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3D Character Modeler Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

intangible

Applied AI/ML Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140 - $200/hr

... 3D) by giving generative AI models a better understanding of exactly what humans imagine. We get ... Design and maintain knowledge graphs to represent world, character, and story data. * Prototype and ...

Adobe, Inc.

Staff AI VFX Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

It ships a coordinated stack of image, video, animation, and 3D generation models that need to work together. You'll design the orchestration layer: how a character generated in the image model ...

Goflory

CAD Drafter

Salida, CA · On-site

$25 - $38/hr

Key Responsibilities * 3D modeling in SOLIDWORKS and 2D drafting in AutoCAD * Produce fabrication ... We are seeking those humble in character, dedicated in work ethic, and committed to helping others.

Adobe

Staff AI VFX Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Itshipsa coordinated stack of image, video, animation, and 3D generation models that need to work together. You'll design the orchestration layer: how a character generated in the image model ...

Adobe

Staff AI VFX Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

Itshipsa coordinated stack of image, video, animation, and 3D generation models that need to work together. You'll design the orchestration layer: how a character generated in the image model ...

Adobe

Staff AI VFX Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Itshipsa coordinated stack of image, video, animation, and 3D generation models that need to work together. You'll design the orchestration layer: how a character generated in the image model ...

Electronic Arts

$80 - $120/hr

Regular Employee Work Model: Hybrid Description & Requirements Responsibilities * Work with other ... See the character through production, including tuning, polishing, and writing robust, shippable ...

Neros Technologies

Concept Artist

Torrance, CA · On-site

$103K - $144K/yr

As drones transform the character of warfare, Neros is delivering the systems America and its ... Experience working cross functionally with other teams like marketing or brand design * 3D modeling ...

Neros Technologies

Concept Artist

Torrance, CA · On-site

$103K - $144K/yr

As drones transform the character of warfare, Neros is delivering the systems America and its ... Experience working cross functionally with other teams like marketing or brand design * 3D modeling ...

Netflix

CG Artist, Experimental - INK

Los Gatos, CA · On-site

$62.74/hr

Use GenAI tools such as ComfyUI to generate concept frames, style frames, character explorations ... Build and fine-tune generative image and video models. Test and compare multiple generative tools ...

Netflix

CG Artist, Experimental - INK

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$62.74/hr

Use GenAI tools such as ComfyUI to generate concept frames, style frames, character explorations ... Build and fine-tune generative image and video models. * Test and compare multiple generative tools ...

Netflix

CG Artist, Experimental - INK

Los Angeles, CA

$62.74/hr

Use GenAI tools such as ComfyUI to generate concept frames, style frames, character explorations ... Build and fine-tune generative image and video models. Test and compare multiple generative tools ...

Netflix

CG Artist, Experimental - INK

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$62.74/hr

Use GenAI tools such as ComfyUI to generate concept frames, style frames, character explorations ... Build and fine-tune generative image and video models. * Test and compare multiple generative tools ...

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All Jobs3D Character Modeler Jobs3D Character Modeler Jobs in California

3D Character Modeler information

See California salary details

$39K

$77.4K

$122.9K

How much do 3d character modeler jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for 3d character modeler in California is $77,445.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,700.00 and $96,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 3D character modeler?

A 3D Character Modeler is responsible for creating digital characters for video games, films, animation, and other media. They use specialized software like Blender, ZBrush, and Maya to sculpt, texture, and refine character models based on concept art or creative direction. Their work ensures that characters not only look visually appealing but also function properly in animations and real-time applications. Collaboration with animators, riggers, and designers is essential to maintaining consistency and quality. Strong artistic skills, knowledge of anatomy, and technical proficiency are key to success in this role.

What types of projects or teams do 3D character modelers typically work on?

3D Character Modelers often collaborate with concept artists, animators, riggers, and game designers on projects ranging from video games and animated films to cinematic trailers and virtual reality experiences. While some roles may be specialized and focus solely on character creation, many positions involve working closely with cross-disciplinary teams to ensure models are optimized for animation, rendering, and in-game performance. The workflow is highly collaborative, with ongoing feedback loops and iteration as part of the creative process. If you enjoy teamwork, contributing to high-impact visual storytelling, and refining your craft through feedback, this environment may be a great fit for you.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3D character modeler, and why are they important?

Excelling as a 3D Character Modeler requires strong artistic ability, knowledge of human and creature anatomy, and proficiency in modeling techniques, often supported by a degree in art, animation, or a related field. Mastery of industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, ZBrush, and familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine is typically essential, along with experience in texturing tools like Substance Painter. Attention to detail, creativity, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are highly valued soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial to producing visually compelling, technically sound character assets that integrate smoothly into diverse production pipelines.

Are 3D character modelers in high demand?

3D character modelers are in high demand in industries such as gaming, film, and virtual reality, where skilled artists are needed to create detailed and realistic characters. Proficiency in software like Maya, Blender, or ZBrush, along with a strong portfolio, can improve job prospects as companies seek talented professionals for various projects.

How much does a 3D character modeler get paid?

The average salary for a 3D character modeler varies depending on experience, location, and industry, typically ranging from $50,000 to $80,000 annually. Entry-level modelers may earn less, while experienced professionals with specialized skills in software like Maya or Blender can earn higher salaries or freelance rates.

Is a 3D character modeler a good career?

A 3D character modeler is a viable career in industries such as gaming, film, and animation, requiring skills in software like Maya or Blender. The role offers opportunities for creative expression and can lead to freelance or full-time positions, with career growth often linked to experience and portfolio quality.

What are popular job titles related to 3D Character Modeler jobs in California?

For 3D Character Modeler jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching 3D Character Modeler jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for 3D Character Modeler jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for 3D Character Modeler jobs?

Cities in California with the most 3D Character Modeler job openings:

3D Character Modeler jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3D Character Modeler job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $77,445 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Applied AI/ML Engineer

intangible

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$140 - $200/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

About Intangible

Intangible is a spatial intelligence company, designed for creatives in industries where space and movement matter — everything from film & advertising to events and defense/space tech. We aim to move beyond verbal intelligence (prompts) to spatial intelligence (3D) by giving generative AI models a better understanding of exactly what humans imagine. We get there with camera-centric control system as well as technical innovation in 3D design, semantic systems, AI/ML, and knowledge graphs — all designed to live on the open web and deliver professional grade control over generative AI models.

We are an interdisciplinary team of engineers, artists and designers that have built and shipped multiple end-to-end products at companies like Apple, Unity, Pixar, ILM, Google and Electronic Arts. Intangible is venture-funded by a16z Speedrun, Crosslink Capital and prominent angels.

We are looking for like minded creative technologists who love their craft and building groundbreaking products.

The Role

We’re looking for a Applied AI/Machine Learning Engineer to join our growing team. You'll play a principal role in designing and building AI assistants that empower people to use interactive 3D as a medium.

Location: Preference for SF/Bay Area, CA. Open to remote candidates in North America & Western EU.

What You'll Do

  • Design and develop assistive AI technology for interactive, 3D workflows

  • Use the technology you build to propel human ability to communicate with interactive 3D

  • Reduce the time it takes for someone to have an idea, visualize it, and share it with others

Responsibilities

  • Build NLP pipelines that extract intent, entities, and semantic structure from user input.

  • Analyze opportunities for improving the AI system's performance and personalization.

  • Integrate cloud and client LLMs to drive creative workflows.

  • Design and maintain knowledge graphs to represent world, character, and story data.

  • Prototype and apply AI features in collaboration with product and engineering teams.

  • Fine-tune or augment foundation models for domain-specific tasks.

Key Competencies

  • Evidence of exceptional ability in software development .

  • Understanding of ML principles, algorithms, and evaluation metrics.

  • Strong experience with modern NLP/LLM frameworks (e.g., Transformers, LangChain).

  • Experience with data storage and retrieval with vector databases.

  • Experience with graph databases (e.g., Neo4j, RDF, property graphs).

  • Experience developing and operating agentic backend experiences, tools, optimizations.

  • Proficient in Python and ML libraries (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow).

  • Ability to ship features end-to-end.

Ideal Candidate Has:

  • Experience building AI copilots.

  • Experience building recommendation systems.

  • Cloud ops, containerization, IaC and multi-tenant experience.

  • Background in computational linguistics or knowledge representation.

Benefits

  • We are a remote-first company with a small concentration in the Bay Area.

  • Health insurance for you and your dependants

  • 401(k) plan

  • Flexible PTO

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