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3D Game Modeling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Harnham

AI Research Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$165K - $353K/yr

Research Engineer | San Francisco | Full-Time Brief Overview Applied AI lab building world models for 3D game environments. Early-stage, well-backed, 3 weeks from beta launch. What You'll Own You'll ...

Spencer's

3D Designer

Egg Harbor Township, NJ · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

... finished 3D models for print and manufacturing, including file preparation for 3D printing ... gaming is a plus Ability to collaborate cross-functionally within a team-oriented environment ...

Harnham

AI Research Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$165K - $353K/yr

Research Engineer | San Francisco | Full-Time Brief Overview Applied AI lab building world models for 3D game environments. Early-stage, well-backed, 3 weeks from beta launch. What You'll Own You'll ...

Harnham

AI Research Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$165K - $353K/yr

Research Engineer | San Francisco | Full-Time Brief Overview Applied AI lab building world models for 3D game environments. Early-stage, well-backed, 3 weeks from beta launch. What You'll Own You'll ...

Harnham

AI Research Engineer

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$165K - $353K/yr

Research Engineer | San Francisco | Full-Time Brief Overview Applied AI lab building world models for 3D game environments. Early-stage, well-backed, 3 weeks from beta launch. What You'll Own You'll ...

Harnham

AI Research Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$165K - $353K/yr

Research Engineer | San Francisco | Full-Time Brief Overview Applied AI lab building world models for 3D game environments. Early-stage, well-backed, 3 weeks from beta launch. What You'll Own You'll ...

Harnham

AI Research Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$165K - $353K/yr

Research Engineer | San Francisco | Full-Time Brief Overview Applied AI lab building world models for 3D game environments. Early-stage, well-backed, 3 weeks from beta launch. What You'll Own You'll ...

Harnham

AI Research Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$165K - $353K/yr

Research Engineer | San Francisco | Full-Time Brief Overview Applied AI lab building world models for 3D game environments. Early-stage, well-backed, 3 weeks from beta launch. What You'll Own You'll ...

Harnham

AI Research Engineer

Hayward, CA · On-site

$165K - $353K/yr

Research Engineer | San Francisco | Full-Time Brief Overview Applied AI lab building world models for 3D game environments. Early-stage, well-backed, 3 weeks from beta launch. What You'll Own You'll ...

Sonalysts, Inc.

3D Model Developer

Waterford, CT

$60K - $110K/yr

Modeling and simulation of seabed to space capabilities. * Game-based training systems. * User ... Unity 3d * Unreal 5 * Experience in and/or knowledge of: * Low and medium polygon modeling ...

Sonalysts, Inc.

3D Model Developer

Waterford, CT

$60K - $110K/yr

Modeling and simulation of seabed to space capabilities. * Game-based training systems. * User ... Unity 3d * Unreal 5 * Experience in and/or knowledge of: * Low and medium polygon modeling ...

Sonalysts, Inc.

3D Model Developer

Waterford, CT · On-site

$60K - $110K/yr

Modeling and simulation of seabed to space capabilities. * Game-based training systems. * User ... Unity 3d * Unreal 5 * Experience in and/or knowledge of: * Low and medium polygon modeling ...

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All Jobs3D Game Modeling Jobs

3D Game Modeling information

See salary details

$52.5K

$141.9K

$179.5K

How much do 3d game modeling jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for 3d game modeling in the United States is $141,941.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do 3D Game Modelers typically collaborate with other departments during game development?

3D Game Modelers work closely with concept artists, animators, and game designers to ensure models fit the artistic vision and technical requirements of the game. Regular communication is key, as modelers need to adapt their work based on feedback regarding visual style, poly count, and animation needs. They often participate in review sessions, iterating on assets to align with evolving gameplay and narrative goals. Collaboration with programmers may also be necessary to optimize models for performance, especially in larger or more complex game environments.

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

To thrive as a 3D Game Modeler, you need strong artistic ability, proficiency in 3D modeling concepts, and experience with industry-standard software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max, typically supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Familiarity with texturing tools (such as Substance Painter), game engines (like Unity or Unreal Engine), and understanding of optimization techniques are essential. Attention to detail, creativity, collaboration, and effective communication help you stand out in team-based production environments. These skills ensure the creation of visually compelling, technically efficient assets that align with the game's artistic direction and performance requirements.

What is 3D game modeling?

3D game modeling is the process of creating three-dimensional digital representations of characters, environments, props, and other assets that are used in video games. Artists use specialized software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max to design these models, ensuring they are both visually appealing and optimized for real-time rendering in game engines. The process typically involves sculpting, texturing, and rigging models, which are then integrated into the game for players to interact with. 3D game modeling is a critical part of game development, shaping the visual experience and immersion for players.

What is the difference between 3D Game Modeling vs 3D Character Artist?

Aspect3D Game Modeling3D Character Artist
Primary FocusCreating 3D models for environments, objects, and assets used in gamesDesigning and modeling detailed characters for games
Skills & ToolsModeling, texturing, UV mapping, software like Blender, Maya, 3ds MaxCharacter anatomy, sculpting, texturing, software like ZBrush, Maya
Work EnvironmentGame studios, freelance, animation companiesGame studios, animation houses, freelance
Industry UsageUsed across all game types for environment and asset creationSpecifically for character design and development

While both roles involve 3D modeling skills, 3D Game Modeling focuses on creating a variety of game assets, whereas 3D Character Artist specializes in designing detailed characters. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job focus within the gaming industry.

More about 3D Game Modeling jobs
What cities are hiring for 3D Game Modeling jobs? Cities with the most 3D Game Modeling job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Game Modeling jobs? The most popular types of 3D Game Modeling jobs are:
What states have the most 3D Game Modeling jobs? States with the most job openings for 3D Game Modeling jobs include:
3D Game Modeling jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3D Game Modeling job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,941 per year, or $68.2 per hour.
AI Research Engineer

AI Research Engineer

Harnham

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

$165K - $353K/yr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Research Engineer | San Francisco | Full-Time


Brief Overview

Applied AI lab building world models for 3D game environments. Early-stage, well-backed, 3 weeks from beta launch.


What You'll Own

You'll take large ownership of the core generation and simulation stack—the intelligence layer that turns ideas into playable 3D environments without any technical skill required.

Your focus: distributed multi-agent orchestration for coordinated world synthesis (terrain, assets, behaviors), data-efficient training pipelines, real-time inference optimization, and agentic codegen tools that enable studio-quality environment creation.

You'll architect systems that let creators go from concept to playable world in hours, not months. You'll define new benchmarks for retention, fun, and interactive intelligence using behavioral data across thousands of live environments. Your code ships to millions within weeks.


Your Profile

  • Strong software fundamentals. You move fluidly between production systems and research code. You've shipped at scale.
  • Multimodal & agentic systems. You've built or trained large models (diffusion, vision-language, RL agents). Hands-on with Claude, OpenAI, or custom implementations.
  • Distributed training & scale. You've worked large-scale vision/3D pipelines, data curation, or distributed training. You know where things break and how to fix them.
  • Preferred: Generative vision, world models, RL systems, robotics, game engines, or multi-agent coordination.


The Reality

  • Schedule: 996 for the first 4 months. Fast-moving team, tight deadlines.
  • Location: San Francisco, on-site. Relocation support + free housing, food, transportation provided.
  • Team: 12-person applied AI team. Flat structure, direct access to founders.
  • Impact: Your work ships to millions of users within weeks.


Compensation

  • Base: $200K–$350K (flexible for exceptional candidates)
  • Equity: $165.75K–$353.25K + benefits
  • All-in TC: Up to $1M+ for top talent, heavily weighted to equity
  • Other: Visa sponsorship, relocation support, free housing/food/transportation


Why This Matters

You're not training another large model or optimizing a search ranking. You're building the systems that let millions of people create, play, and monetize worlds together. Your work ships in weeks, not quarters.


How It Works

  1. Vibe check (20 min with founder) — Mission fit, communication, intensity readiness
  2. Technical deep dive (90 min with tech lead) — Systems design, research depth, shipping experience
  3. Internal panel (60–90 min with team leads) — Collaboration, vision, ambiguity tolerance
  4. Trial task (1–2 days) — Real problem from the stack; shows your thinking + culture fit
  5. Offer — If aligned, fast move

Total timeline: 10–15 days from first call to offer.

Apply