Character Technical Artist

Character Technical Artist

Cupertino, California, United States

Software and Services

Summary

Posted : Oct 09, 2025

Weekly Hours : 40

Role Number : 200625466-0836

Play a role in bringing Apple technology to the world. We are looking for a hardworking, dedicated, and results-oriented 3D Tech Artist. You would join a team building simulation art assets. Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or Apple Store experience we deliver is the result of us making each other’s ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It’s the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you’ll do more than join something — you’ll add something.

Description

As a Character Technical Artist in the AIML Simulation group, you will have an opportunity to be part of an innovation-focused organization within Apple that is developing simulations and generating synthetic data. You will be able to work on highly ambitious and impactful simulation projects. This team has a strong focus on enabling AIML-based features and products. Our ideal team member brings experience but is also fearless when it comes to trying new things and is willing to iterate on ideas. We value team members who can quickly prototype, iterating all the way to high-quality implementations. Moreover, we value team members who can collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams across the organization.

Responsibilities

Work with pipeline and asset generation tools to generate and vary character models.

Collaborate on improving the tools.

Design, build, and maintain rigs for characters, creatures, and props that meet project

needs

Develop deformation systems (muscle, skin, cloth, hair / fur) to achieve levels of realism

as required.

Collaborate with modelers to ensure geometry and topology are rig-ready and

deformation-friendly.

Work with animators to create intuitive, efficient control systems that support expressive

performances.

Troubleshoot rigging, skinning, and deformation issues during production and provide

timely fixes.

Write tools, scripts, and utilities (e.g., in Python or Maya API) to automate and streamline

rigging workflows.

Minimum Qualifications

At least 5 years of experience working as a Rigger or Character Technical Director in

animation, VFX and / or video games

Expertise in using / extending / designing digital asset pipelines that can handle large-scale

character generation and customization such as for feature films and games.

Strong knowledge of character rigging principles, anatomy, and deformation.

Experienced Maya user

Experience with Maya, Houdini, or other DCC’s programming APIs

Strong Python scripting skills

Familiarity with muscle, cloth, hair / fur systems, and corrective blendshape workflows.

Problem-solving mindset and ability to balance animator needs with technical constraints.

Experience with hair / fur systems (e.g. XGen, Houdini Groom)

Skilled at modern human character modeling :

Digital sculpting, modeling, simulating, and command of mesh topology.

Understanding of shading, lighting, structure, texturing and materials.

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with USD format and tools

C++ programming experienceC++ programming experience

Pay & Benefits

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $141,800 and $258,600, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including : Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation.Learn more about Apple Benefits. (https : / / www.apple.com / careers / us / benefits.html)

Note : Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant (https : / / www.eeoc.gov / sites / default / files / 2023-06 / 22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf) .

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant (https : / / www.eeoc.gov / sites / default / files / 2023-06 / 22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf) .

Apple will not discriminate or retaliate against applicants who inquire about, disclose, or discuss their compensation.

Apple participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law.Learn more about the E-Verify program (https : / / www.apple.com / jobs / pdf / EverifyPosterEnglish.pdf) .

Apple is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with physical and mental disabilities. Reasonable Accommodation and Drug Free Workplace policy Learn more .

Apple is a drug-free workplace. Reasonable Accommodation and Drug Free Workplace policy Learn more .

Apple will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law. If you’re applying for a position in San Francisco, review the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance guidelines applicable in your area.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.