Freelance: Senior Rigging TD - New York

Framestore Limited; Grimsby; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Senior Rigging TD to design and maintain efficient rigs for high-end visual effects projects. This role involves collaboration with global teams, ensuring creative and technical needs are met across multiple projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical foundation, advanced Python scripting skills, and a passion for creating artist-friendly rigs. This opportunity offers a hybrid work schedule and the chance to contribute to innovative productions. Join a dynamic team and make a significant impact in the visual effects industry.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in VFX, animation, or gaming environments.
• Advanced Python scripting for tool development and automation.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain high-quality character and creature rigs.
• Collaborate with animation and modeling departments for rig needs.
• Mentor rigging artists and contribute to internal tools.

Skills

Python scripting

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Knowledge of anatomy

Debugging and optimization

Education

5+ years of rigging experience

Tools

Houdini

Bifrost

Unreal

Job description

This is a freelance position within the New York team, candidates must be available from roughly May to July 2025, and able to work a hybrid schedule with 1-2 office days per week on average. Ideal candidates will be based in the New York area, and must have valid US work authorization.

The Senior Rigging TD role is responsible for designing, creating and maintaining accurate and efficient rigs for high end visual effects projects across episodic and advertising projects. You’ll collaborate with global teams across multiple projects, contributing to productions at each of our sites. A strong technical foundation, creative problem-solving, and an openness to learning new tools are key to success in this role.

The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with a passion for creating efficient and artist-friendly rigs and a willingness to learn and adapt to our unique pipeline.

What you’ll do

• Build and maintain high-quality character, creature, prop, and unconventional rigs using the studio’s proprietary rigging tools
• Collaborate closely with animation, modeling, and CFX departments to ensure rigs meet creative and technical needs
• Develop and contribute to internal rigging tools, scripts, and workflows for efficiency and scalability
• Work with global teams to ensure rig consistency and functionality across multiple projects and sites
• Provide mentorship and guidance to rigging artists and other members of the CG team
• Stay current with industry rigging techniques and standards, bringing new perspective to our global team

Minimum Requirements

• 5+ years of rigging experience in a VFX, animation, or gaming environment
• A passion for creating believable CG assets and the requisite attention to detail
• Advanced Python scripting experience for tool development and automation
• An enthusiasm to solve problems with clarity and efficiency
• A good awareness of and insight into interfaces at 3D, GUI and code levels
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience working effectively in a team environment
• Strong knowledge of anatomy, deformation, and topology best practices
• Familiarity with facial rigging workflows
• Proven ability to debug, optimize, and maintain complex rigs

You might also have

• Experience with modular, data driven rigging systems and animation toolsets
• Background in adjacent disciplines such as modeling, animation, or CFX
• Knowledge of FACS based facial rigging processes
• Knowledge of Houdini, Bifrost and/or Unreal
• Strong math background, preferably linear algebra
• Understanding of C++ or other compiled languages
• Experience with motion capture data and integration into rigs

New York Employees Pay Range: $550 - $850 per day. The posted range describes the minimum to maximum range for this job description in the state of New York. The range is posted in accordance with the New York Pay Transparency Bill. The range for this same position may be lower or higher in markets outside of New York City. Pay is dependent on the applicant's relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.

Accessibility Statement

Our New York studio is fully accessible, with step-free entry, accessible toilets on all floors, and quiet spaces available. We are committed to supporting disabled colleagues and providing an inclusive workplace for everyone.

Application Process

To apply, please complete the following application form. We review all applications manually and do not use artificial intelligence to screen candidates. If you require any adjustments or support during the application process, please let us know—we are happy to accommodate your needs.