Blender Character TD

About The Role

We are looking for an experienced Blender Character TD to take full ownership of the rigging, deformation, and puppeteering systems on an exciting new project! We are very happy to discuss flexible, hybrid, and remote working options for all our vacancies. Please note that this vacancy can close early if we receive a high number of applications.

• Designing, creating, testing, and maintaining a broad variety of asset rigs.
• Collaborating with animators to design user-friendly rigs and troubleshoot issues as they arise.
• Collaborating with animators to design performance capture and digital puppetry workflows.
• Providing technical feedback to other departments and working with production management to prioritise tasks.
• Strong technical testing, troubleshooting, and debugging to keep the rigging and puppeteering systems reliable.

• Strong knowledge of Blender’s deformation systems and 3D principles.
• Previous experience in animation as a rigger or character TD.
• Experience with modular rigging systems.
• Comfortable with Python and the Blender Python API, able to read, debug, and extend existing tools as well as write new ones.
• Experience in modular programming and collaborating in group repositories.
• A thorough and keen eye for detail, and the ability to produce consistent, quality-assured rigs across projects.
• Strong version control habits and good file hygiene.
• Proficiency with Cloud Rig or Rigify.
• Proficiency with Geometry Nodes.
• Self‑motivated and able to work collaboratively, as well as independently.
• Able to take direction and willing to address constructive feedback.
• Able to communicate clearly with colleagues.
• Able to deliver on schedule, working calmly and efficiently under pressure.

• Previous experience in feature animation as a rigger.
• Previous experience with live capture workflows like facial and/or motion capture and digital puppetry.
• Familiarity with rez and/or pyblish.
• Previous Blender add‑on/extension development experience.

Blue Zoo is a leading animation studio in the UK, known for creating bold, fun, and characterful animation. Established in London in 2000, it is the largest dedicated CG animation studio in the UK, having received awards including BAFTAs, an Annie, and an Emmy.

Blue Zoo is the first major animation studio to receive B Corp certification, demonstrating a commitment to improving the lives of employees, customers, suppliers, and the community.

We offer flexible working to support a healthy work–life balance and foster a diverse and inclusive environment that values every individual’s perspective.

• Winner of Broadcast Best Places to Work in TV 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024, 2025 & 2026.
• Inclusive self‑funded shorts programme.
• Many fun in‑person and remote social events throughout the year.
• Bi‑monthly employee feedback and engagement programme.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including discounts and offers.
• Online wellbeing programme.
• Profit share for employees who have been with us for 2+ years.