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Motion Capture Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Apex Systems

CINEMATICS CUTSCENE ANIMATOR

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$70 - $110/hr

Animate using both hand-key techniques and motion capture data. * Collaborate with Tech Art, Character, and Creature teams to test rigs. * Set up and implement animation files using Unreal, Unreal ...

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 ...

Apex Systems

$70 - $110/hr

Animate using both hand-key techniques and motion capture data. * Collaborate with Tech Art, Character, and Creature teams to test rigs. * Set up and implement animation files using Unreal, Unreal ...

Skild AI

Senior Robot Animator

San Mateo, CA

$120K - $137K/yr

Author robot motion in Maya (or Blender) using keyframe, procedural, and capture-based techniques * Work with our robotics engineers to take motion from digital content creation (DCC) to real ...

Smith College

Laboratory Technician

Northampton, MA · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Lead the setup, operation and synchronization of neuroimaging hardware with biomechanical equipment (force plates, motion capture systems, surface electromyography) Participant Coordination: Manage ...

Smith College

Laboratory Technician

Northampton, MA

$47K - $64K/yr

Lead the setup, operation and synchronization of neuroimaging hardware with biomechanical equipment (force plates, motion capture systems, surface electromyography) Participant Coordination: Manage ...

Human Archive

Head of Engineering

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

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 ...

2K

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Deliver exceptional hand-key animations and edit motion capture data for first-person and third-person characters, taking on animation tasks as time permits. * Collaborate with Production on ...

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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 Sep 5, 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 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 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:

What job categories do people searching Motion Capture jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Motion Capture jobs are:

Motion Capture jobs near you
Infographic showing various Motion Capture job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 54% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,809 per year, or $61.4 per hour.

Senior Real-Time Animation Engineer - Simulations & ML (Cupertino)

Apple Inc.

Cupertino, CA • On-site

$172K - $305K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 683 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

A leading technology company is seeking a Senior Simulation Animation Engineer to develop innovative simulations and generate synthetic data. The ideal candidate should have strong C++ skills, experience in real-time animation systems, and a collaborative spirit. Responsibilities include designing animations, integrating motion capture data, and optimizing animation features across platforms. This position offers comprehensive benefits and competitive compensation based on qualifications and experience, with a salary range of $172,100 to $305,600.
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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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