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3D Max Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Akima, LLC

Intermediate 3D Artist

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Coursework should include classes in traditional drawing and painting, as well as the use of 3D tools like Maya, 3D Studio Max and Blender. * 4+ years of on-the-job experience. * Experience building ...

Polaris, Inc.

Spec, 3D & CGI

Medina, MN · On-site +1

$68K - $83K/yr

Experience working in a game engine like Unity, Playcanvas, or Unreal * 3+ years' experience modeling in a 3D program like Maya, Modo, or 3DS Max and CGI tools including Cinema 4D, Octane, and Adobe ...

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Spiro

3D Experience Designer - Remote

Expert knowledge of 3D Studio Max with V-ray or similar 3D industry-standard software * Minimal travel. Benefits * Remote Environment * Full Benefits Package * 401K Vesting Immediately

Epoch Games

3D Creature Artist

Winston Salem, NC

Unreal Engine 4 ( * 3D Modeling Software, be it 3DS Max, Maya, Blender or similar. Must have valid license for said software. * Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, Substance Painter, Marmoset, 3D Coat, or similar ...

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How much do 3d max jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3d max 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 jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

For a 3D Max artist or designer, earning $300,000 annually typically requires senior-level positions in large companies, specialized roles in high-end visual effects, or leadership positions such as creative director or technical director in the entertainment, gaming, or advertising industries. These roles often demand extensive experience, advanced skills in 3D modeling and animation, and a strong portfolio or industry reputation.

What are some common challenges faced by 3D Max artists when working on collaborative projects?

3D Max artists often collaborate with other designers, animators, and engineers, which can present challenges such as ensuring file compatibility, maintaining consistent asset naming conventions, and synchronizing workflows across different software platforms. Effective communication and clear version control are crucial to avoid overwriting or misplacing files. Additionally, artists need to be adaptable and responsive to feedback, as project requirements may evolve rapidly during production.

What kind of jobs use 3ds Max?

3D Max is commonly used in roles such as 3D modeler, visualizer, animator, and game designer. These jobs involve creating 3D models, animations, and visual effects for industries like gaming, film, architecture, and product design, often requiring proficiency in rendering and modeling tools within 3ds Max.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A 3D artist or designer working in high-demand industries such as gaming, film, or advertising can earn $10,000 or more monthly, especially with advanced skills in software like 3ds Max, strong portfolio, and experience. Freelance or contract work in 3D modeling, animation, or visual effects can also reach this income level without a formal degree, relying instead on demonstrated expertise and client relationships.

What is the highest paying 3D job?

The highest paying 3D job is often a 3D Art Director or Senior 3D Supervisor, especially in industries like film, gaming, and advertising. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills in software like 3ds Max or Maya, and leadership responsibilities, with salaries reaching six figures in some regions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3ds Max Artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 3ds Max Artist, you need proficiency in 3D modeling, texturing, rendering, and animation, usually supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Expertise with Autodesk 3ds Max, along with knowledge of plugins like V-Ray or Corona Renderer, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving abilities help artists stand out in producing visually compelling content. These skills ensure high-quality, realistic visualizations that meet client and project specifications in industries like gaming, architecture, and film.

What is a 3D Max artist?

A 3D Max artist is a professional who uses Autodesk 3ds Max, a powerful 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software, to create visual content. They design and build 3D models, animations, and visual effects for industries such as gaming, film, architecture, and advertising. Their work often involves creating realistic environments, objects, and characters, bringing imagination to life through digital art. 3D Max artists collaborate with other designers, animators, and clients to meet project requirements and deadlines. Proficiency in 3ds Max software and a strong sense of creativity and attention to detail are essential for this role.
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What cities are hiring for 3D Max jobs? Cities with the most 3D Max job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Max jobs? The most popular types of 3D Max jobs are:
What states have the most 3D Max jobs? States with the most job openings for 3D Max jobs include:
What job categories do people searching 3D Max jobs look for? The top searched job categories for 3D Max jobs are:
3D Max jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3D Max job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,070 per year, or $39.5 per hour.
3D Animator & Mechanical Illustrator

3D Animator & Mechanical Illustrator

Bray Architects

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Bray is seeking a 3D Animator & Mechanical Illustrator to join our team and lead the creation of high-quality 3D renders, mechanical illustrations, and product animations that showcase how our products operate and the value they deliver in the field. This will set the bar for quality standards across all visual content.
Our renders and animations are used across Bray marketing and communications-including trade show experiences, website promotion, video content, print advertising, office/environmental graphics, and more. The ideal candidate combines deep understanding of mechanical systems with expert-level 3D craft, strong production discipline (including file optimization and storage management), and the ability to manage multiple projects with tight deadlines while working effectively across a wide range of stakeholders.
Forward thinking is highly valued as we adopt new software and technologies in the current AI-enabled environment.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Create high-quality 3D renders and animations: Produce photorealistic stills and engaging animations that accurately represent Bray products and clearly communicate operation, features, and differentiators.
  • Mechanical storytelling & accuracy: Apply strong mechanical engineering understanding to depict correct motion, assembly relationships, tolerances, and operating principles (e.g., valve actuation, flow path concepts, and control components), validating technical accuracy with engineering.
  • 3D-from-CAD workflow: Work from SolidWorks models and engineering drawings to create production-ready assets in 3ds Max, including cleaning geometry, optimizing topology, and preparing assemblies for animation.
  • Mechanical illustrations & compositing: Create clear technical illustrations, cutaways, exploded views, and step visuals. Use Photoshop for compositing, color correction, labeling callouts (as needed), and final asset preparation.
  • Quality standard ownership: Own Bray's quality bar for renders/animations-consistent lighting, materials, realism, correct motion, and clean presentation. Establish review checkpoints and incorporate feedback efficiently without sacrificing quality.
  • Rendering/animation best practices & optimization: Apply best practices to achieve high visual fidelity while optimizing scene complexity, textures, poly counts, and render settings. Maintain efficient file organization and storage practices (naming, archiving, re-use) to support long-term scalability.
  • Asset library & version control: Maintain an organized library of models, materials, textures, rigs, and scenes. Manage versions and approvals so teams can confidently re-use and update assets across campaigns.
  • Cross-functional partnership: Collaborate with marketing, product management, engineering, sales, and events teams to intake requests, clarify objectives, and deliver visuals tailored to channel needs (web, video, print, environmental, and trade show).
  • Tool mastery & production workflow: Use 3ds Max for modeling/animation/rendering, SolidWorks for CAD intake and interpretation, and Photoshop for post-production. Explore and manage AI tool adoption to increase efficiencies while maintaining quality standards. Ensure assets are delivered in the right formats/resolutions for each use case.
  • Project management: Manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and deliver on tight deadlines without compromising quality. Provide clear status updates and proactively surface risks/dependencies.
  • Mentorship & team growth: As the team expands, help lead and support additional resources (including India-based support). Provide training, feedback, and best-practice guidance to upskill the team and scale output sustainably.

Qualifications:
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in 3D Animation, Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, Multimedia, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience). Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals are required.
  • Experience:
  • Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience producing high-end 3D animation, rendering, and mechanical illustration for industrial/manufacturing products. A portfolio demonstrating photoreal renders and mechanism/operation animations is required.
  • Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to understand how products operate, then translate that understanding into accurate and compelling visuals.
  • Proven use of best practices for achieving high-quality output (materials/shaders, lighting, camera, motion) while managing performance, render times, and file/storage optimization.
  • Skills:
  • Expert-level ability to create photorealistic renders and polished animations with a strong eye for lighting, materials, composition, and motion.
  • Quality-first mindset with rigorous attention to detail and consistency; able to establish and follow standards that keep Bray visuals best-in-class.
  • Required tools: Advanced proficiency with 3ds Max, SolidWorks, and Adobe Photoshop, including an end-to-end workflow from CAD intake to final rendered/edited outputs.
  • Strong asset management practices: organized scene structure, naming conventions, versioning, and storage optimization to minimize bloat while preserving quality and reusability.
  • Strong understanding of industrial mechanical products-especially valves, actuators, and controls-and the ability to interpret engineering inputs to build accurate models and animations.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings and schematics and convert them into accurate 3D scenes, illustrations, and animations (including exploded views, cutaways, and mechanism motion).
  • Experience delivering assets optimized for multiple channels (web, video, print, environmental/trade show) including correct resolution, color considerations, and file packaging/hand-off practices.
  • Personal Attributes:
  • Creative thinker with practical execution-able to propose strong visual concepts while making smart tradeoffs to deliver on schedule.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to work with a variety of personalities, extract requirements, and decipher technical information from SMEs to produce the right visuals.
  • Highly organized and self-directed-able to manage multiple projects at the same time with tight deadlines and shifting priorities.
  • Detail-obsessed with a strong sense of craftsmanship and pride in producing best-in-class visuals.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience creating 3D animations/renders for oil & gas, chemical, refining, power, water/wastewater, or other industrial process industries.
  • Experience managing, mentoring, training, or leading other designers/animators (including distributed teams) is a strong plus.
  • Experience establishing production pipelines (render settings, libraries, templates) and improving storage/performance through smart optimization practices is a plus.

Why Join Bray International?
Bray offers more than just a job-we offer a long-term career in an environment that values innovation, respect, and integrity.
What You'll Enjoy:
  • Competitive Compensation Packages
  • Comprehensive Benefits (effective the 1st of the month after 30 days):
    • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
    • Paid holidays and vacation
    • 401(k) with company matching
  • A Positive, Drug-Free Workplace
  • Professional Development Opportunities
  • A Company Culture Rooted in Excellence and Collaboration

Ready to lead the future of flow control?
Join Bray International and make your mark in a company where your expertise and leadership will drive real innovation and impact.
As a federal subcontractor, Bray International Inc., its affiliates, and subsidiaries comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act and applicable federal law. Employment is contingent upon a successful background screening and compliance with federal requirements, including drug testing for controlled substances under the federal Controlled Substances Act, which includes marijuana. This requirement applies regardless of state or local marijuana/cannabis laws.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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