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Trainee 3D Rigging Artist Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Scattermesh

Senior 3D Technical Character Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130.60K - $156.30K/yr

... 3D Technical Facial Character Artists to work across client projects on a full time basis on-site ... The ideal candidate should have experience in rigging, sculpting, python/mel, shading, texture ...

Scattermesh

Senior 3D Technical Character Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

$130.60K - $156.30K/yr

... 3D Technical Facial Character Artists to work across client projects on a full time basis on-site ... The ideal candidate should have experience in rigging, sculpting, python/mel, shading, texture ...

NJI Media LLC

Motion Graphic Designer

Washington, DC

... rigging, and beyond. * Design for the Moment: Produce fast-turnaround graphics for the occasional ... We don't need a fine artist, but we love a creator who can draw. * A social first mindset: You ...

NJI Media LLC

Motion Graphic Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

... rigging, and beyond. * Design for the Moment: Produce fast-turnaround graphics for the occasional ... We don't need a fine artist, but we love a creator who can draw. * A social first mindset: You ...

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Trainee 3D Rigging Artist information

See Reston, VA salary details

$20

$41

$71

How much do trainee 3d rigging artist jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for trainee 3d rigging artist in Reston, VA is $41.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.27 and $50.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 most commonly searched types of 3D Rigging Artist jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of 3D Rigging Artist jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Trainee 3D Rigging Artist jobs in Reston, VA? For Trainee 3D Rigging Artist jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Trainee 3D Rigging Artist jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Trainee 3D Rigging Artist jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Trainee 3D Rigging Artist jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Trainee 3D Rigging Artist job openings:
Trainee 3D Rigging Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee 3D Rigging Artist job openings in Reston, VA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,382 per year, or $41 per hour.

Senior 3D Technical Character Artist

Scattermesh

Herndon, VA • On-site

$130.60K - $156.30K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Scattermesh is a fast-paced small company looking to disrupt, transform, and innovate on behalf of our clients. We are inventors, technologists, artisans, problem solvers, and collaborators seeking to redefine the content experience by changing how content is managed and delivered to clients. We have an amazing team and we want to add a few talented revolutionaries who want to make a difference solving hard problems. Create your story and start making an indelible impact today.

 

Job Summary

Scattermesh is expanding its team and we are looking to hire experienced Senior 3D Technical Facial Character Artists to work across client projects on a full time basis on-site in Herndon, VA. This role requires an artist with strong technical understanding of facial kinematics and human anatomy with the skills to apply that knowledge. The ideal candidate should have experience in rigging, sculpting, python/mel, shading, texture painting as it applies to human characters with a focus on facial performances.

 

Responsibilities and Duties

  • Surpassing Uncanny Valley - Create believable and detailed 3D characters applying your strong understanding of anatomy, modeling, sculpting and texturing expertise from scratch or scan data based on concept art.
  • Pass on Your Knowledge - As an expert in your field, help your peers grow by giving advice and critiques of their work.
  • Deliver Results - Conceptualize, present, and execute ideas within a schedule, while leading the way in technical and artistic problem solving.
  • Take Initiative - Design and enhance our character performance pipeline with new tools and techniques. Drive technological solutions to enhance productivity and quality of our products.
  • Grow - Research new and emergent technologies and advise how best to apply to our work in a practical way.
 

Qualifications and Skills

  • 10+ years experience in a professional setting working on characters and digital human technologies
  • Expert understanding of human facial anatomy, including eyes, skin and hair
  • Mastery of realistic sculpting, texturing, hair grooming, shading and rendering
  • Deep understanding of FACS, facial blendshapes and facial performance animation, wrinkle-map systems and beyond in the context of photorealistic human characters
  • Expert technical skills in Maya, including Python scripting. C++, etc a plus.
  • Experience collaborating with Riggers, Pipeline Engineers and Supervisors to improve production outcomes
  • Experience with Metahuman to Maya toolset a plus
  • Is self-motivated and self-reliant
  • Must have both a learning and mentoring mind-set
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • US citizenship required

Benefits and Perks

Scattermesh is as obsessed about our employees as our customers. We want to provide great benefits and perks so you can focus on making an impact. We recognize that industry is moving away from better benefits so we have decided to do our part to start reversing the trend. Join us in our quest to disrupt, transform and innovate.

 

Benefits

  • Competitive Market Leading Pay 
  • 25-30 days - Paid Time Off (PTO) / Holiday
  • 100% Company paid medical/dental/vision/plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • 401(k) Matching with no cliff vest

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