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Motion Capture Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Motion Capture Producer

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

What You'll Do Oversee maintenance and approval of Motion Capture calendar for assigned projects. Assist in coordination with 2kGo mobile Mocap Producer for mobile shoots and scans as needed.

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 ...

Helix Creator

San Jose, CA · On-site

$30 - $33/hr

Capture and validate high-quality motion data used to improve AI models. * Identify and report software, hardware, or data collection issues. * Provide daily feedback to help refine training ...

Principal Animator

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$160K - $180K/yr

Your expertise will encompass both traditional hand-keyed animation and modern motion capture workflows, and you'll be expected to push the boundaries of animation quality while maintaining technical ...

... motion capture equipment while performing designated movements and actions based on project requirements • Start/stop recording devices and perform minor equipment and software debugging • ...

... motion capture equipment while performing designated movements and actions based on project requirements • Start/stop recording devices and perform minor equipment and software debugging • ...

Research Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $200K/yr

You'll research emerging sensing technologies across RGB-D video, motion capture, IMUs, tactile sensing, audio, and wearable systems, and study how different sensor combinations impact robot learning ...

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 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 ...

Familiarity with motion capture or wearable sensor hardware * Experience in high-growth startup operations. The US base salary range for this full-time position is $40/hr. The pay offered for this ...

Familiarity with motion capture or wearable sensor hardware * Experience in high-growth startup operations. The US base salary range for this full-time position is $40/hr. The pay offered for this ...

Head of Engineering

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

You will work directly on wearable sensing systems involving synchronized cameras, motion capture, tactile sensing, embedded compute, and power systems operating under real-world deployment ...

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Motion Capture information

See California salary details

$24.5K

$125.2K

$213K

How much do motion capture jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for motion capture in California is $125,154.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,097.00 and $179,198.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by motion capture artists when collaborating with animation and game development teams?

Motion capture artists often encounter challenges in ensuring that captured performances align seamlessly with the creative vision of animation or game development teams. Differences in communication styles and varying technical requirements can sometimes cause misunderstandings or delays during production. To overcome these obstacles, motion capture professionals must be adaptable, actively seek feedback, and remain open to iterative processes. Regular collaboration with animators, directors, and technical staff is crucial for maintaining consistency and achieving high-quality results.

What Are Motion Capture Jobs?

Motion capture jobs, often shortened to mocap, focus on using a special camera and set of tracking systems to record movement for later animation. In this role, you may help supervise a motion capture project, guide actors, maintain the cameras and other technology, or use captured footage in various ways. Most motion capture jobs focus on television shows, movies, and video games, but companies occasionally use the technology for other purposes as well. These positions normally have regular hours, but employers may occasionally ask you to work overtime to meet deadlines for product releases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Motion Capture Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Motion Capture Specialist, you need a solid understanding of animation principles, human anatomy, and often a background in computer graphics or related fields. Familiarity with motion capture systems (such as Vicon or OptiTrack), 3D animation software (like Maya or MotionBuilder), and sometimes relevant certifications are typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for excelling in this role. These competencies ensure accurate data capture, efficient workflow, and seamless integration of motion capture into animation or visual effects pipelines.

What is the difference between Motion Capture vs 3D Animator?

AspectMotion Capture3D Animator
Required CredentialsOften requires knowledge of motion capture systems, sometimes certifications in motion capture technology or softwareTypically holds a degree in animation, computer graphics, or related fields; certifications in animation software are common
Work EnvironmentWorks in motion capture studios, on-set environments, or post-production facilitiesWorks in animation studios, post-production houses, or freelance settings
Industry UsageUsed primarily in film, gaming, and VR projects to record real actor movementsCreates animated characters and scenes, often based on motion capture data or from scratch

While both roles are integral to digital character creation, motion capture specialists focus on recording real actor movements using specialized equipment, whereas 3D animators craft and refine animated characters and scenes, often utilizing motion capture data as a foundation.

What is motion capture?

Motion capture, often abbreviated as 'mocap,' is a technology used to record the movement of objects or people. In the entertainment industry, it typically involves tracking an actor's movements using sensors or cameras, and then translating those movements onto digital characters in films, video games, or animations. This process allows for highly realistic and expressive character animations. Motion capture is also used in sports, medicine, and robotics to analyze motion and improve performance or research.
What are the most commonly searched types of Motion Capture jobs in California? The most popular types of Motion Capture jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Motion Capture jobs in California? For Motion Capture jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Motion Capture jobs? Cities in California with the most Motion Capture job openings:
Infographic showing various Motion Capture job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,154 per year, or $60.2 per hour.
Motion Capture Producer

Motion Capture Producer

2K

Petaluma, CA • On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Who We Are

At 2K, we create some of the most iconic and culture-shaping video games in entertainment, including NBA 2K, one of the top-selling franchises in the world, and legendary titles like BioShock, Borderlands, Mafia, Sid Meier's Civilization, and XCOM, as well as fan favorites WWE 2K, TopSpin, and PGA TOUR 2K. We build unforgettable experiences by pushing the boundaries of creativity, authenticity and innovation across every genre.

Our portfolio is brought to life by some of the most influential game development studios in the world. Visual Concepts, Firaxis Games, Hangar 13, Cat Daddy Games, 31st Union, Cloud Chamber, Gearbox, HB Studios, and 2K SportsLab create world-class experiences across platforms.

But what truly powers 2K is our people.

We believe the best ideas come from teams that feel empowered, supported, and inspired. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace where people are encouraged to come as they are and do their best work.

What We Need

An experienced Producer to help organize and facilitate multiple development projects throughout the year, across two stages. The Mocap Producer will help drive the mocap production process and maintain clarity of information and good channels of communication between the development clients and the Mocap team.

The ideal candidate has excellent communication skills, experience in managing complex projects and priorities. They will work with the Developers to set mocap timelines for rehearsal, shoots and deliverables. They will work closely with and report into the Sr. Studio Manager, collaborating with them on ways to push process and innovation ensuring the studio is running efficiently.

What You'll Do

Oversee maintenance and approval of Motion Capture calendar for assigned projects.
Assist in coordination with 2kGo mobile Mocap Producer for mobile shoots and scans as needed. 
Facilitate internal teams day to day by proactively solving problems and identify areas that require process definition and improvement - look for opportunities to establish workflows and best practices.
Oversight and approval of contract stage and production crew members for shoot days.
Liaison between clients and internal departments, ensuring communication and information is flowing.
Assist Developers with scheduling breakdowns, call sheets, script supervision, meeting coordination and more based on developers' needs.
Maintain a friendly and professional relationship with all external clients and publishing partners.
Support morning flow as needed.
Maintain and deliver Mocap actuals budget to clients.
Support R&D Efforts.
Crosstrain with Mocap Team on standard motion capture processes.

What Will Make You A Great Fit

Associates Degree, or equivalent work experience is a plus. 
1-2 years Production or Coordination experience. 
Game dev experience is a plus.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Possess a high attention to detail and vigilant proactivity.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Knowledge of JIRA, Hansoft, Shotgrid or other production tracking tools is a plus.
Knowledge of production methodologies; Scrum, Agile etc is a plus.
Good judgment, with the ability to make timely and sound decisions.
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
Ability to communicate professionally and effectively in person, electronically, or through other means to individuals and groups.
Must be able to effectively communicate risks and obstacles both to team members, and clients.

This position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between 2K and IATSE. The successful candidate will be required to become a member of the IATSE union upon hire.

The pay range for this position in Petaluma, CA at the start of employment is expected to be between $85,700.00 and $126,860.00 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 employees in regular roles may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, provided that temporary or intern roles will not be eligible for many of these payments or benefits. Details of participation in compensation and benefit plans (if applicable) will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employees will be in an "at-will position" and the company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

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, to perform their essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need reasonable accommodation.

Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing, only use 2K.com accounts.

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