Rigging Lead

Job Description

Netflix Animation Studios is on a mission to entertain the world with bold, immersive animated films that are timeless and impactful. We are paving the way for the future of animation by building a community of amazing artists and talent across three vibrant locations globally. Come join us!

The Rigging Lead is pivotal in overseeing the rig creation process, collaborating closely with the Rigging Supervisor and other Rigging Leads to standardize workflows and ensuring high-quality results. This role supports Rigging Artists and coordinates with R&D, Crowd, Layout, Animation, and Modeling Departments for seamless integration and efficiency.
What you'll do
Leadership & Collaboration:
• Collaborate with the Rigging Supervisor and Rigging Leads to drive the rigging asset creation for the department.
• Work with Asset TDs to create tools and validators for the Rigging Department to ensure clean asset creation.
• Partner with the Blendshape Team to ensure high quality character assets are delivered to the production floor.
• Build strong relationships with the Modeling Supervisor and Lead to implement best practices for character topology.
• Working globally across multiple teams. Coordinating developments while managing different time zones.
Technical Development & Innovation:
• Demonstrate proficiency in Python and Maya API; commit to learning the OMX wrapper and internal APIs.
• Develop Procedural Component Builders and improve department tools to enhance workflow efficiency.
• Troubleshoot tool issues and collaborate with R&D for practical solutions.
• Address complex rigging challenges and invest in scalable solutions.
Mentorship & Training:
• Guide new artists through a structured onboarding programme.
• Mentor artists in developing deformation skills using our proprietary Rig builder and PSD system.
• Foster a collaborative environment by encouraging initiative and constructive feedback.
• Review character assets using detailed asset drawovers as well as regular feedback over Slack and Voice Calls
Learning & Adaptation:
• Continuously learn to adapt to the current pipeline and master internal systems.
• Work on character projects to gain proficiency with the studio's systems.
Feedback Process:
• Use Shotgrid Playlists, and SyncSketch for asset version reviews and feedback logging, ensuring a timely turnaround.
What you'll need
• 5 + years' experience on feature films, TV and/or animated features.
• 5 + years' experience in Rigging or related technical fields.
• 3 + years/ previous experience in a leadership role.
• Proficient and production proven knowledge of rigging in Maya.
• Tools development experience using PYQT, and the Maya API.
This role is based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Hybrid Role (Minimum of 3 days a week in the office).
At NAS, we carefully consider a wide range of compensation factors to determine your compensation. We rely on market indicators and consider your specific job family, background, location, skills, and experience. The overall market range for this role is typically $140k -165k CAD. This reflects total compensation; we do not have stock options.
NAS benefits can include medical/dental/vision plans, mental health support, retirement programs, and family-forming benefits, paid leave of absence programs, and paid time away programs to be used for vacation and sick paid time off. See more detail about our benefits here.
Inclusion is a Netflix value and we strive to host a meaningful interview experience for all candidates. If you want an accommodation/adjustment for a disability or any other reason during the hiring process, please send a request to your recruiting partner.
We are an equal-opportunity employer and celebrate diversity, recognizing that diversity builds stronger teams. We approach diversity and inclusion seriously and thoughtfully. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-k223jq-216-73-216-12-42 in your application.