1

3D Hard Surface Modeling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Will support the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Integrated Topside Design, for the creation and updates of 3D models of U.S. Navy ships, support of shipboard laser 3D scanning, and ...

Digital Surface Modeler

Fond Du Lac, WI · On-site

$86K - $126K/yr

Digital models may also be based on modifications to existing 3D surface models. * Translating Industrial Design and Engineering criteria inputs into highquality CAD surfaces that meet requirements ...

... surfaces, pavements, alignments, profiles, assemblies, and corridors. **Local PA residents are ... Associate's degree * 2 years of BIM or 3D Modeling experience required (Revit, Civil 3D, Navisworks)

... surfaces, pavements, alignments, profiles, assemblies, and corridors. **Local PA residents are ... Associate's degree * 2 years of BIM or 3D Modeling experience required (Revit, Civil 3D, Navisworks)

Digital Surface Modeler

Fond Du Lac, WI · On-site

$86K - $126K/yr

Digital models may also be based on modifications to existing 3D surface models. * Translating Industrial Design and Engineering criteria inputs into highquality CAD surfaces that meet requirements ...

... surfaces, pavements, alignments, profiles, assemblies, and corridors. **Local PA residents are ... Associate's degree * 2 years of BIM or 3D Modeling experience required (Revit, Civil 3D, Navisworks)

3D Designer

Culver City, CA · On-site

$50 - $65/hr

What You'll Do: • Model new product ideas from sketches and scrap, including both hard surfaces and soft materials • Import CAD models into 3D software, refine, and prep for lighting & texturing ...

... surfaces, pavements, alignments, profiles, assemblies, and corridors. **Local PA residents are ... Associate's degree * 2 years of BIM or 3D Modeling experience required (Revit, Civil 3D, Navisworks)

... surfaces, pavements, alignments, profiles, assemblies, and corridors. **Local PA residents are ... Associate's degree * 2 years of BIM or 3D Modeling experience required (Revit, Civil 3D, Navisworks)

... surfaces, pavements, alignments, profiles, assemblies, and corridors. **Local PA residents are ... Associate's degree * 2 years of BIM or 3D Modeling experience required (Revit, Civil 3D, Navisworks)

... surfaces, pavements, alignments, profiles, assemblies, and corridors. **Local PA residents are ... Associate's degree * 2 years of BIM or 3D Modeling experience required (Revit, Civil 3D, Navisworks)

... surfaces, pavements, alignments, profiles, assemblies, and corridors. **Local PA residents are ... Associate's degree * 2 years of BIM or 3D Modeling experience required (Revit, Civil 3D, Navisworks)

... surfaces, pavements, alignments, profiles, assemblies, and corridors. **Local PA residents are ... Associate's degree * 2 years of BIM or 3D Modeling experience required (Revit, Civil 3D, Navisworks)

... surfaces, pavements, alignments, profiles, assemblies, and corridors. **Local PA residents are ... Associate's degree * 2 years of BIM or 3D Modeling experience required (Revit, Civil 3D, Navisworks)

What You'll Do: • Model new product ideas from sketches and scrap, including both hard surfaces and soft materials • Import CAD models into 3D software, refine, and prep for lighting & texturing ...

Will support the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Integrated Topside Design, for the creation and updates of 3D models of U.S. Navy ships, support of shipboard laser 3D scanning, and ...

Create 3D models and surfaces for construction projects (roadway, highway, bridge) * Convert 3D models into machine control files (SVD, SVL, .DC, .CAL, .DSZ) * Generate quantities for roadway ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

3D Hard Surface Modeling information

See salary details

$39.5K

$78.5K

$124.5K

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.
What cities are hiring for 3D Hard Surface Modeling jobs? Cities with the most 3D Hard Surface Modeling job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Hard Surface Modeling jobs? The most popular types of 3D Hard Surface Modeling jobs are:
What states have the most 3D Hard Surface Modeling jobs? States with the most job openings for 3D Hard Surface Modeling jobs include:
What job categories do people searching 3D Hard Surface Modeling jobs look for? The top searched job categories for 3D Hard Surface Modeling jobs are:
Heavy Civil 3D Modeler

Heavy Civil 3D Modeler

Fisher Industries

Tempe, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Fisher Industries rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Fisher Industries is a vertically integrated family of businesses that provides heavy civil construction and aggregate products across the United States. With over 70 years of experience, the company specializes in highways, bridges, aggregates, and large-scale infrastructure projects, supported by in-house capabilities in drilling, blasting, crushing, asphalt, and concrete production. Fisher is committed to delivering innovative, cost-effective solutions with an emphasis on safety and quality. As a proven industry leader, Fisher Industries continues to grow while maintaining the integrity and values of a family-owned company. For additional information about our company, visit our website at www.fisherind.com

POSITION SCOPE

Fisher Industries is seeking a motivated and driven Heavy Civil 3D Modeler / Machine Control Specialist to join our Operations team in Tempe, Arizona. This role supports heavy civil construction projects by developing accurate 3D models, grading surfaces, roadway corridors, and GPS machine control files. This is not a basic drafting position-this role plays a critical part in converting plans, survey data, and field information into models that directly support project execution.

The ideal candidate is eager to learn, willing to travel, able to work extended hours when needed, and capable of supporting demanding projects in a fast-paced, field-driven environment.

PRIMARY DUTIES

  • Build 3D models for heavy civil projects including roadway, grading, site, pad, haul road, access road, and drainage surfaces
  • Create and manage existing ground surfaces using survey data, drone data, LiDAR, point clouds, topo files, and CAD data
  • Develop proposed surfaces from plans, alignments, profiles, cross sections, contours, and grading details
  • Build and maintain GPS machine control models for Trimble-based equipment and systems
  • Export, organize, and troubleshoot models for use by field crews and project teams
  • Support Operations with constructability reviews, grading concepts, haul routes, and access planning
  • Assist with roadway corridor modeling including alignments, profiles, templates, and tie-ins to existing ground
  • Review plans and models for inconsistencies such as topo errors, drainage conflicts, and constructability issues
  • Support estimating and project teams with earthwork quantities and model-based takeoffs
  • Assist with proposal graphics, 3D visuals, and conceptual exhibits
  • Maintain organized files, revisions, and model documentation
  • Collaborate with project managers, superintendents, survey crews, and operators to ensure models are field-ready
  • Learn and apply Fisher's modeling workflows, standards, and file organization practices

REQUIREMENTS

  • Experience with heavy civil construction, civil drafting, survey, grading, 3D modeling, or construction technology
  • Ability to read and interpret civil plans, grading plans, roadway plans, profiles, and specifications
  • Basic understanding of earthwork, slopes, drainage, and construction tolerances
  • Experience working with CAD files, PDFs, survey data, and topographic surfaces
  • Strong computer skills with willingness to learn multiple modeling platforms
  • High attention to detail and accountability for accuracy
  • Strong communication skills with both office and field personnel
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
  • Willingness to travel and work extended hours as needed
  • Experience with Trimble Business Center and Trimble machine control systems
  • Experience with Autodesk Civil 3D and/or AGTEK
  • Experience building machine control models for heavy civil equipment
  • Experience with roadway corridor modeling, site grading, and mass earthwork
  • Experience with drone data, LiDAR, point clouds, and as-built comparisons
  • Familiarity with survey control, coordinate systems, and GPS workflows
  • Experience supporting field operations, estimating, or project management teams

Fisher Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We are a drug-free work environment requiring pre-employment and random drug testing.

If you require an accommodation with applying, please email hrdept@fisherind.com or call the HR Department at (701) 456-9184 to request accommodations. This email is only to request accommodation for the application process and is not an email to inquire about the status of your application.


What Fisher Industries employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom