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Optitrack Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Optitrack information

What is an Optitrack operator?

An Optitrack operator is a professional who specializes in operating and managing Optitrack motion capture systems. These systems are used to track and record the movement of objects or people with high precision, often for applications in animation, virtual reality, biomechanics, and robotics. The operator is responsible for setting up the cameras and equipment, calibrating the system, managing the capture process, and ensuring data quality. They may also work on post-processing the captured data for use in various industries, including film, gaming, sports analysis, and research.

What are some common challenges faced by motion capture technicians working with OptiTrack systems?

Motion capture technicians using OptiTrack systems often encounter challenges such as ensuring accurate camera calibration, managing reflective interference, and troubleshooting software or hardware malfunctions. These roles typically require attention to detail when setting up and maintaining the equipment, as small errors can impact data quality. Additionally, technicians must effectively coordinate with animators, engineers, and performers to capture complex motion sequences, which can be fast-paced and require strong communication skills. Staying up to date with system updates and best practices is also crucial for success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an OptiTrack Motion Capture Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an OptiTrack Motion Capture Technician, you need a solid understanding of motion capture technology, computer hardware, and data processing, often supported by a degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Proficiency with OptiTrack software, camera calibration tools, and 3D animation programs like MotionBuilder or Maya is typical. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate motion capture data, smooth project workflows, and successful collaboration with creative and technical teams.

What is the difference between Optitrack vs Motion Capture Technician?

AspectOptitrackMotion Capture Technician
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in engineering, computer science, or related field; familiarity with Optitrack systemsBackground in animation, film, or related fields; often requires knowledge of motion capture hardware and software
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, motion capture studios, or production facilities using Optitrack systemsFilm sets, game development studios, or animation companies operating motion capture setups
Industry UsagePrimarily used in research, biomechanics, and virtual reality applicationsUsed in entertainment, gaming, and film industries for character animation

Optitrack refers to a specific brand of motion capture hardware and software, often used by professionals with technical backgrounds. Motion Capture Technicians operate and maintain motion capture systems, including Optitrack, in various creative and research settings. While Optitrack is a hardware/software platform, Motion Capture Technicians are skilled professionals who utilize such systems to capture and process motion data.

What cities in California are hiring for Optitrack jobs? Cities in California with the most Optitrack job openings:
Infographic showing various Optitrack job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 9% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, and 10% Remote job distribution.
Senior Robotics Kinematics Engineer

Senior Robotics Kinematics Engineer

Relativity Space

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$109K - $145K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Relativity Space rating

9.7

Company rating: 9.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 71 rated aerospace companies


Job description

About the Team: 

Relativity Space pioneered large-scale additive manufacturing with our Terran 1 rocket, the largest 3D-printed object to fly. Now a distinct business unit within Relativity, Horizon Manufacturing Technologies is advancing next-generation manufacturing for aerospace and beyond. The team operates at the frontier of manufacturing innovation, where creativity meets capability. This is an environment where cutting-edge R&D is put into production, industrializing advanced manufacturing capabilities to solve customer problems. As member of the Horizon's Robotics Team, you'll work alongside welders, data scientists, and material scientists, creating an end-to-end additive manufacturing platform that serves a wide variety of applications. From exploring new materials to unlocking faster print speeds, to designing complex, organic geometries that can't be built any other way, it's high-impact work that sets the foundation for the future of advanced manufacturing.

About the Role:

We are seeking a Robotics Kinematics Engineer to join the Robotics team at Horizon with broad technical skills and a good balance between theoretical and hands-on mindset to develop and own a crucial backbone for our software infrastructure related with kinematics and calibration. This role is ideal for a software engineer who thrives in cross-functional environments, enjoys owning full projects from design to deployment, and is comfortable navigating ambiguity in a fast-moving R&D setting.

  • Develop advanced kinematics algorithms for robotic systems (6+ DoF), including forward/inverse kinematics and redundancy resolution, optimized for real-time performance.
  • Own and maintain the kinematics library shared across multiple robotics software products.
  • Develop and maintain calibration tools and methodologies supporting a wide range of robot calibration workflows.
  • Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for robot kinematics, motion modeling, and multi-axis synchronization. 

About You:

  • BS required; MS preferred in Robotics Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field. 
  • 5+ years of experience developing kinematics algorithms for both underactuated and redundant robotic systems.
  • Strong expertise in robot kinematic modeling and calibration methodologies using industrial metrology and localization hardware (Leica, OptiTrack, etc)
  • High proficiency in C++, Linux, and modern software engineering practices; comfortable developing in Python.
  • Experience designing modular, extensible software architectures that support diverse robot kinematics and configurations. Experience with ROS and open-source robotics libraries. 

Nice to haves but not required:  

  • Experience with multi-robot coordination and synchronization.
  • Experience with mobile manipulators.
  • Experience developing software for real-time robotic systems.
  • PhD in Robotics, Control Systems, or a related technical field.

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