Role overview

Analog is seeking a Senior Character Rigger to join their Abu Dhabi studio as a production-focused individual contributor. This is a specialized rigging position centered on building high-quality, animator-friendly character and creature rigs in Autodesk Maya for real-time 3D and AR/VR experiences. The role prioritizes hands-on rigging work rather than tool development or leadership responsibilities.

Key responsibilities

Design and build production-ready character and creature rigs in Autodesk Maya that meet real-time engine performance requirements.
Manage all aspects of skeleton setup, skinning, deformation systems, constraints, and corrective solutions to achieve animator-friendly control rigs.
Partner directly with animators to understand their needs and ensure rigs support expressive and efficient animation workflows.
Collaborate with technical teams to verify that rigs function correctly within Unity or Unreal engine constraints.
Debug, iterate, and refine existing rigs based on feedback from animation and runtime performance to maintain quality and consistency.
Continuously improve and maintain the rig library without compromising overall quality or consistency standards.

Requirements

Expert-level proficiency in Autodesk Maya rigging is required.
A minimum of five years of professional character or creature rigging experience.
Proven track record of shipping real-time 3D projects, including AAA games, AR/VR experiences, or high-end interactive applications.
Strong knowledge of anatomy, deformation techniques, skinning methods, and corrective rigging solutions.
Solid grasp of animation fundamentals such as timing, weight, and staging to effectively support animator requirements.
Hands-on experience with Unity or Unreal engine pipelines from a rigging perspective.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, take ownership of deliverables, and communicate rigging decisions clearly to team members.

What makes this role worth considering

This is a pure rigging specialization with no expectations for tool development, animation work, or supervisory duties—ideal for a rigger who wants to focus entirely on their craft. The position welcomes both strong mid-level and senior candidates who are actively hands-on in their work today, emphasizing depth of expertise over seniority alone.