CG VFX Rigger

General Summary
The CG VFX Rigger is responsible for the creation, delivery and maintenance of high-level rigs within the VFX department. This position works closely with CG Asset Artists, CG Modelers, CG Animators, CFX Artists to determine topology requirements and provides technical assistance and expertise to facilitate animation workflow.
 

Job Functions 

• Create, maintain, improve and support rigs through VFX production, including any necessary scripts and tools to facilitate any animation requests, and maintain technical documentation.  
• Ability to create and maintain the existing Python code base used in VFX rig creation.  
• Develop flexible and rebuildable rig modules that integrate with the existing Python code base. 
• Work across multiple departments such as modeling, animation and CFX in order to trouble shoot creative and technical issues. 
• Perform modeling and animation tasks for rig development, as needed. 
• Work with crowd team to support rigging needs for large crowds, and work with the Motion Capture team to support rigging needs for MoCap shoots. 
• Communicate effectively with Production Management, Creative Leads and Technical Support teams regarding asset performance expectations, pipeline compatibility and deadlines. 
• Must be able to integrate notes from rigging reviews, dailies, animation notes, and other sources of feedback.
  

Qualifications 

• 5+ years of CG/Visual Effects feature rigging experience on theatrically released films. 
• Knowledge of rigging in Maya, Python, Maya node networks, how they relate to rigging, and how to effectively debug at a node/connection level. 
• Proven ability developing Python scripts, tools and/or C++  plugins within a CG animation pipeline. MEL, PyQt, bash, a plus.
• Understanding of Motion Capture integration for rigs and related workflows.
• Understanding of scripted rig build systems, animation/rigging pipelines and manual rigging techniques.
• Experience building a wide variety of rigs (organic/mechanical/prop/body/face/costume, etc.).
• 3D math knowledge and strong understanding of geometry, kinematics and deformation.
• Background in visual arts/design with a strong understanding of form and movement, preferred.
• Modeling skills and ability to understand and troubleshoot polygonal mesh flow for deformation.
• Proficiency working in a Linux environment.
• Expertise running cloth, nCloth and hair simulation, a plus.
   

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to walk; stand; sit; use hands to operate standard office equipment; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear both in person and by telephone. The employee must lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. 
• Work environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee works under typical office conditions and is exposed to variable indoor temperatures. The noise level is usually quiet or moderate. 
   

Location 
On-Site in Hillsboro, OR. and also eligible for hybrid and remote work.  

 
Salary 
Salary is commensurate with skills and experience. 

 
Disclaimer 
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.