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3D Hard Surface Modeling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CTI

3D Video Production Artist

Memphis, TN · On-site

... modeling Rigging hard surface models Rigging soft surface models 2D/ 3D FX skills Game Engine o Importing assets to game engine o Material setup o Lighting o Scene dressing o Prefab basics o ...

InfiniteEdge

3D Designer

New York, NY · On-site

$95K - $107K/yr

Social Description IcyBox is looking for a 3D Designer to bring our products and unboxing moments ... Build high-quality hard-surface models (watches, boxes, packaging, product details); organic ...

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.

Epic Games

Hard Surface Outsource Lead

Cary, NC · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

... 3D modeling for both hard and soft surfaces. The ideal candidate would be a talented 3D artist who is able to communicate equally effectively, both with outsource partners and internal teams, to ...

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 ...

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

As of Aug 25, 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 3d hard surface modeling?

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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in 3d hard surface modeling?

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 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.

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3D Hard Surface Modeling jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3D Hard Surface Modeling job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,472 per year, or $37.7 per hour.

3D Video Production Artist

Memphis, TN • On-site

CTI
See more jobs at CTIexternal

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

PURPOSE OF POSITION: This position is part of a development team creating both high-level interactive courseware and case study videos; responsible for the conception, design, and development of 3D visuals and videos for final delivery of computer-based training courseware. This position will be responsible for creating 3d animations as well as previz and post-production tasks such as animatics and video editing. Additional skills in 3d modeling, rigging, and game engine tasks such as lighting, camera staging, and scene setup will strengthen success in this role to cover a wide range of abilities in the 3d production pipeline.

QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Bachelor's Degree in 3D animation or 3D art/ game design (with animation skills) Training and Experience: 3+ years' experience working as a 3D Animator or Multimedia/ Technical Artist Proficiency in industry standard 3D software for animation and modeling Proficiency in video editing software Experience in game engine(s) Experience in animatic creation Experience in 3D video production pipeline Required Software: Autodesk Maya or 3DsMax Adobe Creative Suite o Premier o Photoshop Unity (non-coding) Other Preferred Software: Substance Painter Unreal Engine/ Meta Human Source Control Systems (Plastic, Perforce) Cascadure General Skills: Oral, written, and visual communication skills Handle multiple tasks, be flexible with assignments, and meet deadlines Collaborates well and can work with little to no supervision Follow organization and naming conventions for file and project structures Ability to troubleshoot technical issues, creatively problem-solve Ability to research new ways of working to keep our team innovative and working smarter, not harder Other Preferred Skills: 3D soft surface/ character modeling Rigging hard surface models Rigging soft surface models 2D/ 3D FX skills Game Engine o Importing assets to game engine o Material setup o Lighting o Scene dressing o Prefab basics o Rendering image sequences in game engine Portfolio: Must submit link to portfolio/ demo reel. Include examples of animation, animatics, storyboarding, 3D modeling (UV, wireframes, and texture maps). Rigging and game engine rendering a plus.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Skills: PreViz Skills o Storyboarding Ability to understand/ interpret script storyboards Create story visuals for case study scenarios using 3d/ 2d mediums Plan shots with animation needs and storytelling efficiency in mind Strong eye for compositions that emphasize story points and keep 3d camera limitations in mind o 3D layout Prep 3d scenes by set dressing and environment generation for animation projects Prep 3d cameras to match storyboard visuals for final rendering o Animatics Combine and arrange storyboard visuals with audio tracks Strong sense of story flow, timing, and pacing 3D Animation o Animate 3d props, aircraft, characters, and 3d cameras o Animate with natural posing/gestures and the key principles of animation o Facial animation and lip syncing Postproduction Skills o Non-linear video compositing and editing to create animatics and videos o Organize, combine, cut, and arrange footage, image sequences, and audio o Strong eyes/ ears to spot animation errors, color correct, and fix audio o Strong sense of timing and pacing for story flow 3D hard surface modeling o Create general props and technically accurate aircraft using reference o Clean, organize, and prep assets for game engine use o Create materials as needed, including texture maps and UV unwrapping SUPERVISORY/MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: None

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