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Motion Capture Animator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Robot Animator

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$100K - $300K/yr

Author robot motion in Maya (or Blender) using keyframe, procedural, and capture-based techniques ... Expert keyframe animation with a strong sense of weight, timing, and body mechanics * Rigging ...

Senior Cinematic Animator

Boston, MA · On-site

$115K - $131K/yr

Creating final, high-quality narrative animation assets from scratch or motion capture data. * Sharing your experience and helping team members. Qualifications * Passion for creating great games and ...

Senior Cinematic Animator

Boston, MA · Hybrid

$115K - $131K/yr

Creating final, high-quality narrative animation assets from scratch or motion capture data. * Sharing your experience and helping team members. Qualifications * Passion for creating great games and ...

Senior Cinematic Animator

Boston, MA · Hybrid

$115K - $131K/yr

Creating final, high-quality narrative animation assets from scratch or motion capture data. * Sharing your experience and helping team members. Qualifications * Passion for creating great games and ...

Senior Gameplay Animator

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 ...

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 ...

Senior Cinematic Animator (CONTRACT)

OR · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

Develop high-quality cinematic animation content using both motion capture and hand-key techniques, ensuring alignment with schedule and performance benchmarks. * Collaborate closely with Animation ...

Senior Cinematic Animator (CONTRACT)

OR · On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

Develop high-quality cinematic animation content using both motion capture and hand-key techniques, ensuring alignment with schedule and performance benchmarks. * Collaborate closely with Animation ...

Showing results 21-40

Motion Capture Animator information

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How much do motion capture animator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for 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 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 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 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.

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Infographic showing various Motion Capture Animator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,974 per year, or $39.4 per hour.

Senior Narrative Gameplay Animator (Project Hire)

Los Angeles, CA • On-site, Remote

$9.0K - $11K/mo

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

That's No Moon is an independent studio of storytellers and game-makers who believe in the power of narrative-driven experiences. With a diverse team of talented developers, our shared vision is to create the future of AAA experiences with a culture of creativity, collaboration, and responsible production practices. Our passionate team of developers helps shape our studio, our projects, and our future.
We are looking for a Senior Narrative Gameplay Animator with a passion and drive for creating incredible animations for a AAA title. Be the go-to person in supporting immersive, narrative moments throughout the game. The animation will be of the highest quality and in-game functionality. This person will collaborate with other departments and key roles such as the Lead Animator, Camera Layout, Design, Tech Art and Stage. This role will contribute to the unified goal of creating scripted animations that are functional, narrative driven, fluid and will tie into cinematics and gameplay seamlessly.
Responsibilities:
  • Create and integrate AAA quality animations for scripted moments within the game using Unreal Engine 5
  • Use motion capture optimally and hand-key appropriately
  • Support the creation and maintenance of an Unreal pipeline for scripted events
  • Collaborate and work alongside other animators to ensure that animations are cohesive with cinematics and gameplay
  • Work at the highest level, technically and aesthetically
  • Be proactive with troubleshooting any animation workflow, rigging and pipeline issues
  • Communicate effectively with animators, engineers, realization team, and design, to give and accept feedback
  • Assist in establishing standard methodologies in animation
  • Participate in motion capture shoots when needed

Requirements & Skills:
  • Proven Senior experience working with motion capture data and hand-key animation in the game industry
  • Working knowledge of Unreal Engine, with an emphasis on animation and Sequencer
  • Ability to work in all aspects of animation including biped, quadruped and vehicles
  • Demo reel showing an understanding of animation principles, while including gameplay
  • Experienced with specific gameplay animation editing including blending, cycles and layering
  • Knowledge of previsualization and cinematography principles
  • Expert knowledge of Maya
  • Experience with creating and integrating scripted animations in engine
  • Experience with facial animation
  • Passionate about games and the enthusiasm to make the best!
  • Strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills

Qualities:
  • Flexibility in switching tasks to accommodate production priorities
  • Ability to appreciate other department's perspectives
  • Maintain integrity and confidence in results-oriented times
  • Empathic and respected senior member of the team
  • Team oriented with a desire to assist other animators
  • Promote inclusivity, diversity and fairness
  • Practice patience and be open to giving and receiving feedback

Please note this is a short term contract slated to end December 2026.
TNM considers a number of factors when determining each role's base pay range, including industry benchmarks, location, experience, and other job specific skills. In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for other incentive compensation including equity and profit share. The estimated base pay range for this role is U.S. only and not applicable for locations outside of the U.S.
The estimated base pay range for this role is a monthly rate between $9k-$11k USD per month.
TNM offers competitive and comprehensive benefits that include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, flexible PTO, supplemental life and disability, and more. Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary based on country of residence and/or part-time or temporary employment status.
That's No Moon is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ancestry, color, citizenship, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, legally protected physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
To those interested in submitting for roles at That's No Moon, we have a few reminders to ensure a safe application process.
1. If one of our recruiters reaches out to you, it will be with a "@thatsnomoon.com" email address. We do not email via personal email addresses either.
2. We do not conduct interviews via Discord or WhatsApp.
3. We will not ask you to provide sensitive personal information.
4. We will never request that you buy equipment specifically for your interview/test.
We are saddened that people are being taken advantage of and ask that, if you ever have any doubts about whether you are speaking to an official member of the That's No Moon team, to reach out to our official social handles directly.
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