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Remote Animation Rigging Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

NxT Level

Technical Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$130K - $156K/yr

Remote - US and Canada only thatgamecompany designs and develops artistically crafted, broadly ... Lead efforts in building foundational systems for art to establish scenes, animation, rigging, FX ...

All JobsAnimation Rigging JobsRemote Animation Rigging JobsRemote Animation Rigging Jobs in Chicago, IL

Remote Animation Rigging information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$40

$72

How much do remote animation rigging jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote animation rigging in Chicago, IL is $40.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.55 and $65.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a remote animation rigging?

A Remote Animation Rigging job involves creating digital skeletons and control systems for animated characters or objects while working from a remote location. Rigging artists ensure that models can move naturally by setting up joints, constraints, and deformers, often using software like Maya or Blender. They collaborate with animators and modelers to refine rigs for smooth animation. This role requires strong technical skills in scripting and problem-solving to optimize performance and realism.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in remote animation rigging?

To thrive as a Remote Animation Rigging specialist, you need a solid understanding of human and creature anatomy, advanced knowledge of rigging principles, and experience with 3D animation software such as Maya or Blender. Familiarity with scripting languages like Python or MEL and proficiency with industry-standard rigging tools are highly valued, and formal training in animation or computer graphics is often preferred. Excellent problem-solving skills, strong communication, and the ability to collaborate effectively in a virtual team environment help set candidates apart. These skills are vital for creating functional, expressive rigs that drive animation quality while ensuring smooth collaboration and project delivery in a remote work setting.

What are the main challenges of working remotely as an animation rigger, and how can I overcome them?

Working remotely as an animation rigger can present challenges such as coordinating with animation and modeling teams across different time zones and ensuring clear communication about rig functionality and technical constraints. To overcome these challenges, it's important to establish regular check-ins, utilize collaborative tools like Slack or project management platforms, and provide thorough documentation for your rigs. You may also need to adapt your workflow to accommodate feedback and file sharing in a distributed team environment. By staying organized, proactive, and communicative, you can maintain productivity and build strong working relationships, even when collaborating from afar.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animation Rigging jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Animation Rigging jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Remote Animation Rigging jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Remote Animation Rigging jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Remote Animation Rigging jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Animation Rigging jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Remote Animation Rigging jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Remote Animation Rigging job openings:

Remote Animation Rigging jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Animation Rigging job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,445 per year, or $40.6 per hour.

Technical Artist

NxT Level

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$130K - $156K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Remote – US and Canada only

thatgamecompany designs and develops artistically crafted, broadly accessible video games that push the boundaries of interactive entertainment. We respect our players and want to contribute meaningful, enriching experiences that touch and inspire them.

We seek talent that values integrity and personal growth within an environment of intense collaboration and experimentation.

Our mission - create timeless entertainment that makes positive change to the human psyche worldwide. If you’ve been wanting to have a positive impact on people's lives and the creative challenges associated with doing something different and unique, then come help us shine brighter together.

Major Responsibilities

  • Work with engineering and art teams to develop custom shaders from scratch
  • Work across several art disciplines including shading, environment art, character art, animation and general art to support as the need arises.
  • Profile and optimize shaders and VFX for optimal performance across a wide range of target platforms.
  • Lead efforts in building foundational systems for art to establish scenes, animation, rigging, FX, and material tests.
  • Coordinate with art, technical, and studio leads to help build and maintain a high-performance art pipeline from creation to final package delivery.
  • Contribute to the unique product artistic vision holding high standards for aesthetics and technical art implementation.
  • Optimizing art content for performance.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Profile and optimize shaders and VFX for optimal performance across a wide range of target platforms.
  • Working in our proprietary engine, help to establish our material and vfx pipelines.
  • Document workflows and best practices for materials and vfx

Must-Haves

  • A good understanding of shaders (HLSL and/or GLSL) and ideally able to handle supporting c++ code for those prototypes or tools if required
  • Solid experience working with shader, materials and vfx in an industry standard or proprietary game engine
  • Experience implementing visual effects in an industry standard or proprietary Game Engine from concept to completion
  • Solid experience profiling and optimizing shaders and vfx on multiple platforms
  • 3-5 or more years experience as a Technical Artist
  • Must have 3 or more years experience with Maya and modern 3D art pipelines
  • Proven experience building tools for modern art pipeline with a solid understanding of game engine scripting (ex. Unity, Unreal, Proprietary Engine)
  • Portfolio demonstrating the technical artistic ability, with a focus on custom shaders and vfx
  • Self-motivated and diligent, with established habits for tracking one’s own tasks and seeking out answers when needed

Nice to Haves

  • Writing c++ code would be a plus
  • Knowing Mel, Python, Lua, C++, is a plus
  • Understanding of animation pipelines, including character and environment systems
  • Strong communication skills and a positive and professional attitude
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent years of experience in Computer Science, 3D graphics, or related field
  • Experience working with offsite art and programming teams

Perks:

  • Paid Time Off, Holidays and Two Weeks Winter Break
  • Employees and their dependents get medical, dental, and vision coverage, regardless of their level, tenure, or position within the company. Moreover, these benefits start on the first day of the job—there’s no waiting period before they kick in.
  • Pet Insurance for those who need it too.
  • Compassionate leave for employees who needs to take care of their family members
  • Pre-tax wellness stipend
  • Pre-tax work from home stipend
  • Access our savings plan (401K program) with company match
  • Mental health resources including Headspace membership and Employee Assistance Program (CCA)
  • Discount portal for everyday goods and services
  • Employee inclusive and diversity initiatives such as Grow Together
  • Support for personal professional development

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