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:
- Runtime Solutions: Developing lightweight rigs that maintain high-fidelity movement within strict performance budgets.
- Offline Setup: Creating high-resolution rigs for cinematics or pre-rendered sequences that push the boundaries of character expression.
- Deformation Mastery: Using blend shapes, corrective shapes, and advanced skinning techniques to achieve organic, appealing movement.
3. Physics and Simulations
Characters are more than just bone structures. You will leverage your deep understanding of:
- Cloth Simulation: Ensuring capes, jerseys, and garments react naturally to movement.
- Hair & Fur Dynamics: Adding secondary motion that enhances the “feel” of a character.
- Rigid Body Dynamics: Managing props and environmental interactions to ensure physical consistency.
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:
- Partner with Designers: Prototyping character mechanics early to see what is technically feasible.
- Empower Animators: Creating intuitive control interfaces that allow animators to focus on performance rather than fighting the rig.
- Align with Engineers: Ensuring that all technical assets conform to the engine’s requirements and performance benchmarks.
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.
- Professional Pedigree: You possess 5+ years of experience in professional rigging, specifically within the games, film, or VFX industries. Experience on AAA titles is a significant plus.
- Maya Mastery: You are a power user of Autodesk Maya. You know its strengths, its quirks, and how to bend it to your will.
- Programming Proficiency: You have a strong command of Python, specifically regarding classes and the Maya API. You can write clean, maintainable, and well-documented code.
- Technical Problem Solving: You enjoy the “puzzle” of rigging. When a rig breaks or a deformation looks “off,” you have the patience and the skill to diagnose and fix the root cause.
- Version Control: You are comfortable working in a collaborative environment using Perforce or similar source control systems.
- Communication: You can explain complex technical concepts to non-technical team members clearly and respectfully.
- Organization: You are self-motivated and capable of managing your time across multiple tasks without losing sight of the project’s macro goals.
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
- Competitive Salary: A transparent hiring range of $100k – $130k CAD, reflecting your expertise.
- Performance Bonuses: A discretionary program that rewards the hard work and success of our team.
- Continuous Growth: We encourage our staff to stay curious. Whether it’s attending conferences or learning new software, we support your professional evolution.
Health & Well-being
- Comprehensive Coverage: Robust health, dental, and vision benefits from day one.
- Mental Health Support: Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for financial, legal, and mental health counseling.
- In-Studio Fitness: Stay active with our on-site gym facilities.
The “Nintendo” Perks
- Media Library: Access a massive collection of games and movies for inspiration or relaxation.
- Exclusive Discounts: Enjoy discounted shopping for Nintendo hardware, software, and merchandise through our employee store.
- Social Life: Join internal committees for board games, sports, and social events. At NLG, “having fun” is part of the job description.
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.
Application Process:
Please note that while we appreciate every application, Next Level Games recruitment team will only contact those candidates who are being moved forward to the interview stage.
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.
