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Motion Capture Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Aerotek

Entry Level VR Data Collector

San Jose, CA

$30 - $33/hr

You'll suit up in professional motion-capture gear and VR equipment, performing activities that directly contribute to the development of intelligent robots used in the future of automation and AI.

New

Aerotek

Helix Creator

Cupertino, CA

$30 - $33/hr

You'll suit up in professional motion-capture gear and VR equipment, performing activities that directly contribute to the development of intelligent robots used in the future of automation and AI.

New

Tesla

Data Collection Operator, Optimus

Fremont, CA · On-site

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

Human Archive

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 ...

Ten4

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 ...

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 ...

Figure

Project Coordinator, Data Creators

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

$40/hr

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 ...

Human Archive

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 ...

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 ...

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All JobsMotion Capture JobsMotion Capture Jobs in California

Motion Capture information

See California salary details

$24.5K

$125.2K

$213K

How much do motion capture jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 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.

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 motion capture hardware and software such as Vicon or OptiTrack. A background in computer science, animation, or biomechanics, along with a portfolio demonstrating relevant work, can improve job prospects. Entry-level roles often require a bachelor's degree and familiarity with industry tools and techniques.

What is a motion capture job?

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.
More about Motion Capture jobs

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 job categories do people searching Motion Capture jobs in California look for?

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

What cities in California are hiring for Motion Capture jobs?

Cities in California with the most Motion Capture job openings:

Motion Capture jobs near you
Infographic showing various Motion Capture job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $125,154 per year, or $60.2 per hour.

Product Specialist - Humanoid Robotics and Health & Sports

Movella

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Do you enjoy providing technical customer support and application expertise for human movement technology? Do you have experience in humanoid robotics, AI, and/or motion capture applications. We'd love to have you!
Who is Xsens
Xsens is a leading full-stack provider of sensors, software, and analytics that enable the digitization of movement. Xsens serves the entertainment, health & sports, humanoid robotics and automation & mobility markets. Our innovations enable our customers to capitalize on the value of movement by transforming data into meaningful and actionable insights. Partnering with leading global brands such as Electronic Arts, Netflix, Toyota, Siemens, NVIDIA, Scania and over 1000 sports organizations/research centers/universities, Xsens is creating extraordinary outcomes that move humanity forward. Xsens is a portfolio company of Francisco Partners, visit www.xsens.com to learn more.
Your role as a Product Specialist at Xsens
As a Product Specialist, you provide technical pre-sales and post-sales support to customers across the Americas region including regular onsite visits. You work with customers in humanoid robotics, biomechanics research, sports science, rehabilitation, ergonomics, and other human movement applications.
You combine technical expertise with a customer-focused mindset, helping customers successfully implement Xsens solutions and maximize the value of motion capture technology. Humanoid robotics is an important growth market for Xsens, and you actively support emerging customer applications where human motion data is used for robotics, AI, robot learning, digital humans, and human-machine interaction.
Through your interactions with customers and partners, you contribute valuable market insights that help shape future products and services. Remote or based in Los Angelos, California, you will be part of Xsens' global Customer Support team, collaborating closely with Account Executives, Product Management, R&D, and Customer Support Product Specialists worldwide.
Key responsibilities
  • Support emerging application areas such as humanoid robotics, robot learning, AI-driven motion analysis, digital humans, and human-machine interaction.
  • Provide technical support and application expertise to customers and partners, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction.
  • Deliver product demonstrations, training, workshops, webinars, and technical presentations online, on-site, and at events or conferences.
  • Support customers applying Xsens motion capture technology in humanoid robotics, robot learning, AI-driven motion analysis, and related human movement applications.
  • Identify opportunities to improve customer experience and proactively enhance pre-sales and post-sales support processes.
  • Develop customer-facing materials, including knowledge articles, tutorials, application notes, training resources, and best-practice documentation.
  • Gather customer feedback, market insights, and application trends to support Product Management and R&D in future product development.
  • Act as a trusted technical advisor for customers, distributors, and internal stakeholders.

Xsens is looking for a self-starting and responsible Product Specialist who thrives in an innovative, international, and customer-focused environment. You have:
  • MSc degree in Robotics Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • Strong understanding of biomechanics and human movement analysis.
  • 2-5 years' experience with humanoid robotics, robotics research, AI, machine learning, or human-machine interaction.
  • Experience working in a remote or hybrid international team, with the ability to work independently, manage priorities proactively, communicate clearly across time zones, and stay closely aligned with colleagues, customers, and stakeholders.
  • Experience in technical support, application engineering, research, or customer-facing technical role is preferred.
  • Experience with motion capture systems, wearable sensors, IMU-based technology, or robotics applications is a strong advantage.
  • Experience with Python, C++, MATLAB, ROS, machine learning workflows, or data analysis tools is advantageous.
  • Excellent technical, communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills.
  • Fluent in English, both written and spoken.
  • Willingness to travel internationally, up to 30% of your time.

What makes you successful
You are passionate about understanding human movement and how motion data can be applied to real-world challenges. You are excited by developments in biomechanics, motion capture, AI, and the rapidly growing field of humanoid robotics. Whether through academic projects, professional experience, research, or personal interest, you have a genuine curiosity for how technology can enable robots and AI systems to better understand and replicate human motion.
You combine strong technical knowledge with a proactive attitude and a genuine desire to help customers succeed.
Working at Xsens
We value ingenious ideas, no matter where they come from. We believe diverse thoughts, voices, and backgrounds make us stronger as a company. We know that it is through collaboration with people from all walks of life that we make the most positive impact as an organization.
Join Xsens' innovative, ambitious, and international team, where your ideas and talents make an impact. Along with a competitive compensation package, we offer a range of benefits designed to support your well-being and help you thrive.
  • Comprehensive health coverage from day one, with 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your dependents-including access to HSA-qualified options
  • Company-provided life insurance for added peace of mind
  • Immediate eligibility to participate in our 401(k) retirement plan starting on your first day Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) to help you manage healthcare and dependent care expenses tax-efficiently

Apply