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Home Based Motion Capture Animator Jobs in California

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Deliver exceptional hand-key animations and edit motion capture data for first-person and third ... An active listener able to build and maintain trust-based relationships across all levels of the ...

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · Remote

$123K - $182K/yr

Deliver exceptional hand-key animations and edit motion capture data for first-person and third ... An active listener able to build and maintain trust-based relationships across all levels of the ...

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Deliver exceptional hand-key animations and edit motion capture data for first-person and third ... An active listener able to build and maintain trust-based relationships across all levels of the ...

Lead Animator

Novato, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

Deliver exceptional hand-key animations and edit motion capture data for first-person and third ... An active listener able to build and maintain trust-based relationships across all levels of the ...

Edit Motion Capture data to blend detailed character movement/facial with keyframe skills. * Work ... This is a temporary position with the possibility of extension based on project needs. * This is an ...

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA

$129K - $148K/yr

Use motion capture, video, and thumbnail sketches as reference for your process * Prototype gameplay by blocking animation quickly; when ideas are proven, polish animations to a high level * Provide ...

Senior Gaming Animator

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$129K - $148K/yr

Use motion capture, video, and thumbnail sketches as reference for your process * Prototype gameplay by blocking animation quickly; when ideas are proven, polish animations to a high level * Provide ...

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Utilize motion capture data and hand-keyed facial animation techniques for realism. * Engage in ... An active listener able to build and maintain trust-based relationships across all levels of the ...

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Utilize motion capture data and hand-keyed facial animation techniques for realism. * Engage in ... An active listener able to build and maintain trust-based relationships across all levels of the ...

Experience working with motion capture systems and performance capture data. * Experience exporting, troubleshooting, and debugging skeletal and animation data in real-time engines. * Familiarity ...

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

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

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Home Based Motion Capture Animator information

What is a home based motion capture animator?

A Home Based Motion Capture Animator is a professional who specializes in creating animated characters and movements using motion capture technology, all from a remote or home environment. They use specialized equipment and software to record the movements of actors or themselves, and then apply those motions to digital characters for use in video games, films, or virtual reality projects. This role requires technical expertise in motion capture hardware, animation software, and often video editing tools. Working from home, these animators must have a reliable setup and strong communication skills to collaborate with teams remotely. The demand for home-based motion capture animators has grown due to advancements in remote work technology and the entertainment industry's increasing use of digital animation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a home based motion capture animator?

To thrive as a Home Based Motion Capture Animator, you need a solid understanding of animation principles, character rigging, and motion capture technology, often supported by a degree in animation or related fields. Familiarity with motion capture hardware and software such as Vicon, OptiTrack, or Autodesk MotionBuilder is essential, along with proficiency in 3D animation programs like Maya or Blender. Strong time management, communication, and problem-solving skills help animators collaborate effectively with remote teams and manage project deadlines. These skills ensure the delivery of high-quality animation work that meets production standards while navigating the unique challenges of remote collaboration.

How do home based motion capture animators typically collaborate with remote teams and clients?

Home Based Motion Capture Animators often work closely with directors, animators, and technical artists through video conferencing and collaborative project management tools. Regular virtual meetings and file sharing platforms like Dropbox or Google Drive enable seamless feedback and review cycles. Clear communication and time management are crucial, as teams may be distributed across multiple time zones. Animators are expected to proactively update team members on progress and integrate revisions promptly to ensure the final animation aligns with creative and technical expectations.

What is the difference between Home Based Motion Capture Animator vs Motion Capture Technician?

AspectHome Based Motion Capture AnimatorMotion Capture Technician
CredentialsRelevant animation or motion capture certifications, proficiency in animation softwareTechnical certifications in motion capture systems, technical training
Work EnvironmentRemote, home-based setup with computer and motion capture softwareOn-site or studio environment operating motion capture hardware
Industry UsageUsed in animation, gaming, film for character animationUsed in production, hardware setup, and system maintenance

Home Based Motion Capture Animators focus on creating animated content remotely using motion capture data, while Motion Capture Technicians handle the technical setup and maintenance of motion capture systems on-site. Both roles require specialized skills, but their primary responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Motion Capture Animator jobs in California?

The most popular types of Motion Capture Animator jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Home Based Motion Capture Animator jobs in California?

For Home Based Motion Capture Animator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Home Based Motion Capture Animator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Home Based Motion Capture Animator jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Home Based Motion Capture Animator job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Lead Animator

2K

Novato, CA • On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

As a Lead Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help shape the character performance and movement systems of our project. In this role, you'll collaborate with a passionate group of game developers to craft high-end player characters and AI animations that support responsive, immersive gameplay-bringing the richly imagined world of BioShock to life.
What You'll Do:
  • Manage, support, and mentor a team of animators in developing high-end gameplay and AI animations, conducting regular 1:1s, annual evaluations, and setting clear, actionable goals.
  • Partner with the Animation Director and leadership to establish the animation vision, evangelize studio values, and shape a positive and inclusive team culture.
  • Develop and refine animation pipelines, workflows, and tools, setting up onboarding, Unreal Engine 5 training, and motion capture planning.
  • Deliver exceptional hand-key animations and edit motion capture data for first-person and third-person characters, taking on animation tasks as time permits.
  • Collaborate with Production on milestone roadmaps, sprint planning, and task delegation while addressing blocking issues and participating in hiring efforts.
  • Take an active role in the animation leadership circle by sharing your voice and best practices to help guide the team's culture, as well as updating the group on new or outstanding issues

What We'll Do Together:
At Cloud Chamber, we are champions of high standards, pushing for progress and embracing change. We will work closely and constructively across design, art, engineering, animation, and audio teams to realize our creative ambitions. Together, we will stay current on technological advancements and identify solutions to overcome developmental obstacles to deliver a world-class AAA experience.
Skills & Experiences:
  • Shipped multiple AAA titles as a Lead, Team Lead, or Senior Animator ideally utilizing Unreal Engine.
  • Deep knowledge of gameplay and AI animation systems, animation graph/data integration, motion capture pipelines, and rigging/prototyping processes.
  • Strong practical skill in hand-key facial animation (such as FaceFX) alongside high proficiency in animating human bipeds, organic forms, quadrupeds, and mechanical objects.
  • Exceptional understanding of traditional animation principles, human anatomy, caricature, form, gesture, and silhouette as applied to real-time interactive gameplay.

Who You Are:
  • A reliable, positive force multiplier, actively seeking opportunities to integrate work across disciplines and contribute to a healthy, supportive team environment.
  • A solid communicator with excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, package information for diverse audiences, and deliver difficult feedback with empathy and professionalism.
  • Experienced in working in cross-disciplinary teams with strong communication skills.
  • Persistent and self-motivated with a proactive mindset.
  • Able to maintain effectiveness and quality under pressure, ambiguity, and fast-changing priorities.
  • An active listener able to build and maintain trust-based relationships across all levels of the organization, understand differing perspectives, and navigate organizational complexity with tact and emotional intelligence.
  • Highly open to feedback and direction, possessing a desire to learn new skills, and capable of producing quick, quality revisions based on new insights or constraints.
  • A strong ownership of tasks, striving to drive work forward autonomously while maintaining a critical eye for detail and organization, ensuring high standards of quality.
  • Dedicated to upholding Cloud Chamber's core values, contributing to a positive and respectful company culture while striving for excellence in all endeavors.

Who We Are:
At Cloud Chamber we strive to make BioShock games that move people: evocative, immersive, and meaningful experiences that stay with you long after you've rolled credits. Great games are born from great collaborations, supported by a culture that brings out the best in our teams. We work openly, learn through play, take ownership, push ourselves to be better, and deliver for our players.
The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $123,200 - $182,360 USD per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program. Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company's discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses.
For candidates located in Quebec:This position requires professional proficiency in both French and English. Proficiency in English is required to collaborate with our U.S. teams and international partners, as well as to handle specialized technical documentation (reading, writing, and communication).
As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform their essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need reasonable accommodation.
Please note that 2K Games and its studios never use instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews. When emailing prospective employees, we only use 2K.com accounts.