Character & Prop Riggers in Stirling

Join the Stirling Animation Studio team on a Magic Light Pictures' production.

We will be in touch if you are shortlisted for interview.

ABOUT THE ROLES

There are three roles available at mid or senior level.

CHARACTER and PROP RIGGERS

We are looking for talented Riggers to join our animation team and help create high-quality character and prop rigs. Working closely with the Rigging Supervisor and the wider Character, Modelling, Surfacing and Animation teams, you will build efficient, animator-friendly rigs that meet the creative and technical needs of production.

Responsibilities

• Create robust, efficient and animator-friendly rigs for characters, creatures and props.
• Work closely with the Rigging Supervisor to deliver rigs that meet the artistic and technical requirements of production.
• Ensure rigged assets integrate smoothly into the production pipeline from modelling through to animation, lighting and comp.
• Develop and maintain rigging workflows, tools and processes to improve efficiency and consistency across productions.
• Collaborate with the Character Modelling, Look Development, Animation and CG teams to achieve high-quality results.
• Produce clean, well-organised rig builds that are easy to maintain throughout production.
• Develop scripted tools and automation where appropriate to streamline repetitive tasks.
• Troubleshoot rigging, deformation and pipeline issues efficiently while maintaining production schedules.
• Communicate regularly with the Rigging Supervisor, Character Supervisor, CG Supervisor, Directors and Art Director to ensure work meets creative expectations.
• Respond positively to feedback, implementing notes quickly while maintaining quality.
• Manage workload effectively, prioritising tasks to meet production deadlines.
• Raise potential technical or scheduling concerns with the Rigging Supervisor and Line Producer as early as possible.

Person specification

• We’re particularly keen to connect with Scotland-based artists.
• Professional experience in rigging for feature animation, VFX, games or high-end episodic production.
• Excellent knowledge of Autodesk Maya rigging workflows.
• Strong understanding of deformation systems including skinning, corrective shapes, muscle systems and simulation workflows.
• Excellent understanding of body and facial anatomy, weight distribution and deformation under motion.
• Strong understanding of character movement and the needs of animators.
• Good understanding of production pipelines and asset management.
• Strong scripting skills using Python to develop tools and improve workflows.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to balance quality against production deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.

Desirable

• Experience with Unreal Engine pipelines.
• Experience working with Control Rig or similar runtime rigging workflows.
• Knowledge of Python, C++ or additional scripting languages. (Python preferred)
• Experience developing proprietary rigging tools or pipeline utilities.

LOCATION

Fully remote or Scottish-based artists would be welcome to work hybrid from our studio in Stirling.

CONTRACT TYPE

Roles will be offered on a freelance contract, expected to start from September/ October 2026 running until February 2027.

HOURS

Our standard studio hours are 7 working hours a day (usually 10am to 6pm), Monday to Friday. We are open to discussing flexible working hours on an individual basis where this is possible within the production pipeline.

ACCESS REQUIREMENTS

We are committed to providing a working environment that is inclusive, accessible and welcoming for all team members. If you have individual access requirements, we're open to discussing these throughout the recruitment process to make sure we can make arrangements to support you.