Senior VFX Rigger

Note: At this time we are only accepting applications from those artists residing in Quebec AND British Columbia, Canada. Must be legally eligible to work in Canada. eg. Citizen | PR | Open Work Permit. This is a project based contract position.

Please only apply once to the best suited job by your current residency location. 

About Barnstorm

Barnstorm is an Emmy and VES-nominated visual effects studio based in Los Angeles, New York, Vancouver, and Montreal providing photo-realistic visual effects for a variety of television and online streaming projects. We pride ourselves in our artists’ talent and dedication to producing world-class visual effects.   

Who You Are

You are an experienced VFX Rigger eager to bring your skills to a dynamic studio environment where a wide variety of creative projects await. You are a creative versatile artist able to create rigs for characters, creatures, props, and vehicles, ensuring seamless animation and simulation workflows for high-end visual effects in high end visual TV series and feature film.You are a clear and confident communicator, solution oriented with a proactive mindset, and positive attitude.

What You’ll Do

• Design, build, and maintain high-quality rigs for characters, creatures, and mechanical assets.Eg: skeletons, joint chains, control systems, and deformation structures that accurately reflect the desired movement and behaviour of the asset.
• Collaborate closely with modelers to ensure the geometry and topology of the models are optimized for rigging, and with animators to understand their specific needs and workflows.
• Work closely with technical directors to ensure the rigs are compatible with the studio's pipeline and meet technical requirements.
• Develop and implement advanced deformation systems, such as muscle simulations, dynamic flesh simulations, and cloth/hair simulation setups; Provide animators with intuitive controls to manipulate and fine-tune the deformation effects.
• Troubleshoot rigging issues: Provide timely and effective technical support to the team to ensure that production deadlines and quality are met. 
• Optimize Rigs: Ensure that the rigs are well-organized, clearly labeled, and easy to navigate, allowing animators to focus on their creative work without being hindered by technical complexities.
• Stay current with the latest industry tools, techniques, and workflows.
  

What You Bring

• 5+ years of experience in Rigging for VFX or animation production
• Intermediate - Advanced skills: with Maya , Python & VEX scripting
• Experience in simulation rigging with Houdini (muscle systems, cloth, hair)
• Knowledge of C++ or MEL is a bonus.
• Strong understanding of anatomy, mechanical rigging, and kinematics
• Experience with facial rigging and deformation systems.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• A thorough understanding of television/ episodic VFX production pipelines: feature film a plus

About This Role

This is a remote based role. Project and staff positions available with extended health benefits and opportunity to participate in RRSP programs. Note: At this time we are only accepting applications from those artists legally eligible to work in Canada. (Eg. Canadian or PR and are residents of Montreal or BC)

The posted pay range is aligned with what we believe is fair pay at the time of posting this role. An applicant’s relevant education, experience, skills and qualifications, location and currency may all be considered when deciding pay position within the range. Pay ranges may change.Benefit plans are dependent on the local plan offering and employment status but all US and Canada plans include a comprehensive health insurance plan, retirement savings, and paid time off.Barnstorm VFX is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive team that provides a meaningful work environment free of discrimination and harassment. We seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. Indigenous people, people of color, people of all genders or non-genders, and people with disabilities of all types are encouraged to apply. We thank everyone for their interest and application, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.