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3D Environmental Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

3D Environmental Artist

Orlando, FL · On-site

Description The 3D Environmental Artist is an entry-to-mid-level technical artist responsible for supporting the development, modification, and maintenance of airport Visual Databases (VDBs). Working ...

SAIC

3D Environmental Artist

Orlando, FL

ORA_ON_SITE Description The 3D Environmental Artist is an entry-to-mid-level technical artist responsible for supporting the development, modification, and maintenance of airport Visual Databases ...

Thatgamecompany

3D Environment Artist (Sky)

$60K/yr

As an Environment Artist, you will work with the Creative Director, Art Leads, Vis Dev Artists and ... Support the rest of the art team to create 3D assets * Review and fix bugs Must Haves: * 3+ years ...

Epic Games

Principal Environment Artist

Cary, NC · On-site

... and environmental polish * Develop and improve scalable environment art workflows that increase ... Professional experience using a 3D content creation application such as Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender ...

Socket.dev

$141 - $294/hr

... and environmental polish * Develop and improve scalable environment art workflows that increase ... Professional experience using a 3D content creation application such as Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender ...

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How much do 3d environmental artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3d environmental artist in the United States is $39.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.16 and $48.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 3D environmental artist?

A 3D Environmental Artist is a professional who creates three-dimensional environments for video games, movies, virtual reality, and other digital media. They design and build landscapes, buildings, props, and other environmental elements to create immersive and believable worlds. Using specialized 3D modeling and texturing software, they work closely with other artists and developers to ensure that the environments fit the artistic vision and technical requirements of a project.

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

To thrive as a 3D Environmental Artist, you need strong skills in 3D modeling, texturing, lighting, and a solid understanding of spatial design, often supported by a degree in art, design, or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, Substance Painter, and experience with game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication help artists collaborate well and bring immersive worlds to life. These skills and qualities are crucial for creating believable, engaging environments that enhance the visual storytelling and gameplay experiences.

What are some common challenges 3D environmental artists face when working on large-scale game projects?

3D Environmental Artists working on large-scale game projects often encounter challenges such as optimizing assets for performance while maintaining visual quality, ensuring consistency with the overall art direction, and managing complex scene compositions. Collaboration with level designers, lighting artists, and technical artists is essential to ensure that environments are both visually appealing and functional for gameplay. Staying up-to-date with evolving tools and techniques, as well as effectively managing feedback and revisions, are also key aspects of the role.
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Infographic showing various 3D Environmental Artist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,070 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

3D Environmental Artist

SAIC

Orlando, FL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 225 rated it services

Job description

Job Description
Description
The 3D Environmental Artist is an entry-to-mid-level technical artist responsible for supporting the development, modification, and maintenance of airport Visual Databases (VDBs). Working under the direction of a senior VDB Developer, this individual creates and refines 3D assets, terrain features, airport infrastructure, environmental elements, and supporting visual content that contribute to realistic, operationally accurate airport environments.
This position focuses on implementing the senior VDB Developer's vision by constructing detailed airport environments, creating high-quality 3D assets, and ensuring visual fidelity while meeting real-time simulation performance requirements.
Key Responsibilities
3D Asset Development:
  • Create and modify 3D models for airport terminals, control towers, hangars, buildings, signage, lighting, fencing, vehicles, and surrounding infrastructure.
  • Produce optimized assets suitable for real-time simulation while maintaining high visual quality.
  • Create and apply textures, materials, and lighting using modern PBR workflows.
  • Develop reusable asset libraries for common airport structures and environmental objects.
Airport Environment Construction:
  • Assemble airport environments from source imagery, engineering drawings, GIS data, and reference photography.
  • Place and align airport objects according to the design guidance provided by senior VDB Developers.
  • Build terrain features, roadways, parking areas, vegetation, and surrounding landmarks.
  • Implement runway markings, taxiway signage, lighting systems, and airport infrastructure.
  • Support development of airport environments for all designated FAA Air Traffic Control Towers (ATCTs).
Visual Refinement & Optimization:
  • Improve visual quality through texture refinement, lighting adjustments, and asset optimization.
  • Support development of environmental effects including day/night operations, seasonal conditions, and weather visualization.
  • Assist with animation of environmental objects and airport assets where required.
  • Optimize models to maintain required simulation performance.
Quality Assurance Support:
  • Verify models for proper scale, placement, texture mapping, and rendering performance.
  • Correct visual defects identified during QA reviews.
  • Participate in iterative design reviews with senior developers and subject matter experts.
  • Ensure all assets comply with established modeling, naming, and performance standards.
Repository & Configuration Support:
  • Maintain models, textures, and supporting files within the program configuration management system.
  • Follow version control procedures for all visual assets.
  • Package assets for integration into the Visual Database.
  • Maintain organized project documentation and asset libraries.
Collaboration:
  • Work closely with senior VDB Developers, Scenario Developers, Systems Engineers, and software developers.
  • Participate in Agile sprint planning, backlog refinement, and design reviews.
  • Support rapid implementation of airport modifications and visual updates.

Qualifications
Required Education:
  • Currently pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor's degree in one of the following fields:
    • Computer Graphics
    • Game Art
    • Digital Media
    • Animation
    • Visual Effects (VFX)
    • Environmental Design
    • Architecture
    • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
    • A related technical or artistic discipline
  • An Associate's degree, technical certification, portfolio, or equivalent practical experience may be considered in lieu of a Bachelor's degree.
Required Experience:
  • Professional experience is preferred but not required. Ideal candidates will demonstrate knowledge, coursework, internships, or personal project work in one or more of the following areas:
    • 3D modeling, rendering, or environment creation for games, simulation, visualization, or digital media.
    • Modern 3D modeling software such as Blender, Autodesk 3ds Max, Maya, or equivalent
    • Creation of optimized assets for real-time rendering
    • Physically Based Rendering (PBR) materials and texturing workflows
    • Interpretation of aerial imagery, engineering drawings, or reference photography
    • Basic understanding of version control systems
  • A strong portfolio demonstrating technical ability and artistic quality may be considered in lieu of professional experience.
Required Clearance:
  • Must be a U.S. citizen and be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.
Preferred Experience:
  • Flight simulation scenery development (Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane, Prepar3D, DCS, etc.)
  • Airport scenery creation or aviation-related environments
  • Unreal Engine or Unity
  • GIS data processing and terrain development
  • OpenFlight or Common Database (CDB/OpenCDB)
  • Familiarity with FAA airport diagrams and aviation charting
  • Experience working in Agile software development environments
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Proficiency with 3D modeling and texturing tools such as Blender, Autodesk 3ds Max, Maya, or equivalent
  • Understanding of real-time rendering and performance optimization techniques
  • Ability to accurately implement designs and direction provided by senior VDB Developers
  • Strong artistic eye for detail, scale, lighting, and environmental realism
  • Ability to rapidly incorporate review feedback and iterate on designs
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Collaborative team player capable of working across multidisciplinary teams including VDB Developers, Scenario Developers, Systems Engineers, and software developers

Overview
SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis and there is no deadline.
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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