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3D Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

3D Engineer

Glendale, CA ยท On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

From AI-driven marketing and in-home 3D design to sales, service, and operations, Moon unifies the entire customer and business journey on a single platform - supercharged by Luna, our proprietary AI ...

Temp Sculptor

Santa Monica, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Responsibilities include: * 3D design and sculpt to designer approval of original and licensed projects * Create producible and printable 3D files. * Support virtual model rendering for use with our ...

Manager, Product Design - Trends

Culver City, CA ยท On-site

$206K/yr

Review 3D sculpt turns and paintmasters, preparing precise submissions and comments. * Present ... Maintain a Product Design Shape of the Line to evaluate the collection and prepare for all ...

Senior 3D Engineer

Glendale, CA ยท On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

From AI-driven marketing and in-home 3D design to sales, service, and operations, Moon unifies the entire customer and business journey on a single platform - supercharged by Luna, our proprietary AI ...

Manager, Product Design - Dolls

Culver City, CA ยท On-site

$206K/yr

Review 3D sculpt turns and paintmasters, preparing precise submissions and comments. * Present ... Maintain a Product Design Shape of the Line to evaluate the collection and prepare for all ...

Manager, Product Design - Trends

Culver City, CA ยท On-site

$206K/yr

Review 3D sculpt turns and paintmasters, preparing precise submissions and comments. * Present ... Maintain a Product Design Shape of the Line to evaluate the collection and prepare for all ...

Manager, Product Design - Dolls

Culver City, CA ยท On-site

$206K/yr

Review 3D sculpt turns and paintmasters, preparing precise submissions and comments. * Present ... Maintain a Product Design Shape of the Line to evaluate the collection and prepare for all ...

Sr. 3D Designer

Los Angeles, CA ยท Remote

$85 - $110K/hr

Our growing team needs a strong, 3D Designer who is passionate about people, driven by design, and inspired to innovate. From sports sponsorships to fashion launches and beyond, we're looking for a ...

Manage large format printing and 3D printing execution, providing essential comping support for ... Develop 2D design files, focusing on design layout and typography. * Create 3D design files using ...

The 3D Motion Specialist helps shape these experiences by transforming creative concepts into ... Motion Design & Animation * Create high-quality motion graphics and animation assets across digital ...

3D Modeler

Corte Madera, CA ยท On-site

$65 - $66.66/hr

If you have an Industrial Design background and a passion for furniture, you'll find a perfect fit here, directly impacting the evolution of iconic collections. Key Responsibilities * 3D Upholstery ...

Showing results 21-40

3D Design information

See California salary details

$9

$28

$50

How much do 3d design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3d design in California is $28.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $35.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is 3D design?

3D design is the process of creating three-dimensional representations of objects, spaces, or concepts using specialized computer software. It is widely used in industries such as architecture, engineering, video games, film, product design, and animation. 3D designers use tools like Blender, Autodesk Maya, or 3ds Max to model, texture, and render objects or environments, making them look realistic or stylized depending on the project's needs. The skills required for 3D design include creativity, technical proficiency, and a good understanding of spatial relationships.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3D designer?

To thrive as a 3D Designer, you need strong spatial visualization, artistic ability, and proficiency in 3D modeling principles, often supported by a degree in design, fine arts, or a related field. Expertise with industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max, and familiarity with rendering engines or CAD systems, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you interpret client needs and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are crucial for producing high-quality, visually compelling designs that meet project goals and client expectations.

What are some common challenges 3D designers face when working on collaborative projects?

3D Designers often work as part of multidisciplinary teams, which can present challenges such as ensuring consistency in visual style, managing version control for complex files, and effectively communicating design intent to non-design stakeholders. It's important to establish clear workflows and utilize collaborative tools, like version control systems and shared asset libraries, to streamline teamwork. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions also help prevent miscommunication and keep projects on track.

What is the difference between 3D Design vs 3D Modeling?

Aspect3D Design3D Modeling
Primary FocusCreating conceptual designs and visualizations for products, characters, or environmentsBuilding and manipulating 3D digital models, often as a step in the design process
Skills & ToolsDesign principles, CAD software, rendering toolsModeling software like Blender, Maya, 3ds Max
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, animation companies, game developmentAnimation studios, game development, product visualization
CertificationsDesign certifications, CAD trainingModeling software certifications, 3D art courses

While 3D Design involves conceptualizing and visualizing ideas, 3D Modeling focuses on creating detailed digital models. Both roles often overlap but serve different stages of the creative process.

Are 3D Design jobs in demand?

3D Design jobs are in demand across industries such as gaming, film, architecture, and product development, driven by the increasing use of 3D modeling software like Blender, Maya, and 3ds Max. The growth of virtual reality, augmented reality, and digital content creation continues to expand opportunities for skilled 3D designers, especially those with proficiency in rendering, animation, and CAD tools.

Are 3D designers well paid?

3D designers often earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions typically start lower, while experienced designers with specialized skills in software like Blender or Maya can command higher wages, especially in fields such as gaming, film, or product design.

Is 3D designer a good career?

A 3D designer creates visual models and animations for industries such as gaming, film, architecture, and product design. The role often requires proficiency in software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max and can offer opportunities for freelance or full-time work with competitive salaries. Job prospects depend on skill level, portfolio quality, and industry demand, which is generally strong for skilled professionals.

What jobs can you do with 3D design?

3D design skills can lead to roles such as 3D modeler, 3D animator, CAD designer, product designer, and visualizer in industries like gaming, film, architecture, manufacturing, and advertising. These jobs often require proficiency with software like Blender, Maya, or AutoCAD and may involve working in studios, design firms, or freelance settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Design jobs in California?

The most popular types of 3D Design jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for 3D Design jobs?

Cities in California with the most 3D Design job openings:

Infographic showing various 3D Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,508 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Sr/Staff Wiring Systems Design Engineer

Joby Aviation

Santa Cruz, CA โ€ข On-site

$139K - $237K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Company Overview
Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.
Overview
Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate senior engineer to join our team with a focus in Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems (EWIS), working with electrical, manufacturing, and structural engineers to meet design requirements for functionality, manufacturability, integration, inspectability, and maintenance. The senior engineer will be responsible for designing flight critical wire harness assemblies and electromechanical interconnection systems, as well as creating test plans to characterize, qualify, and validate those designs. This individual must be highly organized and self-driven while possessing a deep understanding of aerospace design standards. This position is exciting and rewarding, as the engineer will promptly see their ideas grow from concept to creation due to the fast pace of Joby Aviation.
Responsibilities
  • Design electromechanical interconnection systems according to aerospace standards
  • Generate 3D CAD for wire routing, clamp locations, and datum markers
  • Author 2D drawings based on 3D design, utilizing industry best practices and general knowledge of GD&T
  • Provide solutions to support and protect wire harnesses
  • Audit wire diagrams and topologies for accuracy against interface control documents

Required
  • B.S. in electrical or mechanical engineering
  • 8+ years of working experience in a relevant industry
  • 2+ years of experience within the aviation industry
  • Excellent problem solving and teamwork skills, working with many people and teams
  • Experience with hands-on design, prototyping, and testing
  • Strong background utilizing PDM
  • Proficiency with CAD, such as Catia, Pro/E, SolidWorks, 3DExperience, etc.
  • Familiarity with EWIS aerospace standards, such as SAE AS50881, AC 43.13 Ch.11, ASTM F2639, etc.

Desired
  • M.S. in electrical or mechanical engineering
  • 10+ years of working experience in a relevant industry
  • Understanding of ERP/MRP/PLM solutions
  • Experience with Catia, specifically using Electrical 3D Design, Electrical 3D Part Design, Electrical Manufacturing Preparation, Assembly Design, Part Design, Generative Shape Design, and Logical to Physical linking

Additional Information
Compensation at Joby is a combination of base pay and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). The target base pay for this position is $139,400 - $237,000/yrThe compensation package will be determined by job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Joby also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan with a company match, an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP), short-term and long-term disability coverage, life insurance, and more.
Joby is an Equal Opportunity Employer