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3D Modeler Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Blender Tutor

Detroit, MI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of Blender 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging, animation, physics simulation, and rendering with Cycles and Eevee engines.

Blender Tutor

Ann Arbor, MI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of Blender 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging, animation, physics simulation, and rendering with Cycles and Eevee engines.

Blender Tutor

Kalamazoo, MI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of Blender 3D modeling, sculpting, UV unwrapping, texturing, materials with shader nodes, lighting, rigging, animation, physics simulation, and rendering with Cycles and Eevee engines.

Design Engineer

New Baltimore, MI · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Design accurate geometry held welding fixture tool models, end of arm tooling models, and load and pass table models using 3D CAD * Review 3D models for safety concerns, accuracy and completion

Showing results 21-40

3D Modeler information

See Michigan salary details

$34.4K

$68.4K

$108.5K

How much do 3d modeler jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for 3d modeler in Michigan is $68,396.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $85,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 3D modeler?

3D Modelers are professionals who create three-dimensional digital representations of objects, characters, environments, or products using specialized software. Their work is widely used in industries such as video games, movies, animation, architecture, and product design. 3D Modelers use tools like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max to sculpt, texture, and render models that can be animated or visualized for various purposes. Their skills combine artistic creativity with technical proficiency, ensuring that models are both visually appealing and accurately constructed. The role often involves collaborating with other artists, designers, and engineers to meet project goals.

What does a 3D modeler do?

As a 3D Modeler, your primary responsibilities are to design and build 3D models based on the specifications of your clients. If you work in a shop, you will collaborate with other 3D Modelers and artists to create 3D characters, environments, and other items depending on your clientele. If you are self-employed, then you will work jobs for clients on a case-by-case basis. You will perform most of your 3D modeling work on a computer using software sculpting and texturing programs like ZBrush, Mudbox, and Polypainting. You may also use 3D printing technology to produce prototypes for your clients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3D modeler?

To thrive as a 3D Modeler, you need a strong grasp of modeling techniques, texturing, and digital sculpting, typically supported by a portfolio and relevant education in art or design. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, ZBrush, and Adobe Creative Suite is essential, and certifications can be advantageous. Attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication set standout professionals apart in collaborative environments. These skills ensure the creation of visually compelling and technically accurate models that meet project requirements in industries like gaming, film, and design.

What are some typical challenges 3D modelers face when working on collaborative projects?

3D Modelers often work closely with animators, texture artists, and game designers, which requires strong communication and adaptability. A common challenge is ensuring that models meet both artistic and technical requirements, such as polygon count or compatibility with various software. Additionally, revisions based on feedback can be frequent, so being open to critique and able to iterate quickly is essential. Effective version control and clear documentation also play a big role in successful collaboration.

What is the difference between 3D Modeler vs 3D Artist?

Aspect3D Modeler3D Artist
Primary FocusCreating 3D models and assetsCreating complete visual content, including models, textures, and scenes
Skills & ToolsModeling software (Maya, Blender, 3ds Max)Modeling, texturing, lighting, rendering, and compositing
Work EnvironmentGame studios, animation, product designGames, movies, advertising, visual effects
CredentialsOften requires a portfolio, sometimes certifications in modeling softwareSimilar credentials, with broader skills in visual creation

While both roles involve 3D creation, a 3D Modeler specializes in building detailed models, whereas a 3D Artist has a broader scope, including texturing, lighting, and rendering to produce complete visual scenes.

Can you get a job as a 3D Modeler?

Yes, you can get a job as a 3D Modeler if you have strong skills in 3D modeling software such as Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max, along with a portfolio demonstrating your work. Many positions require a relevant degree or certification and experience in industries like gaming, film, or product design. Job opportunities are available in various companies, and roles often involve working in a team environment with deadlines and project specifications.

Is a 3D Modeler job a good career?

A 3D Modeler job can be a good career for those with strong artistic skills and proficiency in software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max. It offers opportunities in industries such as gaming, film, and product design, with potential for freelance work or full-time employment. Career growth depends on experience, portfolio quality, and staying updated with industry tools and trends.

Is it hard to become a 3D Modeler?

Becoming a 3D Modeler requires developing skills in 3D modeling software such as Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max, and often involves learning about anatomy, design, and texturing. While it can be challenging to master these tools and techniques, consistent practice, a strong portfolio, and relevant training or certifications can help ease the process.

What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Modeler jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of 3D Modeler jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for 3D Modeler jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most 3D Modeler job openings:

What are popular job titles related to 3D Modeler jobs in MI?

For 3D Modeler jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various 3D Modeler job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 83% Full Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $68,396 per year, or $32.9 per hour.

Machine Learning Engineer, II - 3D Perception

Socket.dev

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

$153 - $184/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

About the Company At Torc, we have always believed that autonomous vehicle technology will transform how we travel, move freight, and do business. A leader in autonomous driving since 2007, Torc has spent over a decade commercializing our solutions with experienced partners. Now a part of the Daimler family , we are focused solely on developing software for automated trucks to transform how the world moves freight. Join us and catapult your career with the company that helped pioneer autonomous technology, and the first AV software company with the vision to partner directly with a truck manufacturer.

Meet the Team

Torc's Multi-Modal Perception team is responsible for developing the machine learning systems that enable our autonomous trucks to perceive and understand the world around them. By combining information from cameras, LiDAR, and other sensor modalities, the team builds production-ready perception capabilities that provide the foundation for safe, reliable autonomous driving.

What You'll Do

Design, develop, and improve machine learning models supporting Torc's perception systems. Own model development and delivery for well-defined perception problem areas, from data preparation and training through evaluation and integration. Write production-quality Python and PyTorch code to support scalable training, evaluation, and inference workflows. Analyze model performance, identify failure modes, and independently troubleshoot issues to improve robustness, accuracy, and generalization. Develop and evaluate perception models leveraging multi-modal sensor data, with an emphasis on camera-based and 3D perception systems. Collaborate with software engineers, infrastructure teams, and autonomy engineers to integrate perception models into larger production software systems. Contribute to improvements in training pipelines, data workflows, experimentation tooling, and developer workflows that accelerate model iteration and deployment. Participate in model architecture discussions and contribute technical recommendations within the team. Lead small technical initiatives or model components with guidance from senior engineers. Support and mentor Machine Learning Engineer I team members on implementation, experimentation, and machine learning best practices. Document technical work, evaluation results, and design decisions to support knowledge sharing and long-term maintainability.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Machine Learning, or a related technical field with 3+ years of relevant industry experience, OR Master's degree with 1+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent practical experience. Experience developing machine learning models for computer vision, perception, robotics, autonomous systems, or a closely related domain. Strong programming skills in Python and PyTorch, with experience writing maintainable, production-quality machine learning code. Experience training, evaluating, and improving deep learning models using large-scale datasets. Experience working with image-based and/or 3D perception systems. Solid understanding of deep learning architectures commonly used for perception applications. Experience debugging model behavior, analyzing performance metrics, and proposing practical improvements. Ability to independently execute complex machine learning work within well-defined problem areas. Experience collaborating cross-functionally to integrate machine learning models into larger software systems. Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to operate effectively in an environment with evolving technical challenges and requirements. Bonus Points Experience developing perception systems for autonomous driving, robotics, or ADAS. Experience with LiDAR, point cloud processing, sensor fusion, BEV representations, or other 3D perception techniques. Experience with temporal perception models or video-based learning. Experience with C++, ROS, or robotics software development. Experience deploying machine learning models into production autonomy or robotics platforms. Experience working with large-scale perception datasets and distributed training environments. Familiarity with perception evaluation frameworks, model validation, and performance benchmarking. Experience improving ML tooling, automation, training workflows, or experimentation infrastructure. Experience leading a small technical initiative or owning a production ML component from development through deployment.

Work Location

For this position, we are open to hiring in Ann Arbor, MI, Blacksburg, VA, Fort Worth, TX office work locations in a hybrid capacity. We are also open to hiring Remote in the United States.

Perks of Being a Full-time Torc’r
  • A competitive compensation package that includes a bonus component and stock options
  • 100% paid medical, dental, and vision premiums for full-time employees
  • 401K plan with a 6% employer match
  • Flexibility in schedule and generous paid vacation (available immediately after start date)
  • Company-wide holiday office closures AD+D and Life Insurance

At Torc, we’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We celebrate the uniqueness of our Torc’rs and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, veteran status, or disabilities.

Even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications listed for this opportunity, we encourage you to apply. Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several geographic markets. Pay is based on a number of factors and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Torc's total compensation package will also include our corporate bonus and stock option plan. Dependent on the position offered, sign-on payments, relocation, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits.

Job ID: 102882 Hiring Range for Job Opening US Pay Range $153,200 — $183,800 USD

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