Website Nintendo Software Technology (NST)
Are you an aspiring animator with a passion for the “Nintendo Magic”? Nintendo Software Technology (NST) is looking for a talented and motivated Associate Animator to join our elite development team in Redmond, Washington. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the legacy of the world’s most iconic video game manufacturer.
At NST, our mission is simple: to design, develop, and deliver the very best video games. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Nintendo Co., Ltd., we combine the innovation of a Western studio with the storied quality standards of our Kyoto headquarters. In this role, you will be a valued team member, encouraged to breathe life, personality, and fluid movement into characters and environments that define the next generation of play.
Animator Job Overview
- Company Name: Nintendo Software Technology (NST)
- Job Title: Associate Animator
- Employment Type: Contract (Agency-based)
- Job Field: Software Development – Games
- Location: Redmond, Washington, United States (Greater Seattle Area)
- Pay Range: $31.00 – $47.00 USD per hour
- Core Software: Autodesk Maya, Blender, Adobe Photoshop, Proprietary Tools
About Nintendo Software Technology
Located in the tech hub of Redmond, NST is a cornerstone of Nintendo’s North American development efforts. We operate at the intersection of research and creativity, using state-of-the-art equipment and a rigorous review process to ensure every product meets the “Nintendo Standard.”
We pride ourselves on a welcoming and inclusive environment. We believe that diverse perspectives are essential to creating games that resonate with a global audience. Our culture is built on kindness, empathy, and a mutual respect for the craft of game making.
Detailed Job Responsibilities as 3D Animator
As an Associate Animator, you will be integrated into a high-functioning production team. Your work will span the creative spectrum, from early-stage 3D content creation to the final polish of gameplay features.
1. 3D Content & Asset Creation
You will participate in the end-to-end creation of 3D assets that align with the project’s artistic direction. This includes:
Character Animation: Applying fundamental principles (squash and stretch, anticipation, timing) to bring personality to heroes and NPCs.
Environmental Assets: Creating 2D and 3D animations for interactive objects and environmental elements.
Modeling & Texturing: Assisting in the development of 3D models and textures for characters and objects as assigned by the lead artists.
2. Tool Proficiency & Implementation
Nintendo is famous for its bespoke development environments. In this role, you will:
Utilize Proprietary Tech: Maintain and expand your knowledge of Nintendo’s internal art production tools alongside commercial software like Maya and ZBrush.
Gameplay Alignment: Implement gameplay features that are strictly aligned with game design goals, ensuring that movement feels “right” to the player.
3. Quality Assurance & Iteration
Quality is non-negotiable at Nintendo. You will:
Review & Test: Apply your professional expertise to analyze and test products currently under development.
Respond to Feedback: Work closely with senior leads to iterate on animations quickly and efficiently, ensuring the final output is polished and timely.
Summary of Requirements
We are looking for an artist who possesses a strong technical foundation and a collaborative spirit.
Artistic Foundation: Proven skills in 3D and/or 2D art production. You should have a deep understanding of weight, silhouette, and movement.
Software Mastery: Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Maya, Photoshop, ZBrush, and Substance Painter. Familiarity with Blender is also highly valued.
Engine Experience: Experience working within game development pipelines and engines (e.g., Unreal, Unity, or proprietary game engines).
Communication & Organization: Excellent organizational skills and the ability to articulate creative ideas clearly within a team setting.
Education: An Undergraduate degree in Art or a related field; or equivalent professional education and experience.
Contract Benefits & Agency Partnership
This position is offered as a contract role through one of Nintendo’s trusted staffing partners. While it is a contract, Nintendo ensures that our partners provide a supportive benefits package to keep our team healthy and motivated.
Healthcare: Eligibility for medical insurance plans.
Employee Assistance: Access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
Paid Leave: Accrued paid sick leave in accordance with local regulations.
Professional Environment: Full access to NST’s state-of-the-art facilities and a chance to work on world-class IP.
Note: All benefits are subject to election and eligibility requirements confirmed at the time of the offer by the employing agency.
Why Redmond, WA?
The Pacific Northwest is the heart of the American games industry. Working at NST in Redmond puts you in the middle of a thriving creative community. Between the lush greenery of the Washington landscape and the bustling tech scene, it is the ideal place for an animator to find inspiration.
Join the Legend
If you have a strong foundation in character animation principles and a passion for bringing movement and personality to gameplay, we want to see your work. Nintendo is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a team that represents the diverse consumers we serve.
How to Apply: Please ensure your application includes a link to your Demo Reel showcasing your best 2D/3D animation work.
To apply for this job please visit careers.nintendo.com.