Squeeze Animation | Rigging Artist all levels, Canada 2026

At Squeeze Animation, we believe that the invisible magic of a great character lies in its skeleton. As an award-winning animation studio based in the heart of Quebec’s creative hub, we are known for pushing the boundaries of movement and technical innovation.

We are currently looking for Rigging Artists of all levels (Junior, Mid, Senior) to join us for a high-profile video game animation project. If you possess a blend of mathematical precision, technical mastery, and an artistic eye for anatomy, we want you to help our animation team propel characters to the highest industry standards.

Job Overview

• Company Name: Squeeze Animation Studios
• Job Title: Rigging Artist (Junior / Mid / Senior)
• Location: Montreal or Quebec City, Canada
• Work Model: On-site / Hybrid / Remote (within Quebec)
• Contract Duration: Staggered starts (May / June / July) until October 2, 2026
• Employment Type: Temporary Contract
• Eligibility: Must be eligible to work in Canada (Citizen, PR, or Open Work Permit)
• Core Software: Autodesk Maya, Python, mGear, Unreal Engine

Key Responsibilities

Your mission is to bridge the gap between a static model and a living, breathing character. You will be expected to:

• Complex Rigging: Create and maintain high-fidelity rigs and skins using Maya, ensuring they meet the specific needs of the project’s visual signature.
• Pipeline Optimization: Contribute to the improvement of the rigging production pipeline and assist other departments with technical bottlenecks as needed.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Work closely with Modeling and Animation teams to ensure rigs are optimized for both aesthetic appeal and performance.
• Technical Troubleshooting: Proactively identify and resolve complex technical issues, ensuring the “mechanics” of the characters (pistons, gears, muscles) function flawlessly.
• Quality Control: Constantly iterate on rig quality, staying open to constructive criticism and ensuring all technical requirements are met within deadlines.

Candidate Requirements

We are seeking problem-solvers who thrive at the intersection of art and logic.

Technical Skills & Experience

• Experience: Between 3 to 8 years of rigging experience in the 3D animation or video game industry (level assigned based on experience).
• Software Mastery: Expert knowledge of Maya and Python scripting.
• Specialized Tools: Solid experience with the mGear framework and Unreal Engine (specifically the Ragdoll dynamic tool). Knowledge of the Vetala plugin is a strong asset.
• Anatomical Knowledge: A deep understanding of facial, body, and quadrupedal anatomy, as well as muscular systems and mechanical movements.
• Education: Relevant degree or diploma in 3D Animation, Multimedia, or Programming.

Personal Attributes

• The “Squeeze” Spirit: You are a team player who is autonomous, proactive, and detail-oriented.

• Communication: Able to explain complex technical concepts clearly to non-technical departments.

• Reliability: A proven track record of respecting project deadlines and maintaining rigor under production pressure.

What We Offer

Working at Squeeze Animation Studio means joining a culture of constant ingenuity. We provide a collaborative environment where your technical contributions directly impact the fluidity and “feel” of high-end game animation.

• Location Flexibility: Choose your setup. Work from our vibrant Montreal or Quebec City offices, adopt a hybrid schedule, or work 100% remotely from anywhere within the province of Quebec.

• High-End Projects: Work on a cutting-edge video game project utilizing the latest in real-time and pre-rendered technology.

• Collaborative Innovation: Be part of a team that values your input on pipeline improvements and technical advances in muscle simulation.

How to Apply

If you are ready to help us squeeze Animation every bit of potential out of our characters, we want to see your portfolio! Please ensure your demo reel highlights:

1. Complex mechanical or anatomical rigging.

2. Experience with mGear and Maya/Python workflows.

3. Integration of rigs into Unreal Engine.