ...
Account Manager
Burlingame, CA · On-site
Strong knowledge of Maya character rigging. 3+ years' experience working as a technical animator on shipped titles Solid understanding of object oriented code design in languages such as python and ...
Account Manager
Burlingame, CA · On-site
Strong knowledge of Maya character rigging. 3+ years' experience working as a technical animator on shipped titles Solid understanding of object oriented code design in languages such as python and ...
Creature Technical Director (Character Technical Artist / Rigger) - Expression of Interest - ILM ...
$94K - $120K/yr
Creature Technical Director (Character Technical Artist / Rigger) - Expression of Interest - ILM ... Up to date on the industry standard tools and systems (in Unreal Engine, Maya, etc.) and constantly ...
Creature Technical Director (Character Technical Artist / Rigger) - Expression of Interest - ILM ...
$94K - $120K/yr
Creature Technical Director (Character Technical Artist / Rigger) - Expression of Interest - ILM ... Up to date on the industry standard tools and systems (in Unreal Engine, Maya, etc.) and constantly ...
Character Technical Artist
Santa Monica, CA · On-site
$130K - $165K/yr
Support and maintain character pipelines spanning modeling, rigging, skinning, deformation, and ... Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Maya and familiarity with Motion Builder, ZBrush ...
Character Technical Artist
Santa Monica, CA · On-site
$130K - $165K/yr
Support and maintain character pipelines spanning modeling, rigging, skinning, deformation, and ... Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Maya and familiarity with Motion Builder, ZBrush ...
3D Character Artist (Mid-Senior)
Los Angeles, CA · Remote
$81K - $114K/yr
3D Character Artist (Mid-Senior) thatgamecompany is looking for a Mid-Senior 3D Character Artist to ... Familiarity with Maya rigging/skinning Nice to Haves: * A passionate Gamer * A Sky Player * Human ...
Quick apply
3D Character Artist (Mid-Senior)
Los Angeles, CA · Remote
$81K - $114K/yr
3D Character Artist (Mid-Senior) thatgamecompany is looking for a Mid-Senior 3D Character Artist to ... Familiarity with Maya rigging/skinning Nice to Haves: * A passionate Gamer * A Sky Player * Human ...
3D Character Artist (Mid-Senior)
$81K - $114K/yr
3D Character Artist (Mid-Senior) thatgamecompany is looking for a Mid-Senior 3D Character Artist to ... Familiarity with Maya rigging/skinning Nice to Haves: * A passionate Gamer * A Sky Player * Human ...
3D Character Artist (Mid-Senior)
$81K - $114K/yr
3D Character Artist (Mid-Senior) thatgamecompany is looking for a Mid-Senior 3D Character Artist to ... Familiarity with Maya rigging/skinning Nice to Haves: * A passionate Gamer * A Sky Player * Human ...
Adjunct Instructor-Digital Animation
Lincroft, NJ · On-site
$985/wk
ZBrush DIGM 221 - Maya III: Rendering DIGM 222 - Maya IV: Advanced Modeling and Character Rigging DIGM 235 - Previsualization and Career Development DIGM 298 - Design and Production Capstone GAME 105 ...
Adjunct Instructor-Digital Animation
Lincroft, NJ · On-site
$985/wk
ZBrush DIGM 221 - Maya III: Rendering DIGM 222 - Maya IV: Advanced Modeling and Character Rigging DIGM 235 - Previsualization and Career Development DIGM 298 - Design and Production Capstone GAME 105 ...
ZBrush DIGM 221 - Maya III: Rendering DIGM 222 - Maya IV: Advanced Modeling and Character Rigging DIGM 235 - Previsualization and Career Development DIGM 298 - Design and Production Capstone GAME 105 ...
ZBrush DIGM 221 - Maya III: Rendering DIGM 222 - Maya IV: Advanced Modeling and Character Rigging DIGM 235 - Previsualization and Career Development DIGM 298 - Design and Production Capstone GAME 105 ...
... Maya, and the ability to work within real-time constraints while maintaining high creative ... Skilled in modeling and rigging is a plus
... Maya, and the ability to work within real-time constraints while maintaining high creative ... Skilled in modeling and rigging is a plus
3D Character Artist - Talent Pool (N Americas)
Charleston, SC · Remote
$123K - $130K/yr
Ensure proper topology, rigging, and skinning for characters to meet animation and gameplay ... Proficiency with ZBrush, Maya, 3ds Max, Substance Painter, Photoshop, and other industry-standard ...
Quick apply
3D Character Artist - Talent Pool (N Americas)
Charleston, SC · Remote
$123K - $130K/yr
Ensure proper topology, rigging, and skinning for characters to meet animation and gameplay ... Proficiency with ZBrush, Maya, 3ds Max, Substance Painter, Photoshop, and other industry-standard ...
Ensure proper topology, rigging, and skinning for characters to meet animation and gameplay ... Proficiency with ZBrush, Maya, 3ds Max, Substance Painter, Photoshop, and other industry-standard ...
Ensure proper topology, rigging, and skinning for characters to meet animation and gameplay ... Proficiency with ZBrush, Maya, 3ds Max, Substance Painter, Photoshop, and other industry-standard ...
3D Character Artist - Talent Pool (N Americas)
$123K - $130K/yr
Ensure proper topology, rigging, and skinning for characters to meet animation and gameplay ... Proficiency with ZBrush, Maya, 3ds Max, Substance Painter, Photoshop, and other industry-standard ...
3D Character Artist - Talent Pool (N Americas)
$123K - $130K/yr
Ensure proper topology, rigging, and skinning for characters to meet animation and gameplay ... Proficiency with ZBrush, Maya, 3ds Max, Substance Painter, Photoshop, and other industry-standard ...
3D Character Artist - Talent Pool (N Americas)
$113K - $118K/yr
Ensure proper topology, rigging, and skinning for characters to meet animation and gameplay ... Proficiency with ZBrush, Maya, 3ds Max, Substance Painter, Photoshop, and other industry-standard ...
3D Character Artist - Talent Pool (N Americas)
$113K - $118K/yr
Ensure proper topology, rigging, and skinning for characters to meet animation and gameplay ... Proficiency with ZBrush, Maya, 3ds Max, Substance Painter, Photoshop, and other industry-standard ...
3D Character Artist - Talent Pool (N Americas)
Fort Lauderdale, FL · Remote
$123K - $130K/yr
Ensure proper topology, rigging, and skinning for characters to meet animation and gameplay ... Proficiency with ZBrush, Maya, 3ds Max, Substance Painter, Photoshop, and other industry-standard ...
Quick apply
3D Character Artist - Talent Pool (N Americas)
Fort Lauderdale, FL · Remote
$123K - $130K/yr
Ensure proper topology, rigging, and skinning for characters to meet animation and gameplay ... Proficiency with ZBrush, Maya, 3ds Max, Substance Painter, Photoshop, and other industry-standard ...
Technical Artist, Character
Raleigh, NC · On-site
$123K - $147K/yr
Expert-level Maya skills - rigging, skinning, deformers, and Python/MEL scripting * HLSL shader authoring experience focused on skin, hair, and other character materials * Deep understanding of PBR ...
Technical Artist, Character
Raleigh, NC · On-site
$123K - $147K/yr
Expert-level Maya skills - rigging, skinning, deformers, and Python/MEL scripting * HLSL shader authoring experience focused on skin, hair, and other character materials * Deep understanding of PBR ...
Technical Artist, Character
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$90K - $110K/yr
Expert-level Maya skills - rigging, skinning, deformers, and Python/MEL scripting * HLSL shader authoring experience focused on skin, hair, and other character materials * Deep understanding of PBR ...
Technical Artist, Character
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$90K - $110K/yr
Expert-level Maya skills - rigging, skinning, deformers, and Python/MEL scripting * HLSL shader authoring experience focused on skin, hair, and other character materials * Deep understanding of PBR ...
Tutor and Teaching Assistant
San Jose, CA · On-site
$18.45 - $25/hr
Character Rigging, Environmental Art, Modeling, Level Design for Single Player Games, Senior Game ... Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Maya, Blender, Unreal Engine, Unity, Substance, or ...
Tutor and Teaching Assistant
San Jose, CA · On-site
$18.45 - $25/hr
Character Rigging, Environmental Art, Modeling, Level Design for Single Player Games, Senior Game ... Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Maya, Blender, Unreal Engine, Unity, Substance, or ...
Tutor and Teaching Assistant
San Jose, CA · On-site
$18.45 - $25/hr
Character Rigging, Environmental Art, Modeling, Level Design for Single Player Games, Senior Game ... Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Maya, Blender, Unreal Engine, Unity, Substance, or ...
Tutor and Teaching Assistant
San Jose, CA · On-site
$18.45 - $25/hr
Character Rigging, Environmental Art, Modeling, Level Design for Single Player Games, Senior Game ... Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Maya, Blender, Unreal Engine, Unity, Substance, or ...
Adjunct Faculty DAA
San Jose, CA · On-site
$3.0K - $4.5K/mo
Character Rigging - emphasis on character rigging techniques: joints, surface binding, articulation ... Experience working with Maya software for animation, modeling, rigging, or lighting of content in ...
Adjunct Faculty DAA
San Jose, CA · On-site
$3.0K - $4.5K/mo
Character Rigging - emphasis on character rigging techniques: joints, surface binding, articulation ... Experience working with Maya software for animation, modeling, rigging, or lighting of content in ...
Maya Character Rigger information
See salary details
$14.18 - $16.22
1% of jobs
$16.22 - $18.25
6% of jobs
$18.25 - $20.28
5% of jobs
$20.28 - $22.31
6% of jobs
$23.09 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$22.31 - $24.34
16% of jobs
The median wage is $25.57 / hr.
$24.34 - $26.38
25% of jobs
$26.38 - $28.41
14% of jobs
$28.83 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$28.41 - $30.44
6% of jobs
$30.44 - $32.47
16% of jobs
$32.47 - $34.51
3% of jobs
$34.51 - $36.54
1% of jobs
$14
$26
$36
How much do maya character rigger jobs pay per hour?
What are some common challenges faced by Maya character riggers, and how can I prepare for them?
Maya Character Riggers often encounter challenges such as creating complex rigs that allow for natural movement while maintaining ease of use for animators and meeting tight production deadlines. Working with diverse character models and troubleshooting deformation issues can also require both technical expertise and creative problem-solving. To prepare, it's helpful to build a strong foundation in anatomy and rigging techniques, stay current with the latest Maya tools and scripting, and develop good communication skills for collaborating with animators, modelers, and technical directors. Actively seeking feedback and practicing on personal or open-source projects can also help you adapt to the varied needs of professional production pipelines.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Maya character rigger?
To thrive as a Maya Character Rigger, you need a strong background in 3D rigging, anatomy, and deformation techniques, typically supported by experience with Autodesk Maya and a related degree or training in animation or computer graphics. Expertise in Maya’s rigging tools, scripting languages like MEL or Python, and familiarity with pipeline integration are highly valued. Problem-solving, creativity, and strong communication skills help you collaborate effectively with animators and modelers. These abilities enable the creation of reliable, flexible rigs that ensure high-quality character animation in fast-paced production environments.
What is a Maya character rigger?
A Maya Character Rigger is responsible for creating the skeletal structures, control rigs, and deformations that allow 3D characters to move naturally in animations, films, and games. They work closely with modelers and animators to ensure characters are both functional and expressive. This involves setting up joints, skinning, and developing custom rigging tools using MEL or Python. A rigger must have a strong understanding of anatomy, mechanics, and technical problem-solving. Their work ensures that characters can perform complex movements while maintaining believable deformations.

Full-time
Re-posted 6 days ago
Job description
High Moon Studios is seeking a talented and self-directed Technical Animator who can join for a 12-month temporary assignment. The candidate must be passionate about making great games, and must be a strong problem-solver and effective communicator.
Responsibilities:
- Creation of prototype and production animation content.
- Work with the animation lead on tool, system and game play prototypes.
- Collaborate with the Tech Art Team in the development tools that support the animation pipeline.
- Collaborate with Design, Engineering in the development of in-game animation systems.
- Troubleshoot and consistently present solutions to technical issues related to animations.
- Roll out production ready rigs/tools/ systems to the animation team.
- Provide desk side support for the animation team - helping to resolve technical issues.
- Meets project deadlines / milestones, as set by Project Leads.
Requirements:
- Exceptional communication and organizational skills.
- Must have the desire to create great games.
- Understanding of animation principals which can be clearly displayed in your demo reel.
- Thorough knowledge of Maya and other animation software.
- Strong knowledge of Maya character rigging.
- 3+ years’ experience working as a technical animator on shipped titles.
- Solid understanding of object oriented code design in languages such as python and C#.
- Experience working with game engine animation systems.
- Good knowledge of Motion Capture techniques.
Bonus Qualifications:
- Solid understanding of human and animal anatomy.
- Scripting in MEL.
About Us
World class games start with world class talent! This is a unique time in Activision’s history – and one of the most exciting opportunities to join us! Activision Blizzard, headquartered in Santa Monica, CA, is the premier worldwide publisher of interactive entertainment software like Call of Duty, Destiny and the Blizzard Entertainment Franchises.
High Moon Studios
Founded in 2002, High Moon Studios is an award-winning studio that’s developed for blockbuster franchises like Call of Duty and Transformers. We are 100 people strong, located in the always-sunny beachside city of Carlsbad, California.
Our goal is simple: make game experiences that kick ass and blow minds. High Moon Studios is led by award winning veterans and a crack production staff that have over 200 years of combined development experience. We work hard. We play hard. It’s time to add world class talent as we partner with Bungie to work on their ground-breaking Destiny Franchise.