Senior Rigging Artist

ICON Creative Studio; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Direct deposit

Generous benefits package

Flexible, autonomous work culture

Job summary

ICON Creative Studio in Vancouver, BC, is seeking a Senior Rigging Artist to lead complex rigging tasks, mentor Mid and Junior Rigging artists, and contribute to tooling and workflow improvements. The role emphasizes autonomy, problem-solving, and collaboration across departments to ensure high-quality animation pipelines.

The position requires strong Maya expertise, Python scripting, and experience with cloth/hair tools, with a track record in episodic or feature animation environments.

Qualifications

• Expert knowledge of Maya
• Strong Python knowledge is required
• Proficient knowledge of version control systems like GIT
• Strong understanding of human & animal anatomy
• Strong understanding of kinematics for both organic anatomy & mechanical systems
• Experience delivering tasks under deadlines
• Experience in an episodic production or feature animation environment
• Proficient with Cloth & Hair tools
• Knowledge of Muscle simulation is a plus

Responsibilities

• Tackle the most challenging rigging tasks on the show
• Set and maintain the highest standards for rigging quality
• Provide guidance and assistance to Mid and Junior Rigging artists
• Act as a mentor, sharing knowledge to enhance team skills
• Write and maintain scripts for the rigging department
• Demonstrate technical leadership by staying ahead of industry trends
• Work autonomously on complex tasks
• Lead by example in rigging excellence

Skills

Maya expertise

Python scripting

Version control (Git)

Anatomy understanding

Kinematics

Tools

Cloth & Hair tools

Muscle simulation

Job description

Company Overview

ICON Creative Studio is Canada’s largest independently owned animation entertainment company, located in the historic Gastown district of Vancouver, BC. Our talented team includes specialists across the entire animation pipeline, working alongside creative and management professionals to deliver outstanding animated content.

Known for our commitment to quality, efficiency, and timely deliveries, ICON has partnered with distributors, broadcasters, and leading streaming platforms worldwide to create and produce noteworthy, impactful projects.

We operate from a holistic philosophy, leveraging the unique skill sets of our team members to maximize production efficiency while maintaining an optimal balance of creativity and quality on-screen.

Why work at ICON?

• Collaborate on top-tier feature and episodic CG franchises for major streaming platforms, including Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Amazon, Peacock, and Paramount+.
• Be part of a diverse team of artists from around the globe who have joined us here in British Columbia.
• Work with the latest tools and software, ensuring you're always equipped to do your best work.
• Be part of a studio that upholds a premium standard of quality across all productions, putting every resource into what’s on-screen.
• Enjoy flexibility, autonomy, and a supportive workplace culture.
• Access direct deposit and a generous benefits package.
• Grow with us through continuous learning opportunities, mentorship, and empowering you to achieve your professional goals.

Job Overview

The Senior Rigging Artist role is the pinnacle of expertise in our animation production, embodying mastery in tackling the most challenging rigging tasks on the show. As a leader in the rigging domain, you play a vital role in elevating the overall quality and efficiency of our rigging processes. Beyond executing complex rigging assignments, you provide mentorship and support to Mid and Junior Rigging artists, sharing your wealth of knowledge and contributing to their professional development. Your responsibilities extend to scripting and technical leadership, where you actively contribute to the evolution of tools and methodologies within the department. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, you demonstrate exceptional problem-solving skills and take a lead role in ensuring the seamless integration of rigging elements across projects. As a Senior Rigging Artist, your positive attitude, strong work ethic, and commitment to excellence set the standard for rigging excellence in our dynamic animation team.

Key Responsibilities

• Tackle the most challenging rigging tasks on the show, showcasing a depth of expertise in solving complex rigging problems.
• Set and maintain the highest standards for rigging quality, influencing and elevating the overall output of the rigging team.
• Provide guidance and assistance to Mid and Junior Rigging artists, helping them navigate technical challenges and fostering their professional growth.
• Act as a mentor, sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience to enhance the skills of the entire rigging team.
• Write and maintain scripts for the rigging department and specific show requirements, contributing to the development of tools that optimize workflow efficiency.
• Demonstrate technical leadership by staying ahead of industry trends, adopting new technologies, and contributing to the department's technical evolution.
• Work autonomously on complex tasks, demonstrating the ability to handle difficult rigging challenges with minimal supervision.
• Exhibit a proactive and self-driven approach to problem-solving, ensuring the timely and successful resolution of technical issues.
• Actively participate in all necessary meetings, ensuring punctuality and contributing valuable insights to the decision-making process.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment by maintaining politeness, respect, and openness to comments and criticism in all interactions.
• Take a leadership role in driving the rigging aspects of the project, collaborating with other departments to ensure seamless integration of rigging elements.
• Lead by example, promoting a positive attitude, high work ethic, and a commitment to excellence.

Qualifications

• Have at least 5 years of related experience
• Expert knowledge of Maya
• Strong Python knowledge is required
• Proficient knowledge of version control systems like GIT
• Strong understanding of human & animal anatomy
• Strong understanding of kinematics for both organic anatomy & mechanical systems
• Experience delivering tasks under deadlines
• Experience in an episodic production or feature animation environment
• Proficient with Cloth & Hair tools
• Knowledge of Muscle simulation is a plus

This is a Union position and the terms and conditions of employment are covered by a collective agreement.

In accordance with British Columbia's pay transparency legislation, the wage displayed reflects the minimum rate established under ICON's collective agreement. Additional compensation may be considered based on experience, qualifications, and project needs, where permitted by the collective agreement.

ICON Creative Studio is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.