Puppet Fabrication CG Modeling Intern at LAIKA Studios

Job Overview

• Company: LAIKA Studios
• Job Title: Puppet Fabrication CG Modeling Intern
• Job Type: Internship (Temporary / Full-Time)
• Location: Hillsboro, Oregon, USA
• Work Model: 100% On-Site
• Seniority Level: Internship / Entry-Level
• Required Experience: Junior/Senior Standing or Recent Graduate (within 12 months)
• Salary Range: USD $20.00 per hour (Fixed / Non-negotiable)
• Reporting Structure: Reports to Digital Fabrication Lead / Puppet Fabrication Supervisor
• Industry: Animation, Motion Pictures, and Rapid Prototyping

Company Overview: Where Digital Meets Tangible

LAIKA Studios stands as a global vanguard of stop-motion animation, celebrated for a unique cinematic signature that marries hand-crafted artistry with state-of-the-art digital innovation. Based in Hillsboro, Oregon, we are an academy of creators—artists, scientists, and engineers—who believe that the tactile nature of stop-motion provides an emotional resonance unlike any other medium.

In the Puppet Fabrication department, we bridge the gap between the virtual and the physical. LAIKA Studios leverage high-end CG modeling and rapid prototyping to create the physical characters that populate our miniature worlds. Our culture is one of extreme precision, where the “digital” is never an end in itself, but rather a sophisticated tool used to realize physical excellence. As we prepare for our upcoming feature-length project, we are seeking a Puppet Fabrication CG Modeling Intern who is eager to master the complexities of a hybrid digital-to-physical production pipeline.

Role Overview

The Puppet Fabrication CG Modeling Intern is a highly specialized technical-artistic role. While many modeling positions focus on assets for a screen, this internship focuses on assets for the real world. You will work within our Digital Fabrication team to create the 3D components required to manufacture puppet bodies, internal structures, and complex molds.

This role provides a rare, hands-on opportunity to see your digital sculpts transformed into physical objects via advanced 3D printing and mold-making processes. You will be challenged to balance artistic organic modeling with the rigid requirements of mechanical engineering and manufacturing tolerances. Under the mentorship of our seasoned professionals, you will gain “renowned stop-motion expertise” that exists at the intersection of VFX and traditional sculpture.

Key Responsibilities & Production Duties

The Puppet Fabrication CG Modeling Intern will be expected to support the Puppet Fabrication pipeline through the following core functions:

I. Digital Sculpting & Template Creation

• Character Realization: Assist in creating digital puppet sculpts that are perfectly on-scale and on-model with the physical character maquettes provided by the design team.

• Armature Integration: Provide digital 3D templates of puppets to the Armature department to ensure the internal mechanical skeletons fit perfectly within the exterior “skin.”

• Asset Libraries: Assist in the creation and maintenance of an asset library of joint arrays and mechanical components to be used across various characters.

II. Digital Mold Design & Manufacturing Prep

• Precision Mold Making: Create highly precise digital molds and specialized mold components designed specifically for 3D printing. This requires an understanding of draft angles, parting lines, and material thickness.

• Technical Reductions: Perform model reductions and “grip block” creation to facilitate the handling of puppets during the animation process.

• Print Preparation: Manage the file preparation for rapid prototyping, ensuring all geometry is manifold and optimized for high-resolution 3D prints.

III. Physical Assembly & Collaboration

• Practical Implementation: Beyond the screen, you will practically assemble printed molds and components to verify fit and function before handing them off to downstream departments like Casting or Paint.

• Inter-Departmental Support: Collaborate with various production wings to address digital needs, ensuring that the CG modeling supports the overarching goals of the puppet build.

• Production Standards: Execute the duties of a Junior Digital Fabricator, maintaining a high standard of visual and technical quality while adhering to the rigorous production schedule.

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Minimum Academic & Technical Requirements

• Educational Status: Currently enrolled as a Junior or Senior in a college or university, or a recent graduate within the last 12 months.

• Artistic/Technical Core: Basic knowledge of Autodesk Maya, ZBrush, and Adobe Photoshop.

• Organic Modeling: A fundamental understanding of organic 3D modeling, with an eye for anatomy, form, and silhouette.

• Documentation: Applications without relevant samples/portfolios/reels will not be considered. Portfolios should showcase clean topology and high-resolution digital sculpts.

Preferred Skills (The “Competitive Edge”)

• Rigging: A basic understanding of rigging within Maya to help predict how a digital model will move when translated into a physical puppet.

• Scripting: Basic knowledge of MEL or Python to assist in workflow automation and tool development.

• Manufacturing Experience: Prior experience with Rapid Prototyping (3D printing) or traditional puppet/mold fabrication is highly valued.

• Soft Skills: Exceptional attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a high-functioning team.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

This role is on-site in Hillsboro to facilitate the physical assembly and collaboration required for fabrication.

• Physical Demands: Standard office tasks combined with the physical assembly of printed parts. The role involves walking, standing, and manual dexterity for operating equipment and assembling small components.

• Lifting: Ability to lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.

• Vision: Vision abilities including close vision and the ability to adjust focus for intricate digital and physical work.

• Environment: Typical studio/office conditions with moderate noise levels and variable indoor temperatures.

Application Process & Deadlines

Deadline for Submission: Friday, March 27, 2026, by 6:00 PM PDT.

To be considered, candidates must:

1. Submit a Portfolio: Provide a digital link showcasing 3D modeling and sculpting work. Highlight any work that involves 3D printing or mechanical integration.

2. Verify Qualifications: Carefully review the technical requirements to ensure your software skills align with Maya and ZBrush expectations.

3. Note on Salary: This position is paid at a set rate of $20.00 per hour, which is non-negotiable.