ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Remote Rigging Engineer Jobs in Santa Clara, CA (NOW HIRING)

2K

Principal Character Technical Artist

San Mateo, CA · On-site +1

$133K - $198K/yr

We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and ... You will use your mastery of DCC applications, Unreal Engine 5, rigging, and complex character and ...

All JobsRigging Engineer JobsRemote Rigging Engineer JobsRemote Rigging Engineer Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

Remote Rigging Engineer information

See Santa Clara, CA salary details

$41.7K

$112.9K

$197.3K

How much do remote rigging engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote rigging engineer in Santa Clara, CA is $112,872.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,000.00 and $126,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Remote Rigging Engineer, and why are they important?

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.

What are Remote Rigging Engineers?

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 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 Santa Clara, CA? For Remote Rigging Engineer jobs in Santa Clara, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Santa Clara, CA are hiring for Remote Rigging Engineer jobs? Cities near Santa Clara, CA with the most Remote Rigging Engineer job openings:
Remote Rigging Engineer jobs near you
Principal Character Technical Artist

Principal Character Technical Artist

2K

San Mateo, CA • On-site, Remote

$133K - $198K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

WE ARE GAME MAKERS

Who we are:

We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and inspired by a culture of inclusivity to build amazing games that thrill players everywhere. We pursue growth and innovation in an environment of safety and trust. Our culture is built on the belief that the more varied voices in our collective will strengthen our team and our games.  We are looking for our next teammate who will raise our bar and make us better.

What We Need:

Characters are the heart of our free-to-play AAA multiplayer action game and the core driver of our economy. Because of this, the Principal Character Technical Artist  is one of the most vital roles in our studio. You will use your mastery of DCC applications, Unreal Engine 5, rigging, and complex character and animation pipelines to actively expand the creative decision space for our playable characters. Your technical foresight will directly inform the design process, inspiring the creative leadership with what we are truly capable of building.

What You'll Do: 

  • Creative Partnership & Strategy: Partner with Pillar teams to shape feature development. Identify technical risks early, propose innovative solutions that elevate core mechanics, and provide strategic estimates to guide R&D investments. 
  • Technical Innovation & Fidelity: Establish and own the technical standards for character rigging, technical animation, and dynamic presentation (cloth, hair, physics) in UE5. Actively prototype cutting-edge solutions to ensure our champions compete with the industry's state of the art. 
  • Pipeline Architecture & Tooling: Maintain and extend a rich and performant character pipeline from DCC applications into Unreal Engine. Develop procedural tooling that maximizes content creation efficiency and empowers cross-discipline artists across our US and Valencia studios.
  • Performance & Optimization: Establish technical budgets and performance benchmarks. Ensure high visual fidelity is balanced with optimal runtime performance for a live multiplayer environment. Work with Engineering to ensure character animation systems scale across platform targets.
  • Mentorship & Leadership: Guide, deploy, and mentor a team of character technical artists. Elevate their technical skills and foster a culture of creative problem-solving.

What Will Make You A Great Fit:

  • Experience: 8+ years of game development experience, with at least 3 years in a Senior or Principal Technical Artist role on a shipped AAA title.
  • Engine Mastery: Deep expertise in Unreal Engine 5, including Blueprints, Control Rig, Niagara, and physics/cloth simulation.
  • DCC & Scripting: Expert proficiency in standard DCCs (Maya, Blender, Houdini) and strong scripting skills (Python, C++, or VEX) for tool and pipeline development.
  • Specialization: Exceptional understanding of human anatomy, facial/skeletal rigging, weight painting, and procedural animation techniques.
  • Bonus: Experience working on live-service, free-to-play, or multiplayer action games.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $133,400 and $198,000 per year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.
Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program.
Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company's discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses. Ontario only: The use of Artificial Intelligence is not being used to screen candidates. The position is for an existing vacancy.

#LI-Remote 
#LI-Onsite
#LI-Hybrid

Apply