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3D Design Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Design Engineer

Lebanon, KY · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Develop and modify 3D models using CAD software, with a focus on Creo or comparable tools. * Create, maintain, and improve detailed work instructions to support manufacturing processes. * Support ...

Develop detailed 3D models and engineering drawings to support fabrication, machining, and assembly activities. * Collaborate closely with customers to understand requirements, review design concepts ...

This position is part of the design team to ensure the productive use of AutoCAD & Civil 3D in preparing complete packages of quality design drawings for clients in the oil & gas industry. ESSENTIAL ...

This position is part of the design team to ensure the productive use of AutoCAD & Civil 3D in preparing complete packages of quality design drawings for clients in the oil & gas industry. ESSENTIAL ...

This position is part of the design team to ensure the productive use of AutoCAD & Civil 3D in preparing complete packages of quality design drawings for clients in the oil & gas industry. ESSENTIAL ...

This position is part of the design team to ensure the productive use of AutoCAD & Civil 3D in preparing complete packages of quality design drawings for clients in the oil & gas industry. ESSENTIAL ...

General Product Manager

Louisville, KY · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Review and understand complex design concepts including Solid Works (3D design), 3D Scanning, and 3D Printing/Prototyping. * Manufacturing Expertise: Oversee production processes including ...

General Product Manager

Louisville, KY · On-site +1

$100K - $150K/yr

Review and understand complex design concepts including Solid Works (3D design), 3D Scanning, and 3D Printing/Prototyping. * Manufacturing Expertise: Oversee production processes including ...

CAD/CAM Programmer

Georgetown, KY · On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

We're looking for a CAD/CAM professional to support die manufacturing by creating CNC programs and 3D models using modern CAD/CAM tools. What You'll Do * Develop CNC programs using CAM software

Design Engineer

Louisville, KY · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Prepare construction drawings and documents using CAD/BIM software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit). * Coordinate design efforts with multidisciplinary teams, including civil, structural, mechanical ...

Prepare construction drawings and documents using CAD/BIM software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit). * Coordinate design efforts with multidisciplinary teams, including civil, structural, mechanical ...

Design Engineer

Louisville, KY · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Prepare construction drawings and documents using CAD/BIM software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit). * Coordinate design efforts with multidisciplinary teams, including civil, structural, mechanical ...

CAD/CAM Designer

Georgetown, KY · On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Create and modify 3D models using CAD tools * Monitor, document, and manage changes to CNC programs and machines * Interpret blueprints, sketches, technical drawings, routing instructions, and ...

Showing results 21-40

3D Design information

See Kentucky salary details

$8

$25

$44

How much do 3d design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3d design in Kentucky is $25.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $31.30 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 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 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 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.

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

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

Infographic showing various 3D Design job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,370 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Visiting Asst. Teaching Professor, 3D Digital Design and Visual Effects

Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, KY • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Northern Kentucky University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

312th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Title:
Visiting Asst. Teaching Professor, 3D Digital Design and Visual Effects
Position Type:
Temporary
About the Role:
Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor, 3D Digital Design and Visual Effects
Northern Kentucky University seeks candidates for a one-year appointment as a full-time, Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor in the 3D Digital Design and Visual Effects program (DFX), part of the School of Media & Communication in the College of Informatics. DFX is an undergraduate program that offers a Bachelor of Arts degree and works with nearly 100 students across their major and minor programs. Housed in the state-of-the-art Griffin Hall, it is located only 10 minutes south of Cincinnati, OH. Students and faculty are connected to a region that provides a variety of internships, experiential media projects, and collaborative opportunities.
The full-time non-tenure track temporary position is for the 2026-27 Academic year and begins August 2026.
This position will meet a critical need in the School of Media and Communication by providing teaching and professional expertise in DFX. The individual occupying this position will have proficiency in multiple, if not all, of the following program: Autodesk, Maya, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Maxon Zbrush, and Unreal Engine 5. They will teach some combination of courses such as the following: Visual Fundamentals for Digital Media, Principles of Digital 3D Animation, 3D Modeling Fundamentals, 3D Hard Surface Modeling, Computer Games and Digital Society, and Non-Linear Interactive Storytelling.
Primary Responsibilities:
• Teach 4-4 load (fall0sprint) of DFX courses in the Media & Journalism Program with focus primarily on 3D Digital Design skills courses in a face-to-face format.
• Maintain office hours in line with department policies.
• Attend required department-wide meetings.
• Participate in course assessment, as needed.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with a diverse group of staff, students and faculty.
Questions regarding the nature of the position should be directed to Stacie Jankowski at meihauss1@nku.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position has been filled.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Applicants with a Master's degree or equivalent level of experience in 3D Digital Design and Visual Effects or a closely related field with significant professional experience will be considered.
• Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to undergraduate education and teaching effectiveness.
• Ability to teach current courses in our undergraduate catalog.
Preferred Qualifications:
• A record of successful teaching in addition to the minimum qualifications listed.
A complete application will require: a letter of application, CV, a portfolio of sample work demonstrating appropriate background knowledge, copies of recent teaching evaluations if available (qualitative and quantitative, and references.
Any candidate who is offered a position at NKU will be required to go through a pre-employment criminal background check as mandated by state law.
Work Environment & Physical Demands:

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