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Maya Td Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Duolingo

Creative Technology Manager

Manhattan, NY · On-site

... TD work) with proven people management or leadership experience. • A portfolio or demo reel that ... Maya, Blender, Houdini, or Toon Boom, etc.) • Understanding of game design principles, especially ...

Duolingo

Creative Technology Manager

Manhattan, NY · On-site

... TD work) with proven people management or leadership experience. • A portfolio or demo reel that ... Maya, Blender, Houdini, or Toon Boom, etc.). • Understanding of game design principles ...

Duolingo

Creative Technology Manager

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

... TD work) with proven people management or leadership experience. • A portfolio or demo reel that ... Maya, Blender, Houdini, or Toon Boom, etc.) • Understanding of game design principles, especially ...

Adobe

Staff AI VFX Engineer

San Jose, CA

... TD, or tools development with shipped credits in film, episodic, or AAA gaming. * Deep fluency in production VFX workflows: compositing (Nuke), 3D (Maya/Houdini), rendering, look-dev,previs/postvis ...

Adobe

Staff AI VFX Engineer

Seattle, WA

... TD, or tools development with shipped credits in film, episodic, or AAA gaming. * Deep fluency in production VFX workflows: compositing (Nuke), 3D (Maya/Houdini), rendering, look-dev,previs/postvis ...

Adobe

Staff AI VFX Engineer

San Francisco, CA

... TD, or tools development with shipped credits in film, episodic, or AAA gaming. * Deep fluency in production VFX workflows: compositing (Nuke), 3D (Maya/Houdini), rendering, look-dev,previs/postvis ...

Adobe

Staff AI VFX Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

... TD, or tools development with shipped credits in film, episodic, or AAA gaming. * Deep fluency in production VFX workflows: compositing (Nuke), 3D (Maya/Houdini), rendering, look-dev,previs/postvis ...

Adobe, Inc.

Staff AI VFX Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

... TD, or tools development with shipped credits in film, episodic, or AAA gaming. * Deep fluency in production VFX workflows: compositing (Nuke), 3D (Maya/Houdini), rendering, look-dev, previs/postvis ...

Duolingo

Creative Technology Manager

Pittsburgh, PA

... TD work) with proven people management or leadership experience. * A portfolio or demo reel that ... A strong motion and design sensibility across 3D or 2D animation pipelines (Maya, Blender, Houdini ...

Duolingo

Creative Technology Manager

New York, NY · On-site

... TD work) with proven people management or leadership experience. * A portfolio or demo reel that ... A strong motion and design sensibility across 3D or 2D animation pipelines (Maya, Blender, Houdini ...

Duolingo

Creative Technology Manager

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$182K - $247K/yr

... TD work) with proven people management or leadership experience. * A portfolio or demo reel that ... A strong motion and design sensibility across 3D or 2D animation pipelines (Maya, Blender, Houdini ...

Duolingo

Creative Technology Manager

New York, NY · On-site

$182K - $247K/yr

... TD work) with proven people management or leadership experience. * A portfolio or demo reel that ... A strong motion and design sensibility across 3D or 2D animation pipelines (Maya, Blender, Houdini ...

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Maya Td information

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How much do maya td jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for maya td in the United States is $69,653.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $83,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Maya TDs?

Maya TDs, or Maya Technical Directors, are specialists in using Autodesk Maya to support animation, visual effects, or game development projects. Their responsibilities often include creating and maintaining rigs, developing custom tools and scripts, troubleshooting technical issues, and optimizing workflows within Maya. Maya TDs bridge the gap between artistic and technical teams, ensuring that artists have the tools they need to create high-quality work efficiently. They often possess strong programming skills, typically in Python or MEL, alongside deep knowledge of Maya's features and pipeline integration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Maya TD, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Maya TD (Technical Director), you need strong skills in 3D modeling, scripting (such as Python or MEL), and a solid understanding of animation pipelines, often supported by a relevant degree in computer graphics or animation. Familiarity with Autodesk Maya, version control systems, and rendering engines like Arnold or V-Ray is typically required. Problem-solving, communication, and the ability to collaborate across departments are crucial soft skills that set exceptional Maya TDs apart. These competencies ensure efficient workflow automation, technical support for artists, and the seamless integration of assets throughout production.

What is the difference between Maya Td vs Maya Modeler?

AspectMaya TdMaya Modeler
Primary RoleTechnical Director focusing on rigging, scripting, and technical workflows3D modeling and asset creation
Required SkillsRigging, scripting, technical problem-solvingModeling, texturing, UV mapping
Work EnvironmentVFX, animation studios, game developmentVFX, animation, game studios
CertificationsOften requires Maya certifications, scripting knowledgeOften requires Maya certifications, modeling skills

While Maya TDs focus on rigging, scripting, and technical workflows, Maya Modelers specialize in creating 3D models and assets. Both roles often work in similar environments like VFX and animation studios and may require similar certifications, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

What are some common challenges Maya TDs face when collaborating with animators and modelers on a production team?

Maya Technical Directors (TDs) often encounter challenges in ensuring seamless integration between the creative needs of animators and the technical requirements of the pipeline. One frequent challenge is troubleshooting compatibility issues when custom rigs or tools behave differently across departments. TDs must communicate closely with both animators and modelers to address feedback quickly and maintain workflow efficiency. Additionally, balancing the demand for high-quality visuals with the need for optimized assets can require creative problem-solving and adaptability.
Infographic showing various Maya Td job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 13% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,653 per year, or $33.5 per hour.
Creature Technical Director (Project Hire) - ILM San Francisco

Creature Technical Director (Project Hire) - ILM San Francisco

The Walt Disney Company

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$90K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Walt Disney Company rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 124 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 47 rated entertainment

Job description

Job Posting Title:

Creature Technical Director (Project Hire) - ILM San Francisco

Req ID:

10135051

Job Description:

The Creature Technical Director rigs and envelops characters from heroes to background creatures, vehicles and props in Maya. The Creature Technical Director is able to wrangle rigging and creature pipeline issues proficiently under the direction and guidance of their supervisors; and has the ability to run flesh-surface, hair, rigid sim, crowd, and/or cloth simulations.

What You'll Do

  • Provide rigging and enveloping in Maya for various vehicles, characters, and creatures

  • Run cloth, hair, rigid body, crowd, or muscle simulations

  • Troubleshoot creature pipeline issues for artists in other disciplines

  • Script utilities/tools/plug-ins in Maya

  • Participate in reviews, dailies, and department meetings as required

  • Mentor entry level artists

  • Special projects as necessary

What We're Looking For

  • 3 years relevant professional experience and a diploma in computer graphics, fine arts, design, or photography, or related field; OR 5 years of relevant experience in lieu of education

  • Experience as Maya rigger for assets in digital animation, visual effects, games, commercials

  • Experience running simulation shotwork

  • Experience in corrective sculpting

  • Knowledge of anatomy and enveloping

  • Positive attitude and team player

  • Good communication skills

  • Nice to have:

    • Experience with Massive or Houdini crowd software

    • C++

    • Basic proficiency in another discipline - modeling, texture, TD, animation

    • Proficiency with Linux

    • Expertise with Maya

    • Experience with python scripting

JoinILM

The hiring range for this position in San Francisco, CA is $90,400 to $118,700 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:

Character Simulations - Studios, Rigging - Studios

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

San Francisco, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2025-10-21

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

Social media

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