Character Rigger job at Next Level Games, 2026
Welcome to a pivotal role at the intersection of art and engineering. Next Level Games (NLG), a premier developer and wholly owned subsidiary of Nintendo Co., Ltd., is seeking a visionary Senior Technical Artist – Character Rigger to join our award-winning team in Vancouver. This isn’t just a rigging job; it is an invitation to help define the physical language of Nintendo’s most iconic characters. From the frantic energy of Mario Strikers to the atmospheric charm of Luigi’s Mansion, our rigs are the literal backbone of the player experience. We are looking for a technical leader who can bridge the gap between creative intent and performance-heavy execution. Position Overview: Character Rigger Feature Details Company Name Next Level Games (A subsidiary of Nintendo Co., Ltd.) Job Title Senior Technical Artist – Character Rigger Primary Location Vancouver, BC, Canada (Relocation or local residency required) Employment Type Temporary (Project-based contract) Experience Level Senior / Experienced (5+ Years) Annual Salary Range $100,000 – $130,000 CAD Core Software Autodesk Maya, Python (API), Perforce Industry Focus AAA Console Gaming The Next Level Culture: Who We Are For two decades, Next Level Games has been a cornerstone of the Vancouver game development scene. Our journey has been defined by a commitment to excellence and a deep-seated passion for the craft. In 2021, we officially joined the Nintendo family, further solidifying our mission to create world-class experiences for a global audience. At NLG, we don’t just build games; we build environments. We believe that the best creative work happens when people feel safe, included, and empowered to have fun. Our studio is built on the foundation of collaboration. You won’t be working in a silo; you will be part of a multi-disciplinary unit where your voice matters as much as your technical scripts. What You’ll Be Doing: The Technical Mandate As a Senior Character Rigger, your influence will be felt across the entire production pipeline. Your primary goal is to provide animators with the tools they need to bring characters to life while ensuring those characters perform flawlessly within the hardware constraints of the Nintendo Switch. 1. Asset Preparation & Standardization You will be the gatekeeper of quality for character and prop assets. This involves working closely with modelers to ensure that topology is optimized for deformation. You understand that a beautiful sculpt is only as good as its ability to move, and you will provide the technical guidance necessary to ensure shoulders don’t collapse and faces remain expressive. 2. Advanced Rigging Techniques We expect our Senior Technical Artists – Character Rigger to be at the cutting edge of the industry. You will implement: 3. Physics and Simulations Characters are more than just bone structures. You will leverage your deep understanding of: 4. Tool Development and Pipeline Optimization Efficiency is key to a healthy production cycle. You won’t just use existing tools; you will build new ones. By leveraging Python and the Maya API, you will automate repetitive tasks, create custom UI for animators, and streamline the transfer of data between departments. Your work will directly mitigate the risk of work loss during rig iterations. 5. Cross-Departmental Collaboration A Senior Technical Artist acts as a “universal translator.” You will: Who We Are Looking For: Requirements & Skills as Character Rigger The ideal candidate is a blend of a meticulous engineer and a sensitive artist. We need someone who understands the “why” behind a movement as much as the “how” of the code. Mandatory: All applicants must provide a link to an art portfolio or animation reel demonstrating their rigging work, specifically showing deformations and control setups. Why You’ll Love Working at Next Level Games Next Level Games believe in taking care of our people so they can focus on what they love. Our benefits package is designed to support every aspect of your life. Financial & Professional Rewards Health & Well-being The “Nintendo” Perks Important Application Details Work Eligibility: At this time, we are only considering applicants who currently possess valid work authorization for Canada. Applicants should be residing in, or willing to relocate to, the Metro Vancouver area. Diversity and Inclusion: Next Level Games is committed to building a diverse team. We recognize that different perspectives lead to better games. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, gender, orientation, or disability. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please reach out to careers@nextlevelgames.com. The Impact of Your Role When you join Next Level Games, you aren’t just another employee; you become a guardian of the Nintendo legacy. Every rig you build contributes to the “magic” that players feel when they pick up a controller. If you are ready to use your technical skills to bring joy to millions of people, we want to hear from you. Character Rigger job at Next Level Games, 2026 Apply now See open roles Explore More Trending jobs
