Maya Rigger Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

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.

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.

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.