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Motion Capture Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ALTEN

Data Collection Operator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$28.50/hr

Collect data in a motion capture setup (gloves and/or vest), doing tasks with their own hands * Perform some simple annotations and quality control on the data they collect * Write daily reports for ...

Insight Global

Helix Data Creator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$30 - $33/hr

Must be 5'10 and below to be able to accurately capture data for the motion detection equipment product dimensions * Reliable Transportation * Pass a Background Check * Able to perform repetitive ...

Figure

Helix Data Creator

San Jose, CA · On-site

$33/hr

Prior robotics or motion-capture exposure * Military background * A genuine passion for robotics and helping scale the deployment of humanoid robots This role begins as a six-month fixed-term ...

Figure

Helix Data Creator

San Jose, CA · On-site

$33/hr

Prior robotics or motion-capture exposure * Military background * A genuine passion for robotics and helping scale the deployment of humanoid robots This role begins as a six-month fixed-term ...

Virtual Producer

Unreal Engine Developer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Familiarity with Unreal In‑Camera FX, virtual production, motion capture highly encouraged. About Us At PHNTM, we are constantly exploring the unknown and pushing the boundaries of creativity and ...

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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 Sep 5, 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 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 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 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 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.

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 5% Internship, 59% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,154 per year, or $60.2 per hour.

Data Collection Operator

ALTEN

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$28.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

We're ALTEN Technology USA, an engineering company helping clients bring groundbreaking ideas to life-from advancing space exploration and life-saving medical devices to building autonomous electric vehicles. With 3,000+ experts across North America, we partner with leading companies in aerospace, medical devices, robotics, automotive, commercial vehicles, EVs, rail, and more.

As part of the global ALTEN Group-57,000+ engineers in 30 countries-we deliver across the entire product development cycle, from consulting to full project outsourcing.

When you join ALTEN Technology USA, you'll collaborate on some of the world's toughest engineering challenges, supported by mentorship, career growth opportunities, and comprehensive benefits. We take pride in fostering a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow.

Location: San Francisco, CA (Dogpatch Area)

Shift Hours: 2nd Shift (3:30pm - 11:30pm)

We are looking for hands-on individuals to operate multiple robotics platforms and collect high-quality raw data through various collection methods, including teleoperation via VR headsets (Apple VisionPro) and motion capture systems (suits and gloves).

The candidate will:

  • Collect data on our specific robotic platforms via teleoperation with an Apple Vision Pro headset

  • Collect data in a motion capture setup (gloves and/or vest), doing tasks with their own hands

  • Perform some simple annotations and quality control on the data they collect

  • Write daily reports for the technician and engineering teams

The candidate should have:

  • Experience running basic commands on a terminal

  • Good attention to detail

  • Generally good coordination skills/dexterity

  • General strength/health to collect data for a few hours in a row (breaks are encouraged, but it can still be tiring)

  • Good vision (doesn't need glasses) or can wear contacts (in order to operate the Vision Pro)

Bonus points for:

  • Software familiarity

  • Experience operating robots

  • Experience with data collection or annotations

Compensation Range:

  • $28.50/hour

  • The actual salary offered is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, location, the candidate's combination of job-related knowledge, qualifications, skills, education, training, and experience.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy.

Please beware of job seeker scams and see this important notice (https://www.alten.com/careers/job-offers/) on our careers page for more information about our recruiting process.

Compliance Notice: Alten USA is a federal contractor subject to the requirements of the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Executive Order 11246. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Drug Screening Requirement: As a federal contractor, Alten USA maintains a drug-free workplace. All candidates selected for employment will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of hire.

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