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3D Hard Surface Modeling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

INSPYR Solutions

3D Artist

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$50 - $80/hr

Title: 3D Artist Location: Remote US Duration: 8 months + Extensions Compensation: $50-80/hr Work ... Hard Surface Modeling: * Model assets with a focus on accuracy and realism. * Maintain clean ...

Collabera

Graphics Technician

Rapid City, SD

Job duties include, but not limited to, 3D Hard Surface Modeling, 3D model optimization, Texture creation, UV Mapping, Rigging, Animating, and Rendering. He /She should be knowing any 3DS knowledge.

LF Studios

Animatronic Digital Designer

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

Performing hard and soft surface modeling within ZBrush. Requirements: * Applicant must have experience with product development and design, 3D modeling, and design thinking. * Experience with ZBrush ...

Leidos

3D Modeler

Orlando, FL · On-site

$57K - $104K/yr

Primary Responsibilities • Build high-quality, optimized hard-surface 3D models according to project specifications • Collaborate with other 3D modelers and multi-disciplinary teams to refine ...

Leidos

3D Modeler

Orlando, FL

$57K - $104K/yr

Primary Responsibilities Build high-quality, optimized hard-surface 3D models according to project specifications Collaborate with other 3D modelers and multi-disciplinary teams to refine assets for ...

Leidos

3D Modeler

Orlando, FL · On-site

$57K - $104K/yr

Primary Responsibilities • Build high-quality, optimized hard-surface 3D models according to project specifications • Collaborate with other 3D modelers and multi-disciplinary teams to refine ...

Leidos

3D Modeler

Winter Garden, FL · On-site

$57K - $104K/yr

Primary Responsibilities • Build high-quality, optimized hard-surface 3D models according to project specifications • Collaborate with other 3D modelers and multi-disciplinary teams to refine ...

Spencer Gifts

3D Designer

Egg Harbor Township, NJ · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Expertise in 3D sculpting and modeling using both organic and hard-surface techniques * Ability to interpret 2D designs and produce finished 3D models for print and manufacturing, including file ...

Spencer's

3D Designer

Egg Harbor Township, NJ · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

... modeling using both organic and hard-surface techniques Ability to interpret 2D designs and produce finished 3D models for print and manufacturing, including file preparation for 3D printing.

Trick 3d

TECHNICAL ARTIST

Atlanta, GA

$120K - $144K/yr

TRICK 3D sits at the forefront of immersive content and technology innovation in VR, AR, MR and ... Experience with organic and hard surface modeling with clean, optimized topology and UVs.

TRICK 3D

TECHNICAL ARTIST

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$120K - $144K/yr

TRICK 3D sits at the forefront of immersive content and technology innovation in VR, AR, MR and ... Experience with organic and hard surface modeling with clean, optimized topology and UVs.

CFS

Surface Designer

Wakarusa, IN

$100K - $110K/yr

As a Surface Designer, develop high-quality Class-A surfaces and 3D digital models that reflect design intent, brand identity, and user experience goals * Translate sketches, concept renderings, and ...

CFS

Surface Designer

Wakarusa, IN

$100K - $110K/yr

As a Surface Designer, develop high-quality Class-A surfaces and 3D digital models that reflect design intent, brand identity, and user experience goals * Translate sketches, concept renderings, and ...

Fisher Industries

Heavy Civil 3D Modeler

Tempe, AZ · On-site

Build 3D models for heavy civil projects including roadway, grading, site, pad, haul road, access ... surfaces * Strong computer skills with willingness to learn multiple modeling platforms * High ...

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How much do 3d hard surface modeling jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for 3d hard surface modeling in the United States is $78,472.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $98,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 3D Hard Surface Modeling job?

A 3D Hard Surface Modeling job involves creating detailed, realistic, or stylized models of mechanical, weapon, vehicle, and architectural objects for video games, films, or product visualization. Artists use software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max to design high-quality assets that emphasize clean topology and precision. Unlike organic modeling, hard surface modeling focuses on non-deformable objects with well-defined edges and surfaces. These models are often textured, lit, and optimized for real-time rendering or high-quality renders.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a 3D Hard Surface Modeler?

As a 3D Hard Surface Modeler, your daily tasks often include creating detailed digital models of objects such as vehicles, machinery, environments, or props based on concept art or technical specifications. You'll frequently collaborate with concept artists, animators, texture artists, and other 3D specialists to ensure your models fit seamlessly into larger projects. Quality checking, refining topology, and optimizing models for various uses (such as real-time engines or high-resolution rendering) are also routine. This role is generally team-oriented, requiring regular communication and feedback integration to meet project milestones and standards.

Is 3D modeling still in demand?

3D hard surface modeling remains in demand across industries such as gaming, film, product design, and virtual reality, with skills in software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max highly valued. The industry continues to grow as demand for realistic and detailed 3D assets increases, making it a viable career path for skilled modelers.

Is 3D modeling a high paying job?

3D hard surface modeling can be a well-paying career, especially for experienced artists working in industries like gaming, film, or product design. Salaries vary based on skill level, location, and the complexity of projects, with advanced 3D modelers often earning competitive wages and benefits. Developing proficiency in industry-standard tools like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max can enhance earning potential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the 3D Hard Surface Modeling position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 3D Hard Surface Modeler, you need strong proficiency in digital modeling, a solid grasp of form and detail, and a background in art, design, or computer graphics. Mastery of industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, Blender, or ZBrush, along with knowledge of rendering engines and, at times, related certifications, is crucial. Attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and effective communication make candidates stand out by ensuring both aesthetic quality and functional collaboration with teams. These skills and qualities are essential for producing production-ready models that meet project specifications and strict visual standards in industries like film, games, and engineering.

What is the salary of 3D hard surface artist?

The salary of a 3D hard surface artist typically ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level artists may earn less, while experienced professionals working in gaming, film, or product design can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by proficiency in software like Maya, Blender, or ZBrush.

What jobs in the US pay $300,000 a year?

In 3D hard surface modeling, senior roles such as lead modeler or art director in industries like video game development, film, or product design can reach or exceed $300,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working for large companies or in high-cost-of-living areas. These positions often require advanced proficiency in software like Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender, along with a strong portfolio and leadership abilities.
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3D Hard Surface Modeling jobs near you
3D Artist

3D Artist

INSPYR Solutions

Menlo Park, CA • On-site

$50 - $80/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Title: 3D Artist
Location: Remote US
Duration: 8 months + Extensions
Compensation: $50-80/hr
Work Requirements: US Citizen, GC Holders or Authorized to Work in the U.S.
HOW WE WORK
Our team is at the intersection between product and marketing, where a tremendous opportunity lies. We inspire through storytelling and enable through product. Our work takes shape through partnerships with product and marketing teams, helping them solve their people problems while achieving our brand goals. We're dedicated to our quest that bridges the gap between marketing and product to create in-product brand expressions.
ABOUT THIS ROLE
We are seeking a talented 3D Artist who can move fluidly between the worlds of product and marketing to bring the two closer together. This person will partner with design teams, marketers, and product teams to create hard surface modeling for industrial design assets. The ideal candidate excels in creating precise, visually compelling models of product-based objects, optimized for real-time applications. Expertise in retopology, UV creation, and texture baking is essential.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Hard Surface Modeling:
  • Model assets with a focus on accuracy and realism.
  • Maintain clean geometry and edge flow suitable for real-time rendering.
  • Retopology:
  • Optimize high-poly hard surface models into low-poly meshes for real-time use.
  • Ensure models meet technical requirements for polygon count, edge flow, and UV layout.
  • UV Creation:
  • Unwrap and layout UVs for hard surface assets, ensuring efficient use of texture space and minimal distortion.
  • Organize UV islands for optimal texture baking and real-time performance.
  • Texturing & Baking:
  • Bake high-quality textures from high-poly to low-poly assets.
  • Author PBR textures using industry-standard tools (e.g., Substance Painter, Designer, Photoshop).
  • Basic Rigging:
  • Set up simple skeletons and controls for hard surface assets to enable basic animation and posing.
  • Real-Time Optimization:
  • Balance visual fidelity with performance constraints for real-time engines
  • Implement best practices for LODs, texture atlases, and efficient material usage.
  • Work closely with technical artists, product visualization designers, producers, product marketers, product managers, and engineers to ensure assets integrate seamlessly into production pipelines.
  • Work cross-functionally, balancing the needs of stakeholders and breaking down complex narratives into simple, compelling ideas
  • Lead the 3D asset production from rendering models to launch in collaboration with technical artists, product visualization designers, producers, product marketers, product managers, and engineers

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • 5+ years experience in hard surface modeling, retopology, UV creation, and texture baking
  • Demonstrated experience in marketing, product and design
  • Portfolio features demonstrating hard surface models, advanced UV layouts, high-fidelity baked textures
  • Proficiency with 3D modeling software (e.g., Cinema 4D, Blender, Maya).
  • Advanced knowledge of retopology, UV unwrapping, and texture baking tools.
  • Strong understanding of PBR materials and workflows.
  • Strong understanding of real-time rendering constraints and optimization techniques.
  • Basic rigging skills for hard surface assets.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • 7+ years of experience producing interactive assets for marketing, promotional, or showcase purposes.
  • Experience with mobile platforms or AR/VR
  • Experience with GLB/USDZ file formats
  • Proficient using AI tooling to improve efficiency of the asset production process

About INSPYR Solutions
Technology is our focus and quality is our commitment. As a national expert in delivering flexible technology and talent solutions, we strategically align industry and technical expertise with our clients' business objectives and cultural needs. Our solutions are tailored to each client and include a wide variety of professional services, project, and talent solutions. By always striving for excellence and focusing on the human aspect of our business, we work seamlessly with our talent and clients to match the right solutions to the right opportunities. Learn more about us at inspyrsolutions.com.
INSPYR Solutions provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, INSPYR Solutions complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.
Information collected and processed through your application with INSPYR Solutions (including any job applications you choose to submit) is subject to INSPYR Solutions' Privacy Policy and INSPYR Solutions' AI and Automated Employment Decision Tool Policy: https://www.inspyrsolutions.com/policies/ . By submitting an application, you are consenting to being contacted by INSPYR Solutions through phone, email, or text.
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