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3D Design Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Luxoft

3D/Catia Expert

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Expert in 3D design and digital product development using CATIA (or comparable CAD tools), responsible for creating, managing, and optimizing mechanical and electromechanical designs as well as ...

New

Mondo

Senior 3D Designer

Chicago, IL · Remote

$70 - $77/hr

The client is seeking a Senior 3D Designer to independently concept, design, and deliver custom experiential pop-up activations across multiple simultaneous projects for leading consumer brands. Job ...

smartdept. inc.

3D Visualization Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

This role blends industrial design thinking with polished, photorealistic 3D rendering. You will not just be visualizing concepts, you will be building the actual package and product mockups, from ...

Alliance Group Technologies

Be Seen First

Industrial pipe designer

Munster, IN · On-site

$40 - $60/hr

They are looking for a highly motivated Pipe designer/detailer with 7-10 years of CAD and 3D design experience in industries including specialty chemicals, petrochemicals, biotechnology and ...

HDR

Site Civil Digital Design Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

They will be expected to coordinate and work closely with the IL/IN civil design team, providing BIM and AutoCAD/Civil 3D support throughout the entire life cycle of projects from planning stages ...

Freeman Company

Design Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125 - $140/hr

Deep expertise in 3D design strategy, cross-functional collaboration, and creative business leadership, including oversight of budgets, timelines, and resourcing. * Ability to communicate clearly ...

Daifuku North America

Design Engineer

Hobart, IN · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Applicants must have a bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering as well as experience with 3D design software, such as Inventor and other tools in the AutoDesk suite. You will use ...

New

Freeman

Design Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

Deep expertise in 3D design strategy, cross-functional collaboration, and creative business leadership, including oversight of budgets, timelines, and resourcing. * Ability to communicate clearly ...

PSG Global Solutions

Electrical Detailer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Microstation, AutoCAD Inventor, Bentley Substation and 3D Design Requirements: * Associate's or Bachelor's degree in drafting technology. * Minimum of 8 years previous drafting experience. * Related ...

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All Jobs3D Design Jobs3D Design Jobs in Chicago, IL

3D Design information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$29

$52

How much do 3d design jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3d design in Chicago, IL is $29.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.58 and $37.16 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of 3D Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:

3D Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3D Design job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,164 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

3D/Catia Expert

Luxoft

Chicago, IL • On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Project description

Automotive. German OEM. The project is responsible for cross-brand platform capabilities and foundational technologies in the field of vehicle electronics and softwar. Ensure the development of electric and electronic hardware solutions with wellbalanced performance steps, delivering with quality and with modular scalability to support the transition to platform all company brands


Responsibilities
  • Expert in 3D design and digital product development using CATIA (or comparable CAD tools), responsible for creating, managing, and optimizing mechanical and electromechanical designs as well as installation concepts in a 3D environment (e.g., ECUs, harness integration, packaging).Create and maintain 3D models and assemblies for components and systems (e.g.,ECUs, housings, brackets, harness routing).
  • Ensure correct packaging and installation within the overall product/vehiclearchitecture:o space allocation, collision-free design, mounting conceptso consideration of thermal, mechanical, and environmental constraints
  • Define and implement design rules and modelling standards to ensure consistencyand quality.
  • Support integration of electrical and electronic components (e.g., HW, harness,connectors) into the mechanical environment.
  • Perform:o clash/clearance analyseso tolerance analyses (dimension chains, variability)
  • Enable manufacturability:o support design for manufacturing (DFM), assembly (DFA), and serviceability
  • Maintain data quality in PLM/PDM systems (structure, versioning, release).
  • Support change management (ECR/ECO) by updating models and ensuringconsistency across assemblies.
  • Collaborate closely with:o HW design, harness design, system engineering, and manufacturing
  • Provide 3D data and documentation for:o simulation, validation, and supplier interfaces

SKILLS

Must have


  • Expert-level proficiency in CATIA (or comparable CAD tools), including:o 3D modeling (parts, assemblies)o surface and solid design o kinematics and installation studies
  • Strong understanding of:o mechanical design principles (materials, tolerances, fastening methods)o packaging and integration in complex systems (e.g., vehicle environment)
  • Ability to:o interpret system and architectural requirements and translate them into 3D designso perform and evaluate clash, clearance, and tolerance analyses
  • Knowledge of:o manufacturing processes (injection molding, machining, sheet metal, etc.) o integration of electrical/electronic components (ECUs, connectors, harness routing)
  • Competence in:o data management in PLM/PDM systemso applying CAD standards, naming conventions, and release processes
  • Analytical and structured problem-solving skills, especially for integration conflicts

Nice to have

Collaboration competence in cross-functional teams (mechanical, electrical, system, suppliers)

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