1

Trainee 3D Rigging Artist Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Trainee 3D Rigging Artist information

What are some common challenges faced by a Trainee 3D Rigging Artist when working on their first projects?

As a Trainee 3D Rigging Artist, you may find it challenging to balance technical precision with artistic intent, especially when creating rigs that are both functional and intuitive for animators. Understanding the nuances of different character anatomies and adapting rigs to meet varied animation requirements can be complex. Additionally, you’ll likely need to troubleshoot unexpected deformations and collaborate closely with modelers and animators to ensure the rig meets production needs. Seeking feedback, practicing regularly, and learning from more experienced team members can help you overcome these initial hurdles.

What does a Trainee 3D Rigging Artist do?

A Trainee 3D Rigging Artist is responsible for creating the digital skeletons and control systems that allow 3D models to move realistically in animation or visual effects projects. They work under the guidance of experienced rigging artists to learn industry-standard tools and techniques, such as setting up joints, skinning, and building control rigs. This position is often entry-level and serves as a foundation for more advanced rigging roles in animation, film, or gaming studios.

What is the difference between Trainee 3D Rigging Artist vs Junior 3D Rigging Artist?

AspectTrainee 3D Rigging ArtistJunior 3D Rigging Artist
CredentialsBasic knowledge, often in training or courseworkSome experience, portfolio development
Work EnvironmentLearning-focused, supervised projectsIndependent tasks, collaborative teams
Industry UsageEntry-level, training programsEarly career, supporting senior artists

The Trainee 3D Rigging Artist is typically in training, focusing on learning foundational skills, while the Junior 3D Rigging Artist has some experience and handles more independent tasks. Both roles are essential in the early stages of a rigging career, with the trainee focusing on skill development and the junior taking on real-world projects under supervision.

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

To thrive as a Trainee 3D Rigging Artist, you need a basic understanding of 3D modeling, anatomy, and animation principles, often supported by a degree or coursework in animation, computer graphics, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, and knowledge of scripting languages like Python are typically expected. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help you collaborate effectively with animators and other artists. These competencies ensure that characters and objects move realistically and efficiently within a production pipeline.
What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Rigging Artist jobs in Utah? The most popular types of 3D Rigging Artist jobs in Utah are:
What are popular job titles related to Trainee 3D Rigging Artist jobs in Utah? For Trainee 3D Rigging Artist jobs in Utah, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Utah are hiring for Trainee 3D Rigging Artist jobs? Cities in Utah with the most Trainee 3D Rigging Artist job openings:
Infographic showing various Trainee 3D Rigging Artist job openings in Utah as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.
Faculty - Non-tenure Track, Lecturer - Animation and Game Development

Faculty - Non-tenure Track, Lecturer - Animation and Game Development

Utah Valley University

Orem, UT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Utah Valley University rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

427th of 555 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Main Campus - Orem
Job Type: FT Faculty
Job Number: FY2606211
Division: VP Academic Affairs
Department: Digital Media
Opening Date: 07/14/2026
Closing Date: 8/13/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
Required Documents Needed to Apply: Cover Letter
Curriculum Vitae
Teaching Philosophy
Applicant Support: 1-855-524-5627
Support@schooljobs.com
Position Announcement
The Department of Digital Media (www.uvu.edu/digitalmedia) invites applications for a one-year lecturer position. Faculty position in Animation and Game Development to begin August 2026.
The animation and game program lecturer teaches in one or more of the following areas: 3D modeling and animation, 2D animation, and/or interactive game development. The faculty member attends and participates in department meetings and may serve on department committees related to their area of expertise and teaching. Utah Valley University places a strong emphasis on teaching. Faculty members are expected to develop a learning environment and activities that help students achieve their learning objectives. UVU encourages applicants with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and expertise to apply.
The department will accept all qualified applications, but is particularly interested in applicants with experience in one or more of the following: Maya, Unity, C#, Houdini, Toon Boom, teaching, and technical direction.
Utah Valley University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement contributions.
Summary of Responsibilities
  • Instructs, manages, and supervises individuals and groups in classrooms, online, and laboratories, through demonstration, discussion, visual aids, individualized instruction, lectures, and other appropriate methods for educational delivery.
  • Plans, prepares, and follows an approved course of study that includes measurable objectives for each course taught. Prepares instructional materials. Evaluates student performance using appropriate testing and grading procedures.
  • Serves the department by attending departmental meetings and serving on department committees related to their area of expertise and teaching.

Qualifications / Licenses / Certifications
  • Graduation from an accredited institution with a bachelor's degree in animation and game development or a related field
  • Experience working on a variety of animation and/or video game development projects.
  • College-level teaching experience or relevant industry experience.
  • Knowledge and skill in current instructional theories, strategies, techniques, and discipline content.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Graduation from an accredited institution with a master's degree in animation and game development, or MFA, or a related field
  • Experience at a major animation, visual FX, game development, or other studio.
Physical Requirements
  • Frequent talking, hearing, sitting, walking, and standing.
  • Frequent use of fine-hand manipulation is associated with the use of a computer.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
Knowledge
  • Knowledge of animation and game development technical processes and methodologies that employ activities, such as modeling, rigging, texturing, lighting, testing, scripting, compiling, incorporation of a game engine, compiling, rendering, and final delivery.
  • Knowledge of contemporary animation aesthetic processes, such as character development, layout, composition, digital storyboard, animating in hand-drawn and/or timeline-based modes, and compositing.
  • Knowledge of animation and/or video game development project development processes from inception to final render.
Skills
  • Skills in one or more of the following: character development, rigging, animating (through traditional and/or timeline-based methods), effects animation and compositing, use of scripting languages to build customized animation and game development elements (scripting languages may include C#, MEL, and Python).
  • Skills within the production pipeline for animated and/or interactive game titles, from pre-visualization to title asset construction, to postproduction.
  • Skill in development methodologies, collaborating with technical and artistic teams, and in effective workflow administration for animation and game development projects.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Strong program coordination skills.
  • Effective verbal and technical written communication skills.
  • Effective interpersonal, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Strong presentation and proposal skills.
Abilities
  • Ability to manage, mentor and support advanced students in the production of student developed games and films, including capstone projects.
  • Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks.
  • Ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, students, agency administrators, and professionals within the animation and game development industry from all backgrounds.
  • Ability to demonstrate sound judgment and initiative in solving problems.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Ability to interpret the University's core values (exceptional care, exceptional accountability, and exceptional results).
  • Ability to plan measurable objectives, prepare instructional materials, and follow an approved curriculum.
  • Ability to assess student work and maintain and submit accurate and current plans, reports, and records involving student accountability, attendance, and performance.
  • Ability to use a classroom learning management system, such as Canvas.
  • Ability to relate with students and effectively teach and mentor them.

EEO Statement:
UVU employment decisions are made on the basis of an applicant's qualifications and ability to perform the job without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), disability, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or other bases protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Utah Valley University's dedication to exceptional care offers quality service and benefits to employees while staying committed to meeting the needs of a diverse workforce.
UVU is pleased to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that supports employees and their family's overall physical and mental health, protects their income in case of unforeseen illness and life events, and assists in building financial security for retirement and the future.
Highlights from Utah Valley University's benefits package include:
  • Medical network and plan options with low employee premiums
  • Employer HSA contribution for those that elect the university's High-Deductible Health Plan
  • Other tax advantage, reimbursement account options (i.e. Flexible Spending Account & Dependent Care)
  • Dental and vision plan options
  • Incentivized wellness program
  • Employer paid basic life, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D), and Long Term Disability (LTD) coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan with an employer contribution of 14.2% based on employee's compensation (100% vested on first day of full-time employment)
  • Undergraduate tuition remission benefit waiving up to 18 credit hours (each semester) for employees and their eligible dependents (spouses & children dependents unmarried and up to age 26)
  • Generous leave package which includes sick, vacation (staff only), and personal leave; 13 paid holidays; paid medical maternity and parental leave

For more information about the benefits offered, visit
01
What is your highest level of education?
  • High School or equivalent
  • Associates
  • Bachelors
  • Masters
  • Ph.D.
  • Ph.D. (abd)
  • Juris Doctorate

02
If you have a related field, please indicate the field below.
03
How many years of experience do you have in this type of position?
  • <1
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8+

04
Do you have experience working on a variety of animation and/or video game development projects?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Do you have college-level teaching experience or relevant industry experience?
  • Yes
  • No

06
o you have knowledge of and experience applying current instructional theories, teaching strategies, techniques, and subject matter expertise?
  • Yes
  • No

07
Do you have experience working at a major animation, visual effects (VFX), game development, or similar creative studio? If yes, please briefly describe your experience.
Required Question

What Utah Valley University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom