Amuse Animation is a premier producer and global distributor of animated content, driven by a digital-first mindset and an entrepreneurial spirit. We are disruptors at heart, constantly seeking innovative ways to deliver world-class animation for both children and adults. Our studio is a high-growth environment where tech-driven performance data meets top-tier creativity.
We are currently seeking a highly skilled Senior 3D Character Rigger to join our talented team in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. This is a pivotal role for an upcoming, high-profile animated series. If you are passionate about building robust, intuitive, and animator-friendly rigs within a collaborative, fast-paced production environment, we want to hear from you.
Job Overview: Senior 3D Character Rigger
| Category | Details |
| Company Name | Amuse Animation |
| Position | Senior 3D Character Rigger |
| Job Type | Project-Based Contract (with extension opportunities) |
| Location | Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain (Office-Based) |
| Salary | Competitive (Based on Seniority & Experience) |
| Primary Software | Autodesk Maya, Python |
| Work Schedule | Mon-Thu: 08:00–16:00 | Fri: 08:00–14:00 |
Detailed Role Responsibilities for 3D Character Rigger
As a Senior Rigger, you are the essential bridge between the static 3D model and the final expressive performance. Your technical architecture allows animators to bring characters to life efficiently and without technical friction.
Rig Development & Implementation
You will be responsible for developing and implementing high-quality, production-ready rigs for complex characters, diverse props, and interactive environments. This involves creating a wide spectrum of setups, ranging from standard bipedal/quadrupedal deformation to intricate mechanical systems and specialized facial rigs. You must ensure that every rig meets the specific needs of the animation department while remaining compatible with downstream lighting and rendering pipelines.
Cross-Departmental Collaboration
Successful rigging does not happen in a vacuum. You will collaborate closely with the Modeling team to ensure proper topology for deformation and with the Look Development team to maintain mesh integrity. Most importantly, you will work hand-in-hand with the Animation team to gather feedback and ensure that the control schemes are ergonomic, intuitive, and “artist-friendly.”
Advanced Troubleshooting & Tooling
As a senior member of the team, you are the first line of defense for technical issues. You will be tasked with debugging complex rigging problems and providing long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes. Additionally, you will contribute to the development and maintenance of internal rigging tools and scripts, helping to evolve the studio’s overall workflow and efficiency.
Mentorship & Quality Control
You will play a key role in fostering a growth-oriented environment by mentoring junior and mid-level artists. Your responsibilities include reviewing the work of others to ensure it meets the studio’s rigorous quality standards and production deadlines. You will maintain proactive communication with the Rigging Lead and CG Supervisor regarding project milestones and technical challenges.
Required Skills & Qualifications as 3D Character Rigger
We are looking for a technical powerhouse who understands the nuances of movement and the requirements of a high-volume animation pipeline.
- Proven Professional Experience: A solid track record as a Rigging Artist on professional animated projects (feature films, TV series, or high-end cinematics). Your seniority will be determined by the depth and complexity of your past work.
- Expert Maya Proficiency: Expert-level knowledge of Autodesk Maya, specifically regarding deformation, complex control hierarchies, and custom constraints.
- Technical Scripting: Proficiency in Python is highly valued. For a senior role, we expect the ability to automate repetitive tasks and build custom tools to enhance the pipeline.
- Artistic Anatomy & Animation Knowledge: A strong understanding of the 12 Principles of Animation and how they translate into rigging requirements (squash and stretch, appeal, and clean arcs).
- Communication: A functional level of English is required to thrive in our multicultural and international production environment.
Preferred “Nice-to-Have” Skills
- Advanced expertise in Skinning and complex Blendshape workflows.
- Experience developing sophisticated Facial Rigging systems.
- Knowledge of secondary dynamics, including Muscle and Cloth simulation.
- Experience specifically within preschool or stylized animation genres.
- Familiarity with production tracking software like Shotgrid.
About Amuse Animation
Founded in 2016, Amuse Animation is a digital-first powerhouse. Headquartered in the beautiful Canary Islands with offices in France and China, we specialize in incubating original IPs and providing high-quality service production.
Our numbers speak for themselves: 33 self-funded preschool IPs, dubbed in 27 languages, generating over 600 million views monthly. We are audience-driven, using real-time performance data to shape stories that resonate globally. Our culture is built on adaptability, innovation, and equality. When you join Amuse, you aren’t just joining a studio; you’re joining a global network of creators obsessed with the future of digital storytelling.
Why Work in Las Palmas?
Our Amuse Animation studio is located in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, offering a unique lifestyle balance. Enjoy the vibrant culture and stunning beaches of Spain while working in a high-tech studio environment. Our unique Friday “short-shift” (finishing at 14:00) is designed to ensure our team has the time to enjoy the island and maintain a healthy work-life balance.