3D Animation Specialist (Remote | $70–$120/hr)

Position: 3D Generalist: Modeling, Rigging & Animation (AI Evaluation)]

Type: Full-Time

Compensation: $70–$120 per hour]

Location: Remote (United States)

About the Opportunity: A leading AI lab is seeking an experienced 3D Generalist with professional studio experience in modeling, rigging, and animation. You will apply your production expertise to evaluate AI-generated 3D assets, create realistic production tasks, and develop quality standards that improve generative AI models. The role is Blender-first, with an emphasis on Python scripting and automation.

Key Responsibilities: Guide research teams in improving AI model performance across 3D modeling, texturing, rigging, animation, and product visualization. Design real-world 3D tasks based on studio and client workflows. Produce editable reference deliverables in formats such as .blend, .fbx, .glb, .step, and .stl. Evaluate AI-generated 3D assets for topology, UVs, materials, scale, skin weights, rig behavior, and animation quality. Develop evaluation guidelines, rubrics, and quality checks, including scripted mesh, UV, and rig validation using Blender Python. Collaborate with subject matter experts to maintain consistency and accuracy in AI training data.

Required Qualifications: At least 5 years of professional 3D production experience at a game, animation, or VFX studio, product-visualization or e-commerce team, or creative agency. Daily, production-level proficiency in Blender and familiarity with Maya, 3ds Max, ZBrush, Substance Painter, or Houdini. Ability to inspect and troubleshoot existing Blender project files. Python scripting experience in Blender using bpy, including scripts or add-ons for automation, validation, rigging, or exporting. Strong skills in quad topology, retopology, UV unwrapping and packing, high-to-low baking, and 4K PBR metal-rough texturing. Experience with skeletal rigging and skinning, including joint placement, weight painting, IK/FK controls, shape keys, and looping animation. Ability to export functional animations in .glb or .fbx formats for real-time engines or web viewers. Fluency with editable 3D source formats, including .blend, .fbx, .glb/.gltf, .usd/.usdz, .obj, and CAD exchange formats. Hands-on experience with generative 3D and image tools such as Meshy, Tripo, Hunyuan3D, Rodin, Luma Genie, Midjourney, or Flux. Public portfolio or reel of completed professional work, preferably on ArtStation, Sketchfab, or a personal website. Availability for at least 40 hours per week during weekdays. Strong written communication and the ability to explain technical and creative decisions clearly.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience with CAD modeling tools such as Rhino, Fusion 360, SolidWorks, or FreeCAD.Ability to share Python scripts or code samples demonstrating production automation experience. Compensation & Engagement$70–$120 per hour. Full-time, 40-hour-per-week W-2 employment through Cincinnatus LLC.Opportunity to work within a leading AI lab's extended workforce. Cincinnatus LLC serves as the employer of record, providing payroll, benefits, and employment compliance.

Application Process: Applicants should be prepared to share a public portfolio or reel of completed professional work and, where possible, code samples for their Blender Python scripts. Candidates will be asked to walk through their work and production experience.