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Remote 3D Rigging Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Remote 3D Rigging information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$16

$29

$41

How much do remote 3d rigging jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote 3d rigging in Seattle, WA is $29.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.25 and $33.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Remote 3D Rigging Artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote 3D Rigging Artist, you need a solid understanding of anatomy, kinematics, and 3D modeling principles, typically supported by a degree in animation, computer graphics, or a related field. Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, and knowledge of scripting languages like Python or MEL are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective remote communication set top candidates apart. These skills ensure that rigs are technically sound, animation-ready, and integrate smoothly into collaborative production pipelines.

What are some common challenges faced when working as a remote 3D rigging artist, and how can they be addressed?

One common challenge for remote 3D rigging artists is ensuring seamless collaboration with animators and modelers despite not being physically present. Communication gaps can sometimes lead to misunderstandings about rig requirements or project feedback. To address this, it's helpful to establish regular check-ins, use version control software, and maintain clear documentation. Additionally, sharing screen recordings or annotated rigs can enhance clarity and efficiency, making remote teamwork more effective.

What is remote 3D rigging?

Remote 3D rigging is the process of creating and setting up digital skeletons (rigs) for 3D models, such as characters or objects, from a remote location. Rigging involves making models move naturally by adding bones, joints, and control handles that animators use to create realistic motion. Remote 3D riggers typically collaborate with animation and modeling teams online, using tools like Autodesk Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max. This allows studios and clients to work with talented riggers regardless of their geographic location.

What is the difference between Remote 3D Rigging vs Remote 3D Character Animation?

AspectRemote 3D RiggingRemote 3D Character Animation
CredentialsKnowledge of rigging software, 3D modeling, and anatomySkills in animation software, acting, and timing
Work EnvironmentCollaborative with rigging artists and modelersCollaborative with animators and directors
Industry UsageUsed in game development, film, and VFX for creating rigsUsed in film, games, and advertising for bringing characters to life

Remote 3D Rigging focuses on creating the skeletal structures and controls for 3D models, enabling animation. Remote 3D Character Animation involves bringing those models to life through movement and performance. While both roles require 3D software skills, rigging emphasizes technical setup, whereas animation emphasizes performance and timing.

What are popular job titles related to Remote 3D Rigging jobs in Seattle, WA? For Remote 3D Rigging jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Remote 3D Rigging jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Remote 3D Rigging jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Remote 3D Rigging jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Remote 3D Rigging job openings:
Technical Animator - Remote or On Site

Technical Animator - Remote or On Site

Studio Wildcard

Redmond, WA • Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Salary: $50,000 - $70,000

About Studio Wildcard

We're Studio Wildcard, developers of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved -- one of the most popular and original video games in recent years. Despite our massive success, we've been able to stay independent, so that we can steer our own future in games and beyond. There's never been a better time for you to join this adventure and help us buildARK Survival Ascended, the next chapter of our original hit franchise! We're expanding and updating many of the ARK community's most beloved features while taking full advantage of the latest tools and technologies.

And now we're searching for an exceptionally talented and passionate Technical Artist who can create high-impact work for the expanding ARK franchise.


Responsibilities

  • Create sophisticated IK solutions (foot placement, terrain adaptation) in Unreal Engine Control Rig and Anim Blueprints
  • Rig human characters, dinosaurs, and fantasy creatures with precise attention to anatomy, understanding joint placement and muscle deformation
  • Design and implement advanced procedural and gameplay-driven animation systems using Animation Blueprints (AnimBPs) in Unreal Engine 5
  • Build responsive state machines, blend spaces, pose drivers, animation modifiers, notifies, and layered logic tightly coupled to gameplay and physics
  • Develop physics-based animation systems including active ragdoll blending
  • Leverage Houdini to procedurally modify, generate, or optimize meshes and skeletons (e.g., procedural bone/joint chain creation based on anatomical references, topology adjustments for deformation, procedural merging of skeletons)
  • Solve complex technical animation challenges while collaborating with modeling, animation, design, and engineering teams
  • Perform quality checks, optimization (including LOD behavior), and seamless engine integration
  • Create clear technical documentation and help evolve the animation & rigging pipeline


Requirements

  • 3+ years of professional experience as a Technical Animator / Technical Artist in game development, with at least 1 shipped title
  • Strong expertise in Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints, procedural animation techniques, IK/FK systems, and real-time character/creature workflows
  • Practical experience with physics simulation in real-time engines (ragdoll, active physics blending, joint constraints, momentum-based animation)
  • Ability to quickly adapt to new pipelines, tools, and evolving engine features
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and strong communication
  • Maya rigging experience


Pluses

  • Previous work on creature animation
  • Programming experience
  • Rigging pipelines from Maya UE5
  • Motion capture experience
  • Familiarity with performance optimization
  • Houdini experience


If youre passionate about breathing life into characters and solving technical challenges then this is your opportunity to help define the future of ARK.


Required Application Materials:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter which should include
    • Why you are interested in working for Studio Wildcard
    • What games you are currently playing


About Studio Wildcard

Studio Wildcard was founded in 2014 by industry veterans Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak, with the mission of bringing AAA quality to ambitious indie productions designed for core gamers. With countless years of combined industry experience across multiple independent and studio-backed titles, Wildcard's core team continues to grow, with offices in Redmond, WA, and Gainesville, FL including distributed team members across multiple continents.


Equal Opportunity Employer
Wildcard is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws, regulations or ordinances. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to disability during the application or the recruiting process, please let us know.


Pay Transparency Information
The expected annual base pay range(s) for this position vary based on a variety of factors, which include: (but aren't limited to) skills, competencies, qualifications, knowledge, and experience. Each pay range is only relevant to those residing in WA state and can vary based on geographical location.


Wildcard Benefits
We pay 100% of all premiums for the employee and discounted rates for dependent premiums. Our coverage includes Medical (5 different plans to choose from), Dental, Vision, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, 401(k) option, 100% covered Parental Leave, PTO, Paid Holidays, Unlimited Sick Time, and FSA/ HSA options