At a Glance
- Tasks: Create advanced rigs for characters and creatures in Maya, ensuring top-notch animation quality.
- Company: Join a leading VFX studio known for its creativity and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on creativity and problem-solving.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of animation technology and mentor the next generation of artists.
- Qualifications: Expertise in Maya rigging, Python scripting, and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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 elevate 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.
Senior Rigging Artist in London employer: One of Us
At One of Us, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration in the heart of London. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our comprehensive benefits package, including 25 days of holiday, paid volunteering days, and hybrid working options that promote work-life balance. Join us for a rewarding career where you can thrive in a supportive environment filled with exciting social events and opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the VFX industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Rigging Artist in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow rigging artists and industry contacts on platforms like LinkedIn. Join relevant groups and forums where you can share your work and get noticed.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a killer portfolio that highlights your best rigging projects. Make sure to include breakdowns of your rigs and any custom tools you've developed to really impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with Maya, Python scripting, and any challenges you've faced in rigging. Practice explaining your thought process clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are passionate about joining our team. It shows initiative and gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm firsthand.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Rigging Artist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your expert-level rigging skills in Maya. Talk about specific projects where you've built advanced rigs and how they met artistic and technical standards. We want to see your creativity and technical prowess shine through!
Be a Team Player:Collaboration is key in our world! In your application, mention any experiences where you worked closely with animation, CFX, or modelling teams. Share how you contributed to best practices and pipeline improvements, as we value strong communication and teamwork.
Mentorship Matters:If you've had the chance to mentor others, don’t hold back! Include examples of how you've supported mid and junior artists in their growth. We love seeing candidates who are not just skilled but also passionate about helping others elevate their work.
Keep It Organised:Make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read. Just like maintaining clean hierarchies and naming conventions in rigging, clarity in your application will help us understand your journey better. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at One of Us
✨Know Your Tools Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in Maya and any other tools mentioned in the job description. Brush up on your rigging techniques, especially facial rigging and deformation setups. Being able to discuss your past projects and how you tackled specific challenges will show your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with animation, CFX, and modelling teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve contributed to team success, as this will demonstrate your fit for the collaborative nature of the position.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions that test your understanding of rigging principles, matrix math, and anatomy. Brush up on your Python scripting skills too, as they may ask about automation processes. Practising these concepts will help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Mentorship Experience
As a Senior Rigging Artist, you’ll likely be mentoring junior artists. Be ready to discuss your experience in providing feedback and support. Share specific instances where you helped elevate someone else's work or improved team efficiency, as this will highlight your leadership qualities.
