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Motion Capture Animator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Big Shot Pictures

Mocap Animator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

About Big Shot Pictures Big Shot Pictures is a next generation animation company founded by Brian ... This role focuses on heavy iteration with augmented motion capture, shaping raw performance data ...

Ten4

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 ...

Ten4

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 ...

AGBO

Expression of Interest - Animator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

Edit Motion Capture data to blend detailed character movement/facial with keyframe skills. * Work with the Lead Animator and other team members to help evolve our tools and pipeline. * Maintain the ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

Utilize motion capture data and hand-keyed facial animation techniques for realism. * Engage in research, gather reference materials, and document findings to share with the team, aiding in animation ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

Utilize motion capture data and hand-keyed facial animation techniques for realism. * Engage in research, gather reference materials, and document findings to share with the team, aiding in animation ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Utilize motion capture data and hand-keyed facial animation techniques for realism. * Engage in research, gather reference materials, and document findings to share with the team, aiding in animation ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Utilize motion capture data and hand-keyed facial animation techniques for realism. * Engage in research, gather reference materials, and document findings to share with the team, aiding in animation ...

Big Shot Pictures

Technical Animator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

... motion capture systems and performance captur * e dataExperience exporting, troubleshooting, and debugging skeletal and animation data in real-time e * nginesFamiliarity with Unreal Engine Blue ...

New

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 ...

Bonfire Studios

Lead Gameplay Animator

Irvine, CA

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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All JobsMotion Capture Animator JobsMotion Capture Animator Jobs in California

Motion Capture Animator information

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How much do motion capture animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for motion capture animator in California is $38.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.59 and $63.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a motion capture animator?

A Motion Capture Animator is responsible for capturing the movements of actors or objects using specialized motion capture technology and translating them into realistic animations for games, films, and other media. They work closely with animators, directors, and technical artists to ensure the captured motion fits the artistic vision of the project. This role requires expertise in motion capture software, character rigging, and a strong understanding of human movement and expression.

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

To thrive as a Motion Capture Animator, you need a solid understanding of animation principles, anatomy, and kinematics, often backed by a degree in animation, game design, or a related field. Expertise in motion capture hardware and software such as Vicon, OptiTrack, and MotionBuilder, along with knowledge of 3D modeling programs like Maya or Blender, is typically required. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills are vital for working closely with directors, actors, and other production team members. These skills ensure accurate, high-quality character animations and seamless integration with creative project goals.

What does a motion capture animator do?

As a Motion Capture Animator, your day often involves preparing and calibrating motion capture equipment, recording actor performances, and cleaning up captured data using specialized software. You'll collaborate closely with animation leads, directors, and sometimes actors to ensure the movements accurately reflect character and story requirements. Reviewing and refining mocap data for integration into 3D environments is a regular task, as is troubleshooting any technical or creative challenges that arise. You may also participate in team meetings to align on project goals and discuss feedback on animation progress.

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:
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What job categories do people searching Motion Capture Animator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Motion Capture Animator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Motion Capture Animator jobs? Cities in California with the most Motion Capture Animator job openings:
Motion Capture Animator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Motion Capture Animator job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 64% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 31% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,900 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Mocap Animator

Big Shot Pictures

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

About Big Shot Pictures

Big Shot Pictures is a next generation animation company founded by Brian Robbins that produces the franchises of tomorrow. With a distinctive digital-first approach, the company builds global animation franchises across all platforms – from digital to theatrical, gaming to streaming, and consumer products to experiences.


About The Role

We're looking for a hands-on Mocap Animator to join our team and own the production of short-form animated kids and family content for social media. This role focuses on heavy iteration with augmented motion capture, shaping raw performance data into stylized characters that feel alive.


This role sits at the intersection of motion capture, performance, and stylized real-time animation. You'll work primarily in Unreal Engine, processing mocap data and animating characters to produce polished, on-brand clips at a rapid pace.


You'll be an integrated member of a small, dedicated social content team while also collaborating closely with our larger animation production team.


This is a contract role which would report in-person at our studio in Los Angeles


Responsibilities

  • Animate stylized characters for short-form social content with quick turnarounds for vertical format delivery
  • Process, clean, and retarget motion capture data for use in Unreal Engine
  • Stay current with up-to-date tools native to Unreal Engine, including Motion Capture, Retargeting, and Sequencer
  • Utilize generative tooling where appropriate to achieve clean output systems at scale
  • Collaborate closely with creative leads and the broader animation production team to translate concepts into finished animated clips efficiently
  • Troubleshoot and problem-solve pipeline issues independently
  • Iterate rapidly based on feedback without losing quality


Required Qualifications

  • Strong animation fundamentals: you understand timing, weight, and performance even when working from mocap
  • Hands-on experience with motion capture workflows: capture session prep, data cleanup, retargeting, and integration
  • Familiarity with third-party markerless motion capture systems, such as Captury or MoveAI
  • Comfortable working at social media pace: fast cycles, short formats, high output, vertical format
  • Experience with outside-the-box hybrid workflow systems
  • Able to work across the full chain from capture to final render without hand-holding
  • Self-directed and resourceful: you can identify what's broken and fix it


Nice to Have

  • Experience working with Blender
  • Rigging experience within Unreal Engine (Control Rig proficiency a plus)
  • Background in or exposure to CG animation pipelines for episodic or series content
  • Background or understanding of social media content (Tik Tok, Instagram, Youtube)

Apply