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Maya Rigger Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Technical Artist

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$139K - $166K/yr

Maya Rigging experience * Shader programming experience * Scripting skills with MEL, Python, C#, Javascript and C++ Additional Information All your information will be kept confidential according to ...

Technical Artist

Manhattan, NY

$139K - $166K/yr

Maya Rigging experience * Shader programming experience * Scripting skills with MEL, Python, C#, Javascript and C++ Additional Information All your information will be kept confidential according to ...

Familiarity with Maya rigging/skinning Nice to Haves: * A passionate Gamer * A Sky Player * Human Anatomy & Animal Anatomy knowledge * Understanding of clothing construction and real-world materials

Excellent knowledge of Maya. Houdini is a plus. * Solid asset building skills, including modeling and texturing and some rigging. * Ability to develop, execute, light, render and test comp FX.

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 ...

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Maya Rigger information

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How much do maya rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for maya rigger in the United States is $26.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.08 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical collaboration dynamics for a Maya Rigger within a production team?

Maya Riggers often work closely with modelers, animators, and technical directors to ensure characters and assets are ready for animation. You may regularly attend review meetings, troubleshoot rigging issues based on feedback, and adjust rigs to fit the creative needs of animators. This role requires strong communication skills and a willingness to iterate on your work based on collaborative input. Being able to understand both artistic and technical requirements allows Maya Riggers to be a vital link in the production pipeline and ensures a seamless workflow.

What does a Maya Rigger do?

A Maya Rigger is responsible for creating the skeletal structures and controls that allow 3D characters, creatures, and objects to move realistically in animation and games. They build rigs with joints, deformers, and constraints to ensure smooth motion and animator-friendly controls. Maya Riggers often work closely with modelers and animators to ensure that rigs function properly and meet production needs. Strong knowledge of anatomy, weight painting, and scripting (such as MEL or Python) is essential for efficiency and flexibility in rigging workflows.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Maya Rigger?

To thrive as a Maya Rigger, you need a deep understanding of 3D rigging principles, anatomy, and strong proficiency in Autodesk Maya, often supported by a degree in animation or related field. Experience with tools like Autodesk Maya, scripting languages such as Python or MEL, and familiarity with version control systems is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving skills, communication, and the ability to collaborate with animators and modelers help set candidates apart. These skills are essential for creating efficient and flexible rigs that support smooth animation workflows and production timelines.

What cities are hiring for Maya Rigger jobs? Cities with the most Maya Rigger job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Maya Rigger jobs? The most popular types of Maya Rigger jobs are:
What states have the most Maya Rigger jobs? States with the most job openings for Maya Rigger jobs include:
Infographic showing various Maya Rigger job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,114 per year, or $26 per hour.

Creature Technical Director (Character Technical Artist / Rigger) - Expression of Interest - ILM ...

The Walt Disney Company

San Francisco, CA

$94K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 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 51 rated entertainment


Job description

Job Posting Title:

Creature Technical Director (Character Technical Artist / Rigger) - Expression of Interest - ILM San Francisco (Project Hire)

Req ID:

10156277

Job Description:

Position Summary

We are looking for a creative problem solver who reflects the innovative spirit, creative talent, production excellence, collaborative mindset and passion for great storytelling that defines ILM Immersive.

Creature Technical Directors design and build animation setups and systems, and partner with Modelers, Animators, Designers, and Engineers to bring our characters to life.

What You'll Do
  • Design, build and test advanced animation rigs, setups, systems and workflows for a variety of ultra high-end characters, creatures, vehicles and props via Maya, Unreal and ILM's proprietary toolsets.

  • Assist in development & maintenance of systems and workflows for animating and rigging characters which expedite our character setup and animation process, as well as writing scripts to facilitate art production when required.

  • Up to date on the industry standard tools and systems (in Unreal Engine, Maya, etc.) and constantly curious about promising new techniques for skeletons, facial animation methodologies, and constraints used for character animation.

  • Develop familiarity of proprietary toolsets & workflows in the ILM pipeline, integrating as necessary with established best-practices for real-time production workflow, adapting and evolving to solve problems within that hybrid framework. This position calls for an individual who enjoys the difficulty of solving problems, with a keen attention to detail and sense of anticipation.

  • Consult in development of breakdowns, task lists, estimates, schedules, milestones and overall project goals as necessary; participate in project stand-ups, meetings, and reviews.

  • Actively participate in concept testing of new ideas and building of rapid prototypes.

What We're Looking For
  • 3+ years experience as a Character TD, Technical Artist-Rigger or Technical Animator role for AAA game development, directly supporting the production with rigging, scripting & tool development.

  • 2+ years production experience with Maya, Maya API.

  • Excellent working knowledge of scripting - Maya Python/PyMEL, C++ API, and PySide/PyQt GUI design experience.

  • Knowledgeable of the real-time art production pipeline & process for different types of asset creation - especially of potential pitfalls and other risks involved with movement mechanics & deformation.

  • Strong grasp of basic animation principles, clear understanding of anatomy, kinematics & deformation.

  • Extensive experience with integration of performance capture animation for both body & face.

  • Experience with run-time, blend-tree based animation systems. Unreal and Maya experience preferred.

  • Bonus points for:

    • Deep knowledge of Unreal Animation features & toolsets: blueprints, component anims, physics-based anims, Sequencer, Control Rig

    • Experience with cloth, hair, fracturing and rigid simulations

    • Working knowledge of Linux, Perforce, Linear Algebra

    • VFX production experience

    • Experience or interest in the creation of VR & MR experiences

* A portfolio / reel submission - including a detailed breakdown of your work in each section - is required with all applications.
JoinILM

The hiring range for this position in San Francisco is $94,100 to $120,400 per year. 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 bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:

ILM San Francisco

Job Posting Primary Business:

ILM San Francisco

Primary Job Posting Category:

Modeling - Studios

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

San Francisco, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-07-16

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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