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Flexible Motion Capture Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NetEase Games

FPS 1P View Gameplay Animator

Motion capture experience is a plus. * Familiarity with first-person weapon sway systems. Experience with procedural animation or implementing facial capture workflows is preferred. Being a dedicated ...

Insomniac Games

Senior Gameplay Animator (CONTRACT)

OR · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

Ability to utilize motion capture data and hand key animation to create believable characters. * Gameplay responsibilities can include hero traversal, combat, boss, gameplay camera cinematography ...

Bonfire Studios

Lead Gameplay Animator

Irvine, CA · On-site

Evolving animation systems and workflows, including thoughtful use of motion capture, keyframe techniques, and external partnerships. * Guiding and reviewing external animation partners, maintaining ...

Bonfire Studios

Lead Gameplay Animator

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

Evolving animation systems and workflows, including thoughtful use of motion capture, keyframe techniques, and external partnerships. * Guiding and reviewing external animation partners, maintaining ...

Insomniac Games

Senior Gameplay Animator (CONTRACT)

$76.92 - $86.06/hr

Ability to utilize motion capture data and hand key animation to create believable characters. * Gameplay responsibilities can include hero traversal, combat, boss, gameplay camera cinematography ...

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Flexible Motion Capture Animator information

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How much do flexible motion capture animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for flexible motion capture animator in the United States is $39.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $63.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a flexible motion capture animator?

A Flexible Motion Capture Animator is a professional who specializes in capturing and translating real-world human or creature movements into digital animations using motion capture technology. The 'flexible' aspect refers to their ability to adapt to various projects, platforms, and animation styles, often working on a freelance or contract basis. They collaborate with directors, actors, and technical teams to ensure that the captured motion data accurately enhances characters in films, video games, virtual reality, and other digital media. Their skills combine technical expertise with artistic sensibility to create lifelike and dynamic animations.

How does a flexible motion capture animator typically collaborate with directors and other animators during a project?

Flexible Motion Capture Animators work closely with directors to understand the creative vision and specific performance requirements for each scene. They also coordinate with other animators and technical artists to ensure the captured motion data integrates seamlessly into digital models, adjusting and refining animations based on feedback. Regular team meetings, review sessions, and collaborative problem-solving are common, as the role often requires adapting to evolving project needs and incorporating input from multiple departments to achieve high-quality results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a flexible motion capture animator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flexible Motion Capture Animator, you need strong skills in 3D animation, character rigging, and an understanding of human kinetics, typically supported by a degree in animation or a related field. Proficiency with motion capture systems like Vicon or OptiTrack, and animation software such as Maya or MotionBuilder, is essential. Creativity, adaptability, and effective collaboration are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial for producing realistic animations, efficiently handling evolving project demands, and working seamlessly within multidisciplinary teams.

What is the difference between Flexible Motion Capture Animator vs Character Rigger?

AspectFlexible Motion Capture AnimatorCharacter Rigger
Required CredentialsAnimation or Motion Capture certifications, relevant degrees3D modeling, rigging, and animation certifications or degrees
Work EnvironmentMotion capture studios, animation departmentsVFX and animation studios, game development
Industry UsageFilm, gaming, VR projects involving motion captureCharacter setup and deformation for animation
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Flexible Motion Capture Animators focus on applying motion capture data to animate characters, often working with motion capture technology and software. Character Riggers create the underlying skeletons and rigs that allow characters to move and be animated. While both roles are essential in character animation pipelines, the Motion Capture Animator specializes in capturing and applying real-world movements, whereas the Rigger designs the structural setup for animation flexibility.

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Flexible Motion Capture Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Flexible Motion Capture Animator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Principal Gameplay Animator

Absurd Ventures

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Summary
We are looking for a Principal Gameplay Animator to help define and deliver the animation quality, style, and feel of our AAA open world action-adventure game. As a creative and technical contributor, you will create exceptional gameplay animations, establish animation standards, and partner closely with Design, Engineering, Art, and Narrative teams to ensure that our animations are fluid, realistic, and enhance the overall gameplay.
This role combines hands-on animation development with leadership through craft. You will be expected to solve complex gameplay animation challenges, mentor other animators, influence animation pipelines and workflows, and help shape the overall player experience through world-class character performance and movement.
Core Responsibilities
  • Create high-quality gameplay animations that establish the visual and gameplay standard for all characters, creatures, and object animations.
  • Drive the development of locomotion, traversal, combat, interaction, and systemic animation content; review animation content and help maintain consistent quality and artistic direction across all gameplay features.
  • Collaborate with the Animation Director to define the animation style and direction.
  • Partner with Design and Engineering teams to implement animation systems that enhance gameplay feel, responsiveness, and player immersion.
  • Work closely with Technical Animation to improve pipelines, tools, and workflows.
  • Help establish efficient workflows that balance visual quality, gameplay requirements, and technical constraints.
  • Provide feedback and mentorship to other animators.
  • Ensure animations meet performance and memory constraints for different platforms.
  • Partner with outsource and co-development teams to review deliverables and ensure quality standards are met.
  • Stay current with industry trends and techniques in animation.

Core Qualifications
  • 7+ years of experience in animation within the video game industry.
  • Proficiency in Maya and other industry-standard animation tools.
  • Multiple shipped AAA titles in a gameplay animation role.
  • Strong understanding of Unreal Engine 5 animation systems, including Animation Blueprints, State Machines, Blend Spaces, Control Rig, and Motion Matching workflows.
  • Strong understanding of anatomy, motion, and weight in animation.
  • Experience with both keyframe animation and motion capture techniques.
  • Proven track record of leading animation teams and delivering high-quality content.
  • Ability to work collaboratively across departments and communicate effectively.
  • Strong problem-solving abilities with a balance of artistic vision and technical execution.
  • Self-motivated, organized, and able to drive complex initiatives with minimal oversight.

Plus if...
  • Experience developing animation systems AAA titles or games with a focus on realistic animation.
  • Experience with creature animation and complex character rigs.
  • Deep knowledge of traversal and combat animation.
  • Experience with motion matching, procedural animation, and physics-driven systems.
  • Experience building or improving animation pipelines and tools.
  • Experience working with external vendors and co-development partners.
  • Passion for open world gameplay, player expression, and immersive character performance.

Description
  • Full-time job with benefits.
  • Role is on-site in Santa Monica, CA.
  • Office is located near downtown Santa Monica - near metro and freeways.

The base pay range for this position is $150,000 to $175,000 per year. Actual compensation is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We also offer a competitive package of benefits including vacation time, sick time, company holidays, parental leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) matching to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity.

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