Graduate Rigger

Frontier Developments plc; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading game development company in Cambridge is seeking a Graduate Rigger to join their animation team. This role focuses on creating high-quality, genre-leading animation rigs to enhance gameplay. The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of rigging principles, experience with Maya, and a strong problem-solving mindset. The company offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits including health support, a bonus scheme, and a hybrid work option.

Benefits

Success-based annual bonus

Share option schemes

Private family healthcare

Flexible working hours

In-house subsidised catering

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Good understanding of rigging and deformation principles.
• Ability to effectively communicate rigging ideas.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Eye for detail and anatomy in rigging.

Responsibilities

• Create animation rigs for the animation team.
• Develop high-quality rigs from base models.
• Prepare and maintain in-game assets.
• Implement real-time solutions for gameplay.

Skills

Understanding of rigging principles

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Ability to discuss rigging ideas

Attention to detail in animation rigs

Feedback acceptance for skill development

Tools

Maya

3ds Max

Blender

Python scripting

MEL scripting

Job description

WHAT’S THE ROLE?

We have an exciting opportunity for a Graduate Rigge r to work within our highly experienced Animation team. In this role you will join the Technical Animation department of Riggers, Technical Animators, and Animation Programmers, empowering our animators to create best-in-class animation.

Your focus will be on creating genre-leading rigs that allow for high-fidelity animation whilst still being quick and easy to work with.

WHAT’S THE ROLE LOCATION / ARRANGEMENT

This role is offered on a full in-studio basis or a hybrid basis (minimum 3 days per week in the studio). We can provide a comprehensive relocation support package as part of any offer, should you need to relocate.

We welcome applications from all, however please note that this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

• Taking direction from the lead rigger to create animation rigs to enable our animation team to make incredible animations.
• Develop an animation rig from a base model asset, through to a final quality rig.
• Prepare, export, test and maintain in-game assets.
• Set up in-engine real-time solutions such as ragdoll and IK footplanting.
• Carrying out supporting rigging tasks to ensure your work supports both our animators and our game assets.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• A good understanding of rigging, deformation and underlying software principles that are required to develop animation rigs.
• Ability to discuss rigging ideas and processes that will impact the animators.
• An eye for rigging, anatomy principles and detail, to construct world class animation rigs.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• A willingness to confidently take on feedback from your peers in order to develop your skills as a rigger.
• A rigging showreel that demonstrates a strong understanding of character rigging principles.
• Experience using Maya.

BONUS IF YOU HAVE

• A showreel that demonstrates rigging capabilities for both quadrupedal and bipedal creatures, as well as hard body props.
• Knowledge of other 3D animation packages (3ds max, Blender, XSI etc.)
• Knowledge of game development pipelines.
• Knowledge of Python or MEL scripting within Autodesk Maya.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

You will work with talented and passionate people to support, develop or publish our sophisticated and enduring games, in a creative, collaborative and inclusive environment. We love what we do, and we work hard to provide outstanding experiences for our players.

Wellbeing is a big focus at Frontier, and we are continually evolving how we can support our people. We encourage a healthy work/life balance and provide a range of wellbeing activities, initiatives and sessions to support both mental and physical health.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes a success-based annual bonus, share option schemes, life assurance, private family healthcare, flexitime working hours, enhanced maternity/paternity leave, in-house subsidised catering, support with relocation, a Cycle to Work scheme, free bike servicing, and social activities and events.

We strive to create an environment where everyone can fully demonstrate their capability and potential. If you therefore need any reasonable adjustments to support you during the recruitment process, please speak to your Talent Acquisition representative.

For queries, please email: [e-mail]