Theory Studios is hiring Technical Artist 2026

Job Overview

• Company Name – Theory Studios
• Job Type – Salaried (Full-Time)
• Project Duration – Initial contract through June 2026 (Option to extend)
• Location – Hybrid (Central Florida / Orlando area)
• U.S. Citizenship – Required (Mandatory for government/military projects)
• Work Schedule – Mon–Thu (10 AM – 5 PM ET Core Hours) / Flexible Fridays
• Experience Level – All experience levels welcome

Theory Studios is an Emmy-nominated immersive powerhouse where storytelling meets high-stakes technology. From the magic of world-class theme parks to the precision of military combat simulations, we turn imagination into real-time wonder. We are currently seeking a versatile Technical Artist specializing in Rigging & Animation to join our team in Central Florida.

If you are looking for a Technical Artist job in Orlando that offers the unique opportunity to work on diverse projects—ranging from entertainment to defense—Theory Studios provides a flexible, innovation-driven environment where your technical skills will define the next generation of immersive training.

Salary & Compensation Table

We believe in providing a competitive baseline for artists across the experience spectrum. The salary for this Technical Artist job in Orlando is based on your specific qualifications and portfolio depth.

Details

$60,000 – $75,000 CAD

Medical and Dental coverage offered

Accruable Paid Time Off (PTO) and Sick Time

No relocation costs provided; must be local to Central Florida

Potential for contract extension and role evolution

Detailed Responsibilities: The Bridge Between Art and Engine

As a Technical Artist at Theory Studios, you are the vital link between high-fidelity CG assets and functional real-time environments. Your role focuses on the mechanical and organic movement of characters and vehicles within Unreal Engine .

1. Rigging & Animation Systems

• Multi-Platform Rigging: Create robust, animation-friendly rigs for both complex vehicles (tanks, aircraft, transport) and humanoid/creature characters using Maya , Blender , or Unreal Engine’s internal tools.

• Movement Design: Produce high-quality animations for various physical items and vehicles, ensuring they behave realistically within a simulation environment.

• Pipeline Automation: Write Python scripts to automate repetitive rigging tasks and streamline the animation transfer process.

2. Unreal Engine Integration (The “Ingest” Specialist)

• Animation Blueprints: Build and maintain complex Anim Blueprints inside Unreal Engine, including state machines, blend spaces, and procedural logic.

• Library Utilization: Leverage Unreal’s animation libraries (walk/run cycles, aim offsets) to ensure characters and vehicles are responsive and simulation-ready.

• Asset Ingestion: Manage the technical import process, ensuring that textures, skeletons, and meshes are optimized and error-free upon entering the engine.

3. Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• CG Alignment: Work closely with 3D Modelers to ensure geometry is modeled with correct topology for rigging and deformation.

• Military Simulation Focus: Be comfortable and proficient in creating realistic assets for military vehicle combat training scenarios .

• Client Interaction: Participate in in-person client meetings, presentations, and on-site rehearsals (Florida-based and occasional out-of-state travel).

Qualifications & Requirements

To succeed in this Technical Artist job in Orlando , you must balance technical logic with an artistic eye for motion.

Technical Must-Haves:

• Unreal Engine Expertise: Deep knowledge of technical animation within UE4/UE5, specifically Anim Blueprints and asset ingestion.

• DCC Tool Proficiency: Working knowledge of Maya or Blender for rigging and keyframe animation.

• Rigging Logic: Experience building and troubleshooting rigs specifically intended for real-time use.

• Coding: Ability to use Python as needed to enhance the animation pipeline.

Eligibility & Logistics:

• Citizenship: Due to the nature of our government contracts, you must be a U.S. Citizen .

• Background Check: Employment is contingent upon a background check and I-9 verification.

• Commute: You must be based in (or able to commute to) Central Florida/Orlando for meetings and client visits.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written skills, with the ability to manage your time in a hybrid/remote structure.

The “Big Plus” (Bonus Skills):

• Industry Experience: Previous work in simulation training, interactive media, or defense sectors.

• Project Management: Familiarity with Jira and Agile methodologies.

• Soft Skills: A proactive, lifelong learner who is open to adopting new technologies as the field of immersive tech evolves.

Why Join Theory Studios?

Theory Studios is not your typical game dev house or simulation firm. We are a hybrid of the best parts of both worlds.

1. Work with the Best: Join an Emmy-nominated team that has defined experiences for major theme parks and the U.S. military.

2. Diverse Portfolio: One day you might be working on a magical theme park attraction, and the next, a mission-critical defense simulation.

3. Flexibility: We respect your time. Our “Core Hours” ensure we stay aligned, but we offer flexibility outside those windows to support a healthy work-life balance.

4. Innovation First: We celebrate “wonder” and “excellence,” encouraging our team to push the boundaries of what real-time engines can do.

Work Culture and Environment

While we maintain a collaborative office in South Orlando for rehearsals and high-level strategy sessions, our team enjoys a remote-first culture for the majority of the week.

• Core Window: Monday–Thursday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET.

• Meeting-Free Fridays: We reserve Fridays for deep work and individual project focus, avoiding the “meeting fatigue” common in large studios.

• Inclusivity: Theory Studios is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and seek to create an environment where every innovator feels they belong.

Application Instructions

We want to know about your technical journey. When applying for this Technical Artist job in Orlando , please provide:

• A current Resume highlighting your Unreal Engine and Rigging experience.

• A link to your Portfolio/Demo Reel showcasing vehicle or character rigs and their corresponding animations in-engine.

• A few words about your favorite past project. We value passion—tell us why that specific project resonated with you.

Please submit your application via our online portal.