Character Rigger

Summary

Join DreamWorks Animation as a Character Rigger and design, build, test, and maintain character setups. Collaborate with various teams, including modeling, R&D, animation, and effects, to create and integrate characters into the production pipeline. Develop new techniques and processes to solve character production challenges. Maintain and improve character motion and deformation systems. This fully remote position requires 3+ years of production experience, knowledge of traditional animation techniques, anatomy, and programming. The salary range is $78,312 - $125,000.

Requirements

• 3+ years production experience
• Knowledge of traditional animation techniques and the principles of character motion
• Knowledge of anatomy
• Training in visual arts and understanding of form, geometry and movement
• Knowledge in programming and software development skills
• Excellent communication and presentation skills

Responsibilities

• Design, build, test and maintain character set ups
• Work with Modeling to create a model that meets technical needs
• Work with R&D to craft, debug and evaluate new tools
• Collaborate with animators to design motion controls
• Develop and maintain character motion and deformation systems
• Develop new techniques and processes to solve character production challenges
• Work with PE and/or Dept TDs to integrate and maintain setups
• Work with FX and CharFX to provide them with information needed to integrate characters and digital effects
• Work with Lighting to achieve final model for rendering
• Write utility scripts and programs to streamline the setup process
• Work with production management to prioritize tasks
• Keep supervisors informed of progress, changes, roadblocks and other critical issues
• Participate in training, recruiting and other global department tasks as requested

Preferred Qualifications

• Unix experience desired
• Practical knowledge of academics such as linear algebra, trigonometry, geometry, calculus and differential geometry

Benefits

• Fully Remote: This position has been designated as fully remote, meaning that the position is expected to contribute from a non-DreamWorks worksite, most commonly an employee’s residence
• Salary range: $78,312 - $125,000