Principal Technical Artist

Framestore, an Academy Award-winning global visual effects and episodic studio, is seeking an exceptional, highly technical, and artistically intuitive Senior Rigging Technical Director (Senior Rigging TD) to join our premier production team in Melbourne. In this senior-level position, you will occupy a critical node within our high-end film pipeline. Your core mandate is to design, architect, implement, and maintain highly accurate, stable, and anatomically performant creature and character rigs. Acting as a strategic bridge between our Modeling and Animation departments, you will translate frozen 3D geometries into highly expressive, production-ready assets capable of executing nuanced physical performances for some of the world’s most prominent directors and storytellers. The ideal candidate pairs advanced mathematical and scripting capabilities with a deep appreciation for organic movement, anatomy, and real-time physical behaviors. Whether you are automating modular rigging systems or fine-tuning complex facial blendshapes, your work will directly define the limits of visual effects performance at a studio that continuously redefines what is possible in cinema. Rigging Technical Director Job Overview The foundational administrative, geographic, financial, and structural parameters of this visual effects career opportunity are organized below for clear reference. Parameter Specifications & Details Company Name Framestore Position Title Senior Rigging Technical Director (Senior Rigging TD) Department Film & Episodic / Rigging Department Job Type / Tenure Full-Time, Permanent Position Work Model Studio-Based with Flexible Hybrid Options Primary Location Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Estimated Base Salary Range $110,000 AUD – $145,000 AUD per annum (Gross, plus statutory superannuation) Experience Level Senior / Lead Tier (5+ Years of verified VFX Film Production experience) Application Gateway Submit online form or email recruiters@framestore.com Email Subject Line Tag [Senior Rigging TD – Melbourne] Screening Methodology 100% Manual Human Review (No AI screening filters utilized) Accessibility & Inclusion Step-free entry, accessible facilities, quiet spaces, full physical accommodation About Framestore Framestore is a globally recognized, multi-Oscar-winning creative studio that combines extraordinary talent with cutting-edge technology to bring life to everything we create. For decades, we have partnered with the world’s most visionary filmmakers, directors, and producers across the complete filmmaking lifecycle. From early pre-visualization and asset design through to final rendering and post-production, our teams craft beautiful, unforgettable imagery that sets global benchmarks for cinematic storytelling. Driven by a relentless curiosity and inspired by technological innovation, our daily mission is to reframe what is possible. Our Melbourne studio mirrors this dedication to excellence while cultivating a collaborative, supportive, and highly creative atmosphere. We operate on the foundational belief that great work stems from diverse perspectives, a passion for detail, and a healthy, inclusive workplace where every individual can unlock their full creative potential. Core Responsibilities: What You’ll Do Operating as a Senior Rigging TD at Framestore requires an elegant combination of autonomous tool-building, cross-departmental collaboration, and strict adherence to professional code architecture. Your daily responsibilities are split into the following functional areas: 1. Advanced Rig Construction & Asset Engineering 2. Pipeline Integration & Standardization Candidate Profile: Who You Are Required Technical Qualifications & Expertise Desirable Attributes & Secondary Skills (Pluses) Inclusivity, Accessibility, & Studio Commitments Full Studio Accessibility Framestore believes that creative spaces must be physically welcoming to everyone. Our Melbourne facility is fully engineered for physical accessibility, offering step-free main entries, dedicated accessible toilets, and specialized quiet rooms designed to provide low-sensory environments for focus or reflection. We are deeply committed to welcoming disabled colleagues and providing all necessary workplace accommodations to foster long-term professional success. Equitable Human Recruitment Process We reject the automated, algorithmic gatekeeping of modern recruitment. Every single application submitted to Framestore is reviewed manually by a real person within our talent acquisition team. We do not use automated keyword filters or artificial intelligence systems to screen, rank, or eliminate candidates. Furthermore, if you require any specific technical adjustments, communication accommodations, or scheduling support at any phase of the recruitment or interview process, please let us know. We will work with you directly to fulfill your needs. Flexible Qualifications Guidance A Transferable Skills Perspective: The qualification list provided above functions as a practical baseline guideline, not an unyielding rulebook. You do not need to fulfill every technical criteria or master every single software extension listed to apply. If you possess strong transferable skills, a dedicated passion for creature mechanics, and a belief that your background aligns with our studio goals, we strongly encourage you to submit your portfolio. Application opens the door to being considered not only for this specific senior role but also for upcoming projects and alternative positions. Technical Director job at Framestore, 2026 Apply now See open roles Expplore More Senior Rigging Technical Director Jobs