Senior Rigging TD

Job Description:

The Senior Rigging Artist is a crucial technical role, serving as the link between the Modeling and Animation departments. The core responsibility is the end-to-end creation of high-quality, scalable rigs in Maya for all asset categories, including characters, creatures, vehicles, and props. This position demands a strong foundation in both artistic principles—specifically anatomy and motion—and technical expertise, including proficiency in Python scripting and Maya. The primary objective is to deliver robust, animator-friendly rigs essential for producing photorealistic visual effects. Success in this role requires a collaborative mindset. The Senior Rigging Artist must work closely with the Modeling, Animation, CFX, and Pipeline teams, combining hands-on technical execution with proactive mentorship and effective inter-team communication.

Responsibilities:

• Build production-ready character, creature, and prop rigs for film and TV projects
• Develop advanced deformation systems (muscle, skin, facial, cloth interactions)
• Research and develop muscle systems (e.g., Ziva, Maya Muscle)
• Create intuitive animator interfaces and controls
• Collaborate with Modelers to ensure topology supports deformation requirements
• Troubleshoot rig performance and deformation issues during production
• Work alongside simulation teams (cloth, hair, muscle)
• Develop and maintain rigging tools using primarily Python
• Work closely with Pipeline TDs to integrate rigs into studio workflows
• Optimize rigs for efficiency while maintaining visual fidelity
• Document tools, workflows, and rigging standards
• Support asset, animation and CFX teams throughout production

Requirements:

• Expertly apply and maintain robust, scalable rigs within Maya, demonstrating a deep understanding of its rigging capabilities.
• Strong Python scripting skills for automation and pipeline efficiency; C++ experience is a plus
• Solid grasp of Maya’s architectural framework and Matrix mathematics
• Solid understanding of anatomy, biomechanics, and deformation theory
• Strong knowledge of skinning techniques, blendshapes and corrective shapes
• Experience with facial rigging systems (FACS-based systems a plus)
• Ability to manage complex rigging projects and work effectively with minimal supervision
• Understanding of Houdini-based Creature FX and knowledge of USD-based workflows
• Adept at reviewing and maintaining rig templates and upholding quality standards
• Comfortable collaborating closely with pipeline and tools development teams
• Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git and GitLab) and asset management workflows
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Excellent time management, collaboration and communication skills

What We’re Looking For:

• A balance of artistic sensibility and technical expertise
• Passion for creating believable performances through strong deformation
• Ability to work under tight deadlines in a production environment
• Proactive, collaborative mindset
• Commitment to continuous learning and innovation

About Milk

Milk, a part of Phantom Media Group, is an Oscar, BAFTA, and Emmy Award-winning visual effects studio founded by creatives and powered by innovation. Since 2013, we have built a global reputation for delivering visually ambitious work across film and episodic projects, blending creative vision with technical excellence.

From expansive environments to photoreal characters and creatures, we bring bold stories to life. Our credits include Good Omens, Fantastic Beasts, The Martian, and The Witcher, with recognition that includes multiple BAFTA Television Craft Awards, an Emmy for Sherlock, and the 2016 Academy Award for Ex Machina, awarded to co-founder Sara Bennett, the first woman in 20 years to win in the VFX category.

With a global team, an agile pipeline, and a spirit of creative collaboration, we work closely with filmmakers to realise their vision. In our world, imagination has no limits.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We believe diverse perspectives make our work stronger, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities.