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Per Diem Character Rigging Jobs in Pasadena, CA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Labor Coordinator

Cerritos, CA · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

... and rigging productions, supporting the LA-based revenue team at venues nationwide. This is a ... Coordinate travel, lodging, per diem, and ground logistics for crews across all four 3G markets ...

Senior Labor Coordinator

Cerritos, CA · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

... and rigging productions, supporting the LA-based revenue team at venues nationwide. This is a ... Coordinate travel, lodging, per diem, and ground logistics for crews across all four 3G markets ...

Roblox 3D Artist

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

$30 - $45/hr

Knowledge of avatar rigging or custom character controllers in Roblox * Prior experience creating ... Understanding of additional engines like Unity or Unreal Benefits $30 - $45 per hour EEO Statement ...

Roblox 3D Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$30 - $45/hr

Knowledge of avatar rigging or custom character controllers in Roblox * Prior experience creating ... Understanding of additional engines like Unity or Unreal Benefits $30 - $45 per hour EEO Statement ...

Roblox 3D Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Knowledge of avatar rigging or custom character controllers in Roblox * Prior experience creating ... Understanding of additional engines like Unity or Unreal Benefits $30 - $45 per hour EEO Statement ...

Per Diem Character Rigging information

See Pasadena, CA salary details

$15

$28

$39

How much do per diem character rigging jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for per diem character rigging in Pasadena, CA is $28.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.19 and $32.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a per diem character rigger?

A Per Diem Character Rigger is a professional who is hired on a day-to-day basis to create and set up digital skeletons and control systems for 3D characters in animation, film, or video games. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that characters can move realistically and efficiently by constructing rigs that animators can use. Per diem means they work as needed, often on short-term contracts, providing flexibility for both the studio and the artist. This role requires strong technical skills in rigging software and a good understanding of anatomy and animation principles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a per diem character rigger?

To thrive as a Per Diem Character Rigging Artist, you need a solid understanding of anatomy, kinematics, and 3D modeling, often supported by experience in animation or visual effects. Proficiency with industry-standard software like Autodesk Maya, Blender, or Houdini, along with scripting languages such as Python or MEL, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help ensure seamless collaboration with animators and other team members. These skills are crucial for creating flexible, functional rigs that enable realistic character movement and efficient production workflows.

How does a per diem character rigger typically collaborate with animation and modeling teams on a project?

As a per diem character rigger, you'll often work closely with both animators and modelers to ensure the characters' rigs are functional and meet the project's needs. Communication is key, as you'll need to interpret feedback from animators regarding movement and flexibility, while also coordinating with modelers to address technical requirements or geometry adjustments. Since the role is per diem, you'll be expected to adapt quickly to different pipelines and possibly juggle multiple short-term assignments, making teamwork and flexibility crucial for success.

What is the difference between Per Diem Character Rigging vs Per Diem Animation Artist?

AspectPer Diem Character RiggingPer Diem Animation Artist
CredentialsKnowledge of rigging software, 3D modeling, and anatomyProficiency in animation software, storytelling, and timing
Work EnvironmentStudio or remote, focused on rigging characters for animationStudio or remote, focused on creating animated sequences
Industry UsageUsed in game development, film, and VFX for character setupUsed in film, TV, and game projects for bringing characters to life

Per Diem Character Rigging involves preparing and setting up 3D character models for animation, requiring technical rigging skills. Per Diem Animation Artists focus on creating movement and performance in animations. Both roles are essential in the production pipeline but differ in their core responsibilities and skill sets.

What are popular job titles related to Per Diem Character Rigging jobs in Pasadena, CA?

For Per Diem Character Rigging jobs in Pasadena, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Per Diem Character Rigging jobs in Pasadena, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Per Diem Character Rigging jobs in Pasadena, CA are:

What cities near Pasadena, CA are hiring for Per Diem Character Rigging jobs?

Cities near Pasadena, CA with the most Per Diem Character Rigging job openings:

DreamWorks Feature - Character Effects Artist

Glendale, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Company Description

DreamWorks Animation is looking for more adventurous dreamers who shoot for the moon. We tell stories about the journeys our unconventional heroes take to make dreams come true. As a growth-minded studio, we pride ourselves on being one of the world's leading producers of high-quality, award-winning, animated films and series, reaching consumers around the globe. We push to feel more, laugh more, and build immersive new worlds.

DreamWorks creates a diverse array of original content in a variety of formats, delivering compelling stories with unique characters. We place tremendous value on the experiences our talent offers from their own non-traditional paths to success. We believe in frequent communication and that transparency and trust yield the best work. We are a community of artists, technologists, innovators, and creators, who are passionate about animation and also happen to love eating lunch together.

The Character Effects department and CFX Artists at DreamWorks Animation are responsible for both the set up and shot simulation of cloth, fur, hair, foliage, feathers, props, and other simulations as necessary on various projects.

If you are part of the fandom and believe teamwork makes the dream work, join us in #livingthedream and #doingyourdreamwork!

Job Description

"What would you say you do here?"

  • Designs and crafts character effects such as cloth and fur simulations.

  • Develops generalized tools, used in Character FX, to help improve the pipeline.

  • Creates cloth and hair simulations, prop animation and animation cleanup for shot work in production.

  • Creatively solve problems and achieve art direction for a shot.

  • Troubleshoot and solve problems independently.

  • Demonstrate artistic vision and appropriately expand upon the art direction given.

  • Technical Animation for shots in production.

  • Cloth and Fur simulations.

  • Deformations, procedural modeling and animation.

Qualifications

"What do I need to have in order to do this job?"

  • Excellent eye for motion and solid understanding of animation principles.

  • Solid understanding of software such as Maya and Houdini.

  • Scripting proficiency in Mel and Python.

  • Good problem-solving abilities.

  • Strong communication skills.

  • Ability to handle and resolve recurring problems.

  • Ability to prioritize, work independently or within a group, and proceed with objectives without supervision. 

  • Interested candidate must submit a resume/CV through www.nbcunicareers.com to be considered

  • Upon request provide a reel/portfolio of work examples -- if available, include a web address when you submit your resume.

Desired Qualifications: "What can I offer?"

  • Exposure to rigging tools and surface modeling techniques preferred.

  • Dynamic simulation background preferred.

  • Production experience preferred.

Hybrid: This position has been designated as hybrid, generally contributing from the office a minimum of four days per week.

Salary range: $89,752 - $130,000

Additional Information

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, or arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, where applicable.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to [email protected].