Job OVerview
The global Animation (RODEO FX) and Visual Effects (VFX) landscape is witnessing a massive transformation. As streaming giants like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max push for high-quality original content, the demand for skilled artists has reached an all-time high.
| Category | Details |
| Location | Montreal, QC (Canada) |
| Work Arrangement | Hybrid (3 days studio / 2 days remote) |
| Experience Required | 8+ Years in VFX Production |
| Primary Toolset | Autodesk Maya & Python |
| Department | 3D Assets / Accessoires 3D |
Today, we are thrilled to announce a milestone on [Aapki Site Ka Naam]: We now have over 490+ verified Animation and VFX companies actively recruiting through our platform. From Oscar-winning powerhouses to boutique creative agencies, the opportunities are vast.
The Role: Engineering the Soul of Motion
Are you a technical visionary who thrives at the intersection of anatomy and architecture? Do you have the expertise to transform a static mesh into a living, breathing performance?
Rodeo FX is looking for a Senior Rigging Artist to join our world-class Assets department in Montreal. As a Senior Artist, you won’t just be building skeletons; you will be the bridge between the digital sculptor’s vision and the animator’s performance. From the subtle micro-expressions of a protagonist to the complex mechanical systems of a sci-fi vehicle, you will design the infrastructure that powers our most iconic cinematic moments.
Who We Are: A Legacy of Excellence
Rodeo FX is a creative powerhouse repeatedly recognized as one of Montreal’s Top Employers. We are an independent, Oscar-winning company driven by a simple philosophy: Creativity Above All.
Our artists are the architects behind the worlds of Stranger Things, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, and John Wick: Chapter 4. We partner with the industry’s most ambitious storytellers, including Netflix, Marvel, Disney, and HBO. At Rodeo, you aren’t just an employee; you are a creative partner in a stimulating, caring environment that fosters both professional mastery and personal well-being.
Your Mission at Rodeo FX
- 1. Mastery of the Craft
- You will design and build high-performance, flexible rigs for a diverse range of assets, including complex bipeds, quadrupeds, mechanical vehicles, and hero creatures. Your work involves:
- Developing internal anatomical systems (skeletons and muscle groups) to drive hyper-realistic external deformations.
- Crafting ergonomic, intuitive control systems that allow animators to focus on performance rather than technical hurdles.
- Implementing modular rigging systems that are robust, reusable, and easy to maintain across long-term productions.
- You will design and build high-performance, flexible rigs for a diverse range of assets, including complex bipeds, quadrupeds, mechanical vehicles, and hero creatures. Your work involves:
- 2. Creative & Technical Synergy
- You are the problem-solver who ensures that “artistic intent” meets “technical reality.”
- Artistic Quality: Collaborate closely with the Animation team to refine rigs based on narrative needs. You will support precise posing and expressive facial setups that capture the nuances of a character’s soul.
- Technical Optimization: Using Maya and Python, you will automate workflows and ensure every rig is optimized for the production pipeline. You’ll be responsible for identifying and resolving anomalies before they reach the next stage of the pipe.
- You are the problem-solver who ensures that “artistic intent” meets “technical reality.”
- 3. Leadership & Knowledge Sharing
- As a Senior Artist, you are a pillar of the team.
- Contribute to the evolution of our studio-wide rigging templates and standards.
- Mentor junior and mid-level artists by sharing tools, scripts, and innovative rigging approaches.
- Stay at the forefront of the industry by exploring emerging technologies, such as Machine Learning (ML) for deformation, muscle simulations, and procedural rigging.
- As a Senior Artist, you are a pillar of the team.
What You Bring to the Team
- We are looking for a veteran artist with a deep passion for the “how” and “why” of movement.
- Experience: A minimum of 8 years of production experience in rigging specifically for the high-end VFX or Feature Animation industry.
- Technical Stack: Expert-level proficiency in Maya. You should be a Python power user, capable of writing tools and scripts to enhance the rigging pipeline.
- Anatomical Expertise: A profound understanding of biological movement, muscle tension, and facial mechanics (FACS).
- Adaptability: The ability to prioritize high-pressure deliverables while maintaining a constructive, independent workflow.
The “Extra Mile” (Assets):
- Experience creating custom UIs using PySide.
- Familiarity with Flow (ShotGrid) or other production management software.
- Experience developing internal rigging frameworks or advanced facial solutions.
Work Environment & Culture
Rodeo FX was founded by an artist, and that perspective colors everything we do. We believe in the power of in-person collaboration to maintain our vibrant culture.
1. Hybrid Model: We require our artists to be present in our stunning Montreal studio at least three days a week, with the flexibility to work remotely for the remaining days.
2. Diversity & Inclusion: We believe different perspectives strengthen our creativity. We are committed to an equitable workplace where every voice is heard.
