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Remote Character Rigger Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Remote Character Rigger information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$16

$29

$41

How much do remote character rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote character rigger 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 is the difference between Remote Character Rigger vs Remote 3D Modeler?

AspectRemote Character RiggerRemote 3D Modeler
Required SkillsRigging, anatomy, animation basicsModeling, texturing, sculpting
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, game development, VFXGame studios, animation, VFX
Common CertificationsNone mandatory, but relevant courses preferredNone mandatory, but relevant courses preferred

Remote Character Riggers focus on creating the skeletons and controls that animate 3D characters, requiring rigging and animation knowledge. Remote 3D Modelers primarily build the visual models, emphasizing modeling and texturing skills. Both roles often work in similar industries and environments but serve different stages of the 3D production pipeline.

What is a remote character rigger?

Remote Character Riggers are specialists in the animation and gaming industries who create digital skeletons and control systems for 3D character models. Working remotely, they ensure characters can move realistically by designing and implementing rigs that animators use to bring characters to life. Their work involves close collaboration with modelers and animators to make sure the rigs are functional and meet the project's needs. Remote Character Riggers typically use software like Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max and communicate with teams via digital collaboration tools.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a remote character rigger?

To thrive as a Remote Character Rigger, you need a solid understanding of 3D animation principles, rigging techniques, and proficiency in software like Autodesk Maya or Blender, often supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Experience with rigging toolsets, scripting languages such as Python or MEL, and familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating remotely with artists and animators. These competencies ensure the creation of robust, animation-ready character rigs that meet production needs and facilitate seamless teamwork across distributed environments.

What challenges do remote character riggers face, and how can they be overcome?

Remote character riggers often face challenges with communication and file management, as collaborating on complex rigs requires clear feedback and version control. To overcome these challenges, it's important to use structured communication platforms, maintain detailed documentation, and leverage cloud-based file sharing or version control systems. Regular check-ins with animators and modelers help ensure rigs meet production needs and technical requirements. Building a disciplined workflow and being proactive in asking questions or clarifying specifications can greatly enhance productivity and team cohesion.
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Remote Character Rigger jobs near you

Technical Animator (Animation Blueprints & Control Rig) Remote or On-Site

Studio Wildcard

Seattle, WA • Remote

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Salary: $70,000 - $90,000

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.


Were looking for an exceptionally talented Technical Animator who lives and breathes Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints and Control Rig. You will own high-impact animation systems that bring creatures, characters, and gameplay to life. This is a systems-focused technical animation role: deep expertise in visual programming (AnimBPs + Control Rig) is the core requirement. Comfort with programming logic is essential, but day-to-day C++ work is not the focus.


Responsibilities:

  • Design, write, and implement animation systems, using Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints and Control Rigs
  • Create sophisticated Control Rig solutions (procedural animation, IK/FK systems, full-body IK, terrain adaptation, foot placement, active ragdoll blending, etc.)
  • Develop responsive, scalable animation systems for bipeds, quadrupeds, and fantasy creatures
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams to improve current solutions and create new ones
  • Create documentation and provide pipeline improvements
  • Optimize animation systems for performance, LODs, and large-scale creature ecosystems


Requirements:

  • Minimum 3 years of professional experience as a Technical Animator / Animation Programmer / Technical Artist focused on real-time animation systems, with at least one shipped title.
  • Expert-level proficiency with Unreal Engine Animation Blueprints (complex state machines, layered blends, procedural logic, gameplay-driven systems).
  • Strong self-motivation and willingness to participate in many areas of game development
  • Experience using Unreal Engine 5


Pluses:

  • C++ experience (useful for deeper engine integration or performance work, but not a primary focus of the role)
  • Experience with character/creature rigging and skinning in Maya, or Control Rig
  • Degree in computer science or a related field
  • Experience with Rigging and Animation
  • Physics-driven animation (ragdoll, physics blending, cloth, custom physics solvers)
  • Tool Programming, MEL, PyMel Python
  • Houdini experience


Required Application Materials:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter which should include
    • Why you are interested in working for Studio Wildcard
    • What games you are currently playing
  • Portfolio or examples demonstrating Animation Blueprint and/or Control Rig work


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