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

3D Generalist (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.