Technical Director - Character Systems - F/M/NB

About

Novaquark is dedicated to bringing people from across the globe together to breathe life into worlds of their own making. Our first game, Dual Universe, grandly showcases the power of next-generation voxels. Players and game makers alike are empowered to let their wildest imaginings soar to create stunning buildings and contraptions, fully-functioning vehicles of every shape and size, and awe-inspiring pieces of art.

We’re just getting started! We are working on several ambitious games that span across multiple genres, that leverage our technology driven mindset. proven engines such as Unreal 5, and industry-standard workflows. With the NQ way we mean that as game makers our collective potential can be brought to new heights leveraging technology. We are looking for talented and passionate people to join our growing team and help us make these forward-thinking games a reality.

With a mix of industry veterans and promising young talents, Novaquark is a place where individual contributions matter above else in an inclusive workplace. We have offices in Paris and Montreal, both in central and easily accessible locations, and the coffee pot is always on. Want to work from home in your favorite fuzzy slippers? No problem: we have a fully flexible work policy. Oh, and did we mention that we like to have fun while we’re at it? We’re making games, after all! Novaquarkians often meet up, in-person and online, to share food, games, and good times. Come as you are! Visit the Novaquark website to learn more. If you like what you see and want to be a part of it, get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.

The NQ Way:

  • We prioritize results rather than seniority.

  • We work from anywhere.

  • We come as we are.

  • We go where no other game has gone: we started with Dual Universe, and we are all game creators, pushing innovation and creativity.

  • We leverage all technologies (Unreal engine, procedural, AI, UGC, data, server, voxel...) because we love, as a team, to do more with the power available at our fingertips.

  • And we believe it is a transmission of the future. Inclusion, innovation, progression. The future will tell us if we are right.

Regarding our company culture and rituals, we host "Weekly Team Games" every Monday. Participation is optional, and it's a great opportunity to play online games with fellow Novaquarkians. We also have a mandatory meeting every three weeks, on Mondays, to discuss the progress of our internal projects.

To keep everyone up-to-date, we regularly dispatch newsletters that cover the latest developments of our project.

In Paris, our office is situated in the 3rd arrondissement, just a stone's throw from the Arts et Métiers metro station, on Beaubourg Street. For those coming to the office, the area offers a diverse array of dining options, catering to all tastes and preferences.

At Novaquark, we are dedicated to fighting discrimination in all its forms and fostering an inclusive environment including those from individuals with disabilities. We welcome applications from all candidates, as we strive to build a team that reflects the rich diversity of our global community.

Job Description

Role Summary

  • Responsibilities: Ensure technical integrity, rigging leadership, and production reliability of the character systems pipeline

  • Team composition: Works closely with the rigging / technical animation team (approx. 5-6 people), without direct line management depending on structure

  • Team work: Works mainly with Art (Character Art), Animation (Associate Director + Lead), Game Design teams, Tech Art, and Production

We are looking for a Technical Director – Character Systems (subject to change depending on job title) to ensure the character pipeline is organized, aligned, and production-ready, with strong rigging expertise across the full chain.

Core Mandate (3 main missions)

  • Ensure the character systems pipeline is organized, consistent, and technically sound across disciplines

  • Provide rigging leadership with a full pipeline perspective, from concept to runtime

  • Ensure production reliability, reducing rework and enabling predictable delivery

Success Criteria (What are we expecting from this person in the next months)

  • Clear and enforced rigging and character system standards

  • Improved alignment between Character Art, Rigging, Animation, and Game Design

  • Reduction of late-stage issues and rework related to rigs and integration

  • Character systems that are stable, scalable, and ready at each production stage

Key information

  • Accepting permanent staff and freelance candidates

  • Availability: ASAP (if available later, do not hesitate to apply!)

  • Location: Full remote possible (Europe only)

  • Compensation and Benefits:

    We partner with Deel to facilitate hiring globally, ensuring compliance with local labor laws and providing tailored benefits for each country. This collaboration allows us to offer competitive packages and seamless onboarding for our international team members, enhancing their employment experience no matter where they are located.

  • Few links about us

Preferred Experience

Hard skills

  • Mandatory

    • Strong AAA experience in rigging / technical animation
    • Proven experience reviewing and approving rigs in production
    • Expertise in Maya rigging workflows
    • Strong experience with Unreal Engine character pipeline
    • Experience with MotionBuilder and animation integration workflows
    • Solid understanding of real-time character and animation systems
    • Experience with large-scale or multi-team production environments
    • Ability to work across multiple disciplines (Art, Animation, Design, Tech)
  • Nice to have

    • Experience contributing to pipeline definition and improvement
    • Familiarity with modular character systems and attachments

Recruitment Process

1. First conversation (20 min) by video call with Arthur (Recruiter): To learn more about your experience, your expectations and Tara Gaming/Novaquark

2. Technical interview (rigging + pipeline + cross-discipline alignment) : Radu, Mamata, Armando, Mohamed

3. Team interview (Animation + Tech + Art alignment): Chris, Somu, Rahul and Patrick

Throughout the entire recruitment process, Arthur will ensure follow-up and coordination. Do not hesitate to send your portfolio in addition to your CV to showcase your creations!

Additional Information

  • Contract Type: Full-Time
  • Location: Paris
  • Experience: > 10 years
  • Possible full remote
  • Salary: between 55000€ and 75000€ / year