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Remote Rigging Engineer Jobs in Knoxville, TN (NOW HIRING)

Remote Rigging Engineer information

See Knoxville, TN salary details

$33.9K

$91.7K

$160.3K

How much do remote rigging engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote rigging engineer in Knoxville, TN is $91,723.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,400.00 and $103,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a remote rigging engineer?

Remote Rigging Engineers are professionals who design, implement, and manage rigging systems for digital assets, such as characters or objects, in animation, video games, or visual effects, while working remotely. They create the digital skeletons and control systems that allow animators to move and pose 3D models realistically. These engineers use specialized software to ensure the models deform correctly and efficiently, collaborating with animation teams through online tools. Their work is essential for bringing lifelike movement to virtual characters and objects in various media.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a remote rigging engineer?

To thrive as a Remote Rigging Engineer, you need strong mechanical engineering knowledge, experience with rigging systems, and a relevant engineering degree or certification. Familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD) software, remote monitoring tools, and safety compliance systems is typically required. Excellent problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are vital for collaborating with on-site teams and ensuring safe operations. These competencies are crucial for designing, analyzing, and overseeing rigging projects from a distance, maintaining safety, and ensuring operational efficiency.

How does a remote rigging engineer typically collaborate with animation and modeling teams during a project?

As a Remote Rigging Engineer, you'll frequently work alongside animators and modelers to ensure character rigs meet both artistic and technical requirements. Collaboration usually involves regular video meetings, sharing feedback through project management tools, and iterating on rigs based on team input. Clear communication skills and familiarity with collaborative platforms are crucial, as you'll need to adapt rigs based on evolving project needs while maintaining efficient workflows. This role often requires proactive problem-solving to bridge the gap between creative vision and technical functionality.

What is the difference between Remote Rigging Engineer vs Remote 3D Modeler?

AspectRemote Rigging EngineerRemote 3D Modeler
Required Credentials3D animation, rigging certifications, relevant software skills3D modeling, texturing, software proficiency
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, gaming, film production, remote teamsAnimation studios, gaming, film, remote teams
Industry UsageUsed in character setup, animation pipelinesUsed in creating 3D assets, environments
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for technical 3D roles involving riggingCompared for asset creation roles

While both roles involve 3D work, Remote Rigging Engineers focus on creating skeletons and controls for characters to enable animation, whereas Remote 3D Modelers create detailed models and environments. Both roles require strong software skills and often work in similar industries, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Remote Rigging Engineer jobs in Knoxville, TN?

For Remote Rigging Engineer jobs in Knoxville, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Remote Rigging Engineer jobs in Knoxville, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Rigging Engineer jobs in Knoxville, TN are:

What cities near Knoxville, TN are hiring for Remote Rigging Engineer jobs?

Cities near Knoxville, TN with the most Remote Rigging Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Remote Rigging Engineer job openings in Knoxville, TN as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,723 per year, or $44.1 per hour.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site, Remote

$72K - $98K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Oak Ridge National Laboratory rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

Requisition Id 16986 

­­Overview:    

We are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer who will provide mechanical engineering design support for Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) systems, with emphasis on remote handling, post-irradiation examination (PIE) support, activated component handling, and spent component disposal support. This position also provides remote handling technical support to operations personnel during maintenance outages. 

This position resides in the Target Engineering Group in the Target Development, Engineering & Operations Section, Neutron Technologies Division, Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).    

Major Duties/Responsibilities:   

  • Provide mechanical engineering design support for all phases of remote handling. 

  • Support fabrication, commissioning, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of remote handling tools and systems. 

  • Develop concepts to final detailed designs using Creo. 

  • Prepare plans, estimates, and schedules for maintenance and component replacement activities, and produce design, fabrication, and testing requirement documents. 

  • Prepare presentations for and respond to recommendations from technical design reviews and advisory committees. 

  • Lead process development and mockup testing of new tooling and equipment as well as in preparation for major equipment repair and replacements. 

  • Comply with ORNL environment, safety, health, and quality (ESH&Q) program requirements and procedures. 

  • The SNS facility operates 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, year-round. You may occasionally be required to provide support during off hours or weekends. 

  • Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.  

Basic Qualifications: 

  • A BS in mechanical engineering or related field and at least 5 years of relevant mechanical engineering design experience 

  • A sound understanding of mechanics, materials, fluid dynamics and stress analysis, with the ability to analyze and communicate complex technical problems to both engineers and non-engineers. 

  • Working knowledge of CAD solid modeling 

  • Experience with mechanical design and analysis 

  • Experience with hoisting and rigging equipment and material handling operations 

 Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Familiarity with PTC Creo CAD software 

  • Experience with hot cell operations and/or other remote handling operations using remote machines, cameras, long handled tools, etc. 

  • Experience with radioactive environments and radioactive component disposal 

Special Requirements:  

  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.  


Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
  • To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

Benefits at ORNL:   

We offer competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain hardworking people! The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience. 

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, and Employee Discounts. Relocation Assistance is available. 

#LI-LK1 

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.


If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.


ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.


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