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Pipeline Td Feature Animation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Facial Character TD (CONTRACT)

OR · On-site +1

$98K/yr

Collaborates with animation, character art, and engineering teams to produce high quality face rigs ... pipelines * Contributes to tools for authoring and editing facial rigs (python/pyqt/pyside) * May ...

$80/hr

Collaborates with animation, character art, and engineering teams to produce high quality face rigs ... pipelines * Contributes to tools for authoring and editing facial rigs (python/pyqt/pyside) * May ...

Collaborates with animation, character art, and engineering teams to produce high quality face rigs ... pipelines * Contributes to tools for authoring and editing facial rigs (python/pyqt/pyside) * May ...

Senior Technical Animator

Las Vegas, NV · On-site +1

$101K - $115K/yr

You'll work closely with artists, designers, and developers to build efficient animation pipelines ... Review game design documentation to understand feature requirements and identify technical ...

... pipeline engineers in new product development designs and workflows. * Develop and deliver ... with feature animation or VFX production preferred. * Experience with technology development ...

... feature-style projects or video game cinematics. * At least 5 years of experience in Maya, MotionBuilder. * Understanding of the animation pipeline and processes involved from concept to ...

Showing results 21-40

Pipeline Td Feature Animation information

See salary details

$44K

$71.6K

$87.5K

How much do pipeline td feature animation jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for pipeline td feature animation in the United States is $71,593.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $76,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pipeline TD feature animation?

Pipeline TDs (Technical Directors) in feature animation are responsible for developing, maintaining, and improving the technical processes and tools that artists use throughout the animation production pipeline. They act as a bridge between artists and software engineers, ensuring that workflows are efficient and that technical problems are resolved quickly. Pipeline TDs often script automation tools, troubleshoot production bottlenecks, and support the integration of different software packages. Their work is crucial in keeping production on schedule and ensuring high-quality output.

How does a pipeline TD feature animation typically collaborate with artists and other technical departments during production?

A Pipeline TD in Feature Animation works closely with artists, supervisors, and other technical teams to ensure that tools and workflows run smoothly throughout the production. They act as a bridge between creative and technical departments, troubleshooting issues, optimizing processes, and implementing software solutions that enable artists to focus on their creative tasks. Daily tasks often include responding to technical support requests, developing new scripts or tools, and facilitating communication to resolve pipeline bottlenecks. This role requires strong collaboration skills, as Pipeline TDs must understand both the artistic goals and technical limitations to support the entire team effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pipeline TD feature animation?

To thrive as a Pipeline TD in Feature Animation, you need a solid background in computer science, scripting (such as Python or MEL), and experience with animation production workflows. Familiarity with industry-standard software like Maya, Houdini, and version control systems, as well as knowledge of asset management tools, is typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills help Pipeline TDs effectively support artists and troubleshoot technical challenges. These abilities are crucial for ensuring efficient production pipelines and seamless integration between creative and technical teams.

What is the difference between Pipeline Td Feature Animation vs Pipeline Artist?

AspectPipeline Td Feature AnimationPipeline Artist
Primary RoleDevelops and manages the technical pipeline for feature animation projectsCreates and executes the artistic pipeline, focusing on animation workflows
Required SkillsTechnical scripting, pipeline development, software integrationAnimation techniques, artistic software proficiency, pipeline implementation
Work EnvironmentVFX/animation studios, collaborative with technical and artistic teamsAnimation studios, working closely with artists and technical staff

The main difference between a Pipeline Td Feature Animation and a Pipeline Artist lies in their focus: the Pipeline Td emphasizes technical pipeline development and integration, while the Pipeline Artist concentrates on creating and optimizing animation workflows. Both roles require knowledge of software tools and collaboration within animation production teams, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Pipeline Td Feature Animation jobs?

For Pipeline Td Feature Animation jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Pipeline Td Feature Animation job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 74% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,593 per year, or $34.4 per hour.

Senior Facial Character TD (CONTRACT)

OR • On-site, Remote

$98K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Author FACS shapes and develop high-fidelity facial rigs for human and non-human characters.

  • Collaborate with animation, character art, and engineering teams to produce high-quality face rigs and support tools.

  • Process and clean 3D or 4D scan data from FACS sessions and contribute to automated tools and workflows.


Job description

This position is for temporary engagement through our staffing partner, Yoh Enterprise Solutions.

Insomniac Games is looking for a new Senior Facial Character TD. In this role, the Senior Facial Character TD is responsible for authoring effective FACS shapes from scratch for human and non-human characters; collaborates in developing rigs to support high-fidelity animated facial performances; participates in facial research & development efforts. Expected to have an expert understanding of FACS and facial anatomy and cutting-edge approaches to facial technology.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

  • Expert level understanding of FACS and facial anatomy for cutting edge application to facial animation technology
  • Expert proficiency in sculpting FACS shapes using deformers and/or sculpting tools for human and non-human characters
  • Expert understanding of facial skeletal and muscle anatomy;
  • Collaborates with animation, character art, and engineering teams to produce high quality face rigs
  • Authors rigging systems to augment or support blendshape-based facial rigs
  • Authors high quality photorealistic facial rigs based on FACS using blendshapes
  • Collaborates with Character Art, Animation, and Engineering teams to deliver the highest quality assets with animator/mocap friendly interfaces that run smoothly in engine 
  • Contributes to automated tools and workflows for runtime optimization
  • Contributes to tools for ingesting 3rd party facial rigs
  • Processes and cleans 3D or 4D scan data from FACS sessions
  • Keeps up with state-of-the-art approaches to facial rigging for photorealistic characters in film and games
  • Has strong understanding of facial shape transfer techniques and ability to implement shape transfer pipelines
  • Contributes to tools for authoring and editing facial rigs (python/pyqt/pyside)
  • May be asked to direct actors through FACS during facial acquisitions
  • May ingest and integrate facial assets from 3rd parties
  • May be expected to maintain relationships and provide feedback to external vendors
  • Other duties may be assigned undefined

Supervisory Responsibilities: This role has no supervisory duties but may mentor other TDs with regard to facial mechanics, rigging, sculpting, or solving techniques.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Computer Skills: Expert-level experience with Maya. Experience sculpting details with ZBrush, Mudbox, or comparable; processing scan data with Wrap 3D/$D or comparable; and with deformation transfer workflows. Preferred experience working with faces for realtime applications (Unity, Unreal or other).

Other Skills: Strong understanding of state-of-the-art approaches to authoring photorealistic faces for film or games; of FACS, how it relates to facial anatomy, and ability to identify primary action units on sight; General understanding of current approaches to facial performance capture & solving; of modern approaches to scanning including 4D scanning. Passion for achieving highest quality detail through iteration and refinement. Ability to think outside the box to achieve more realistic solutions or optimize runtime performance. Passion for collaborating and sharing knowledge across teams.