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Motion Capture Jobs (NOW HIRING)

OR · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

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 ...

Familiarity with motion-capture data, particle systems, or fluid simulations Experience designing across multiple media (broadcast, online, mobile and print s Ability to work independently and manage ...

... 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 • ...

Capture Operations: * Operate egocentric (head/chest-mounted), exocentric multi-camera, motion capture suit, and UMI-style demonstration rigs * Calibrate and maintain all sensor systems before each ...

... 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 • ...

Capture Operations: * Operate egocentric (head/chest-mounted), exocentric multi-camera, motion capture suit, and UMI-style demonstration rigs * Calibrate and maintain all sensor systems before each ...

Lead Robotics Data Engineer

El Paso, TX · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Capture Operations: Operate egocentric (head/chest-mounted), exocentric multi-camera, motion capture suit, and UMI-style demonstration rigs * Calibrate and maintain all sensor systems before each ...

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Motion Capture information

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$25K

$127.8K

$217.5K

How much do motion capture jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for motion capture in the United States is $127,809.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,500.00 and $183,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 cities are hiring for Motion Capture jobs? Cities with the most Motion Capture job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Motion Capture jobs? The most popular types of Motion Capture jobs are:
What states have the most Motion Capture jobs? States with the most job openings for Motion Capture jobs include:
Infographic showing various Motion Capture job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,809 per year, or $61.4 per hour.

Senior Gameplay Animator (Locomotion)

CD PROJEKT RED

Boston, MA • On-site, Remote

$115K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Company Description

To create revolutionary, story-driven RPGs which go straight to the hearts of gamers - this is our mission. Want to dive deeper into our company's culture? Explore our social media and check out our YouTube channel and Beyond the Game Blog where we share behind-the-scenes insights and stories direct from our team members!

Job Description

CD PROJEKT RED is looking for a Senior Gameplay Animator with a focus on locomotion to join our Boston hub and the team working on Cyberpunk 2, the next mainline Cyberpunk 2077 game.
As a hands-on individual contributor, you will define the look and feel of player and NPC locomotion-from grounded movement to cybernetically motivated actions-for a high-quality animation experience. You will work from previsualization and prototyping through final in-engine implementation, collaborating with Art, Design, Technical Animation, and Engineering. Your goal will be to ensure animation content and runtime systems deliver a responsive, readable, and compelling player experience, setting the quality bar and best practices for locomotion animation across gameplay.

Daily Responsibilities:

  • Drive locomotion animation quality for player and NPC movement across gameplay states and contexts.
  • Partner with the Animation Lead and key stakeholders to align animation quality, style, and execution with the project's aesthetic goals, gameplay pillars, and overall player experience.
  • Collaborate daily within a cross-disciplinary team to define gameplay experiential goals and deliver features from concept through final implementation.
  • Create pre-visualizations and prototypes to assist in communication and development.
  • Create high-quality finished animation using hand-keyed, procedurally generated animation, and motion capture techniques to achieve seamless, expressive, reactive movement.
  • Implement and iterate within Unreal Engine to ensure locomotion animation feels responsive, readable, and polished in real-time gameplay.
  • Research, explore and advocate new techniques, systems, and workflows to improve animation quality, efficiency, and support evolving gameplay and previsualization needs.
  • Curate motion capture shot list and provide performance direction, preparing locomotion patterns and reference videos, and assisting on-stage as necessary.
  • Provide clear feedback and animation insight during reviews and collaborations, helping raise quality.
  • Provide mentorship, inspiration, and support to early-career animators through feedback, collaboration, and example.
Qualifications
  • 5+ years of professional experience in gameplay animation development with major contributions to player locomotion.
  • Experience on a shipped title with extensive 3Cs mechanics.
  • Professional experience developing animation for locomotion in Unreal Engine (or comparable engines), including Animation Blueprints, state machines, animation montages, blend spaces, motion matching, Control Rig, and runtime animation behaviors.
  • Proficient in 3D animation skills using Maya, MotionBuilder, or equivalent DCC tools.
  • Solid animation fundamentals, including weight, timing, posing, and clarity.
  • Ability to author hand-keyed animation and motion capture into compelling performances, refining motion capture to support gameplay dynamics while maintaining the integrity of the source.
  • Deep understanding of body mechanics and physics as they relate to believable character movement and locomotion.
  • Ability to deliver work in accordance with the artistic direction of the project.

Nice to Have:

  • Experience directing motion capture, particularly for motion matching.
  • Experience developing motion-matching locomotion systems.

Candidates should include a portfolio in their application. 

Additional Information

The application window for this position will close by 07/30/2026.

This job requires working in Boston, US.
Working mode: in-office in a hybrid or full-time capacity.

Health & Well-being

  • Company paid medical healthcare (dental vision & mental health included).
  • Paid leave - 26 days of vacation, 10 sick days, & 12 calendar holidays per year.
  • No dress-code - we like to keep it casual.
  • 401K with employer matching.
  • Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) - $100 per month to use towards fitness, wellness, internet, home office equipment, learning, streaming services, and more.
  • Menstrual Leave.

Perks & Professional Growth

  • Flexible working hours.
  • Trainings, lectures and courses - internal workshops, knowledge-sharing initiatives, online tutorials, and e-learning classes are all available. There's always something to learn!
  • Merch - regular chances to nab some cool swag!
  • Access to the cafeteria platform.
  • A welcome pack filled with goodies - to help you feel right at home once you join the team.

Life in the Office

  • Dog-friendly office - dog owner? Bring your pooch with you and look after them while working! There's always a furry friend or two to meet at the studio.
  • Truly international working environment - a chance to meet and work with a diverse selection of people from all around the world.

This position is a new role.

Estimated pay range for this position: $95,000 - $174,000 USD annually

At CD PROJEKT RED compensation for our roles in North America are determined based on competitive market data, geographic location, and individual factors tied to business needs. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. Final offers are dependent on job-related factors like experience, qualifications, and location.

If you've observed any irregularities (i.e. legal or ethical violations) in our recruitment process, please click here to report them anonymously.

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