Blue Zoo Animation Studio is looking for a technically brilliant and creatively driven Mid-Level 3D Rigger to join our renowned rigging department. This role is for a “technical artist” in the truest sense—someone who understands the delicate balance between complex mathematical deformation systems and the intuitive, artistic needs of an animator. At Blue Zoo, our riggers are the unsung heroes who transform static models into expressive, performance-ready characters.
As a B Corp certified studio, we offer more than just a job; we offer a career within an ethical framework that prioritizes people, diversity, and creative fulfillment. Whether you are working from our London hub or utilizing our flexible remote options across the UK, you will be part of a team that has consistently been named one of the Best Places to Work in TV.
Job Overview: Mid-Level 3D Rigger
| Entity | Details |
| Company Name | Blue Zoo Animation Studio |
| Position | Mid-Level 3D Rigger |
| Department | Advertising & Specialist Projects |
| Location | London / Hybrid / UK Remote |
| Salary Range | £40,000 – £55,000 Per Annum (Dependent on skills & experience) |
| Work Mode | Flexible / Hybrid / Remote (UK Based) |
| Primary Software | Autodesk Maya & Python |
| Studio Status | B Corp Certified & Multi-BAFTA Winning |
The Mission: Engineering Expression
A Mid-Level 3D Rigger at Blue Zoo Animation Studio is responsible for the skeletal architecture of our productions. You are expected to mix elegant technical solutions with creative problem-solving to build rigs that aren’t just functional, but a joy to animate. You will handle high-profile assets, contribute to the design of modular rigging systems, and serve as a vital bridge between the modeling and animation departments.
Your daily mission is to ensure that the creative vision of the Director is physically possible within the 3D space. From nuanced facial shapes to complex mechanical transformations, you will build the “connective tissue” that allows our stories to move.
Key Responsibilities & Day-to-Day Impact
1. Rig Construction & System Design
- Asset Setup: Design, create, and test a broad variety of asset setups, ranging from hero characters and creatures to complex mechanical props and environmental elements.
- Modular Innovation: Define and implement modular asset build systems to increase efficiency, while maintaining the flexibility to provide bespoke solutions for unique production needs.
- High-Profile Assets: Take ownership of the rigging and maintenance for the most complex and “hero” assets of specific productions, ensuring they meet the highest standards of performance and deformation.
2. Tool Development & Automation
- Workflow Optimization: Develop custom tools and scripts (primarily in Python) to speed up internal workflows and automate repetitive rigging tasks.
- Technical Architecture: Contribute to the design of the rigging systems and logic used across the studio, ensuring consistency and scalability.
- Group Repositories: Work within shared code repositories, utilizing object-oriented programming (OOP) principles to ensure code is clean, documented, and maintainable.
3. Collaboration & Leadership
- Animator Synergy: Collaborate directly with the Animation department to design user-friendly control schemes and troubleshoot technical issues as they arise during production.
- Department Liaison: Represent the rigging department in animatic reviews. You will define and communicate rig requirements to other departments and provide technical feedback on what is achievable within the schedule.
- Mentorship: Guide junior team members through asset briefs, helping them interpret technical requirements and providing quality assurance on their setups.
- Client Integration: Process and integrate assets from external clients or partner studios, ensuring that incoming rigs meet Blue Zoo’s rigorous quality and pipeline standards.
Candidate Profile: What We Are Looking For
Blue Zoo Animation Studio is seeking an individual who is as comfortable with a script editor as they are with a deformation weight brush. You should have a deep curiosity for how things move and a drive to build systems that are “animator-first.”
Core Requirements (Must Have)
- Maya Mastery: Extensive knowledge of Autodesk Maya’s deformation systems (skinning, blendshapes, deformers) and general 3D principles.
- Coding Expertise: Essential experience in Python and Maya commands. You should be comfortable with modular programming and collaborating in group repositories.
- Mathematical Foundation: A solid understanding of geometry and trigonometry concepts as they apply to 3D space and rigging logic.
- Detail Oriented: An extremely thorough eye for detail. You take pride in “clean” rigs with predictable behavior and zero technical overhead.
- Communication: The ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical staff and work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Professionalism: Self-motivated and able to deliver high-quality work on schedule while remaining calm and efficient under pressure.
Bonus Points (Standing Out)
- API Knowledge: Experience with the Maya API (C++ or Python) is considered a major advantage for high-level tool development.
- Physics & Dynamics: Knowledge of muscle systems, cloth simulation (nCloth/Marvelous), or ragdoll setups.
- Anatomical Knowledge: A strong grasp of human and animal anatomy to ensure realistic deformation.
The Blue Zoo Animation Studio Experience: Why Join Us?
Blue Zoo Animation Studio is more than just a studio; it is a community of creators who believe that a happy artist is a productive artist. Our B Corp status means we are legally committed to social and environmental responsibility.
Our Culture of Excellence
- Best Places to Work: We have been recognized by Broadcast as one of the Best Places to Work in TV consistently from 2019 through 2026.
- B Corp Integrity: We are independently verified by B Lab, ensuring we meet 170+ rigorous metrics regarding the treatment of our staff, our local community, and our environment.
- The Shorts Programme: Every year, we fund internal short films. This program is open to everyone—not just directors. It’s a chance to experiment with new rigging techniques (like experimental muscle systems) and see your name in the credits of a film that might just win an Annie or a BAFTA.
Comprehensive Benefits
- Financial Wellbeing: Participation in our Profit Share scheme (for those with 2+ years of service) and a comprehensive benefits package with various discounts.
- Mental Health & Wellness: Access to an online wellbeing program and a supportive internal culture that values work-life balance.
- Engagement: Bi-monthly employee feedback sessions ensure that the studio evolves based on your input.
- Social Life: We host numerous fun social events, both in-person and digital, to ensure our remote and hybrid staff stay connected.
About Blue Zoo Animation Studio
Founded in 2000, Blue Zoo Animation Studio has grown from a small group of friends into the UK’s leading dedicated CG animation studio. Our work spans from beloved preschool series to high-octane advertising and cinematic short films. We pride ourselves on creating “bold, fun, and characterful” animation. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion means we invite everyone to “bring their whole selves to work,” fostering an environment where fresh perspectives are celebrated and respected.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV and a link to your Rigging Showreel. Your reel should demonstrate a variety of setups, showcasing your deformation work, control interfaces, and any custom tools or scripts you have developed. A breakdown of your contribution to each shot is highly encouraged.
Note: We anticipate a high volume of applications for this role and may close the vacancy early. We recommend applying as soon as possible.
