Senior Rigging Artist

The Senior Rigging Artist is responsible for building robust, scalable character, creature, and prop rigs entirely within Maya. This includes developing facial systems, deformation setups, and custom tools to support animation and downstream departments. The role balances technical execution with mentorship and cross-department collaboration.

Duties:

• Rig Development: Build advanced Maya rigs for characters, creatures, and props. 
• Deliver animation-friendly rigs that meet artistic and technical standards.
• Deformation: Deliver clean skinning, blendshapes, and deformation setups.
• Tool Creation: Support the team with scalable tools and reliable technical solutions. 
• Develop and maintain rigging tools to support team workflows. 
• Pipeline Integration: Ensure rigs are stable and compatible with downstream use.
• Collaboration: Work with animation, CFX, and modeling to meet rigging needs. Help define best practices and contribute to pipeline improvements.
• Mentorship: Provide support and review feedback for mid and junior artists. Support the team in elevating both output and efficiency.
• Scene Organisation: Maintain clean hierarchies and naming conventions.
• Troubleshooting: Resolve rig and deformation issues during asset or shot work.

Skills, attributes and experience:

• Expert-level rigging in Maya using joints, constraints, and utility nodes.
• Deep understanding of Matrix math and the architecture of Maya.
• Strong understanding of anatomy, deformation, and facial rigging setups.
• Proficient in Python / Pyside for scripting and automation.
• Solid communicator with strong problem-solving skills.
• Comfortable working independently on complex rigging tasks.
• Experience with Git and GitLab or equivalent.
• Familiarity with OpenMaya and/or C++.
• Familiarity with USD rig publishing and referencing.
• Understanding of Houdini-based CFX.
• Experience with facial rigs, correctives, and driven systems.
• Ability to review and maintain rig templates and standards.
• Confidence working with pipeline and tools teams.
• 6–8 years in VFX or a related field.
• Excellent communicator, sharing information clearly and actively listening 
• Strong time management, ability to prioritize, meet deadlines and escalate delays in a timely manner.
• Adaptable to change with the ability to stay focused and maintain a positive attitude.
• Driven to make things better with flexibility to change course when needed.
• Positive energy, focusing on results and having a positive impact on those around you.
• Self awareness and an ability to resolve and diffuse problems treating others with kindness and respect.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work well with others.