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Mocap Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Create gameplay, AI, and scripted animation that matches the visual style of the game, using both keyframe and augmented mocap techniques. * Work closely with programmers and designers to support a ...

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Create gameplay, AI, and scripted animation that matches the visual style of the game, using both keyframe and augmented mocap techniques. * Work closely with programmers and designers to support a ...

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Mocap information

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$19

$39

$68

How much do mocap jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for mocap in the United States is $39.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.16 and $48.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mocap job?

Mocap jobs refer to positions involved with motion capture technology, which is used to record and translate the movement of people or objects to digital models. These roles can include motion capture actors, technicians, animators, and data processors. Mocap professionals work in industries like video games, film, animation, and virtual reality to create realistic character movements and performances. Their work is essential for bringing digital characters to life with natural and believable motion.

What are some common challenges faced by motion capture professionals during a production, and how can they be addressed?

Motion capture professionals often encounter challenges such as managing technical glitches with equipment, ensuring accurate marker placement on actors, and adapting to last-minute changes in choreography or direction. Working closely with animators, directors, and technical staff is crucial to quickly troubleshoot issues and maintain smooth workflows. Clear communication and a strong understanding of both the creative and technical aspects of mocap help professionals anticipate problems and implement effective solutions, ensuring high-quality data capture throughout the project.

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

To thrive as a Motion Capture (Mocap) Technician, you need a solid understanding of animation principles, digital content creation, and typically a degree in animation, computer graphics, or a related field. Familiarity with mocap hardware, software like Vicon or MotionBuilder, and video editing tools is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are key soft skills for collaborating with actors and production teams. These competencies ensure high-quality data capture, efficient workflows, and seamless integration of mocap assets into animation projects.

What is the difference between Mocap vs Motion Capture Technician?

AspectMocapMotion Capture Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a background in animation, computer science, or related fields; certifications in motion capture technology are commonRequires similar technical skills, often with certifications in motion capture systems and equipment handling
Work EnvironmentWorks in studios or on location with motion capture suits and equipmentOperates and maintains motion capture systems, troubleshooting hardware and software issues
Industry UsageUsed in film, video games, and VR for capturing movement dataSupports the setup, calibration, and operation of motion capture systems in production environments

The main difference is that Mocap refers broadly to the process of capturing movement data, often performed by specialists or artists, while a Motion Capture Technician focuses specifically on operating and maintaining the equipment involved in the process. Both roles require technical knowledge and work in similar environments, but the technician role emphasizes system management and troubleshooting.

How much do mocap people make?

Motion capture (mocap) performers typically earn between $20 and $50 per hour, depending on experience, project scope, and union status. Salaries can range from around $40,000 to over $100,000 annually for full-time roles, especially with specialized skills and equipment knowledge.

How to get a career in motion capture?

To pursue a career in motion capture, develop skills in 3D animation, programming, or related fields, and gain experience with mocap equipment and software such as Vicon or OptiTrack. Building a portfolio and networking within the industry can also improve job prospects, often requiring a background in visual effects, gaming, or film production. Certifications or training programs in motion capture technology can further enhance employability.
More about Mocap jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Mocap jobs?

The most popular types of Mocap jobs are:

What states have the most Mocap jobs?

States with the most job openings for Mocap jobs include:

Infographic showing various Mocap job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 14% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 85% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,070 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

Layout Lead, Cinema & Cinematics Dept

Gearbox Software

Frisco, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

The Gearbox Entertainment Company is an award-winning creator and distributor of entertainment for people around the world. Gearbox Entertainment develops and publishes products through its subsidiaries, Gearbox Software and Gearbox Publishing. Gearbox Entertainment has become widely known for successful game franchises including Brothers in Arms and Borderlands, as well as acquired properties Duke Nukem and Homeworld. Gearbox's ambition is to entertain the world and its key driving objectives include the pursuit of happiness for our talent, partners and customers, the prioritization of entertainment and creativity and a measured respect for profitability. For more information, visit www.Gearbox.com.

Gearbox Entertainment is growing our top-tier Cinema & Cinematics Department, dedicated to providing high-quality visual storytelling and narrative performance. A true "transmedia" team, we're dedicated to expanding our IPs and Properties through a great number of storytelling channels including cinematics, short films, and other engaging content for our vast audience. We have some incredible projects on our slate and plenty of room for professional growth. Our Layout Lead is an experienced leader and camera connoisseur, exuding a passion for visual storytelling, composition, and editing - able to own and steer scenes as they are pitched, planned, and executed via the foundational anatomy of a scene; camera, blocking, staging, and composition -- helping to create strong crafted narrative moments.A cinematographer at heart, a generalist in craft, able to roll up their sleeves to demonstrate and inspire the team. This leadership position is local, in-person hybrid at our Frisco, TX Studio. Relocation support offered. RESPONSIBILITIES:Lead the efforts of the Cinema & Cinematics Layout Team through strong collaboration with the Lead Cinematic Animator to bring to life signature narrative moments within Gearbox projects and properties.Using scripts, storyboards, raw mocap performance, and/or rough animation to drive pre-visualization, shot design, and/or layout of scenes and sequences, creating camerawork and initial editing of scenes using compositional techniques, lensing, and initial editorial layout.Execute revisions and quality improvements as edits and shots are refined in order to strengthen the edit and overall scene story.When needed, steer, manage, and organize the process of creating low-res and representational assets in support of the creation of layout files prepared for the cinematic animation team. This includes files provided and shared by other partnering teams like audio, fx, and other assets that require updating and upkeep.Help to transfer and sometimes edit performance capture data into layout scenes in preparation for shot design, then continuing to update and revise until ready for animation.Drive polish work supporting final camerawork, set design, lighting, VFX and animation, while having a strong understanding of each and the ability to complement their application.Working closely with the Cinematics Director and Cinematics Producer, establish and advocate scope and schedules in order to hit deadlines and manage priorities.Troubleshoot pipeline processes and work to improve them for the team.REQUIREMENTS:Minimum 4 years of experience working in cinematics on AAA video game titles or minimum 3 years of experience working in the Film/VFX/Animation industry.Strong communicator with problem-solving skills, able to provide, receive, and guide direction and feedback.Leadership experience owning a part of a pipeline, technique, or process where collaboration, documentation and instruction were paramount in team success.A deep love for storytelling experiences in film, animation, and video games.A strong understanding of cinematography and editing techniques of storytelling performances in all mediums.A strong sense of composition and color, with an intuitive understanding of the line of action.Experience with CG lighting techniques and pipelines.Animation knowledge in both motion capture and hand-keyed disciplines.Familiar with multiple pipelines of scene layout production.Experience and understanding of game engine workflows like UE4, Unity, or equivalent post-production rendering techniques.Advanced hands-on experience with Autodesk Maya.NICE-TO-HAVES:Experience with Autodesk MotionBuilder.Experience using tasking platforms such as Shotgrid and Jira.Familiar with the processes of visual storytelling within digital and practical mediums.Experience and knowledge using practical cameras and lenses for photography and/or cinematography.

Gearbox Entertainment believes that all team members should be able to enjoy a work environment free from all forms of discrimination and harassment. We are committed to reflecting the diversity of the world we strive to entertain. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we provide fair and equal treatment to all team members and applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state or local law.