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3D Modeler Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Tooling Design Engineer

Rochester, NY ยท On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Creating and modifying 3D models and the corresponding component and assembly drawings to meet customer needs and expectations * Work with Senior Engineers on the development and creation of non ...

Civil Design Engineer

Rochester, NY ยท On-site

$78K - $85K/yr

Responsibilities include field data collection, analysis, and development of engineering plans using CAD software and 3D models, and preparation of engineering reports, specifications, and cost ...

Engineer

Clifton Springs, NY ยท On-site

$74K - $85K/yr

Computer skills: 3D Modeling (CREO Preferred), FEA (helpful) and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) * Strong process and detail orientation Compensation: $74,000.00 - $85,000.00 annual base ...

Experience with 3D modeling, prototyping, and additive manufacturing (3D printing) for designing robotic tools and fixtures. * Familiarity with mechatronics, electronics, or mechanical design (CAD) ...

Experience using 3D solid modeling software (Creo, Solidworks, etc.) * Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and GD&T. * Familiarity with statistical methods such as DOE, SPC, Six Sigma ...

VDC Piping Manager

Victor, NY ยท On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

Technical Proficiency in Piping * 7+ years in HVAC VDC * 7+ years in 3D modeling and coordination * Experience with Navisworks, Revit and Stratus * Familiarity with Trimble Connect and Vic Tools

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3D Modeler information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$39K

$77.4K

$122.8K

How much do 3d modeler jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for 3d modeler in Rochester, NY is $77,426.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,700.00 and $96,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are 3D modelers in demand?

3D modelers are in demand across industries such as gaming, film, architecture, and product design, with employment growth driven by increasing use of 3D visualization and animation. Skills in software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max, along with a strong portfolio, can improve job prospects. The field offers opportunities for freelance work and full-time positions, often requiring a relevant degree or certification.

Is 3D modeling a high paying job?

3D modelers can earn competitive salaries, especially with experience, specialized skills, and proficiency in industry-standard software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max. Salaries vary by industry, location, and level of expertise, with experienced professionals often earning higher wages in fields such as gaming, film, and product design.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3D Modeler, and why are they important?

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 3D Modelers?

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 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.

Will 3D modelers be replaced by AI?

3D modelers are unlikely to be fully replaced by AI, as the role requires creativity, artistic judgment, and technical skills that AI currently cannot replicate entirely. AI tools can assist with tasks like automating repetitive processes and generating initial models, but human expertise remains essential for complex, detailed, and innovative 3D design work.

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 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 jobs can 3D modeling get you?

3D modeling skills can lead to jobs in industries such as video game design, film and animation, product design, architecture, and virtual reality development. These roles often require proficiency with software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max and may involve creating models, textures, and animations for various digital projects.
What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Modeler jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of 3D Modeler jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What job categories do people searching 3D Modeler jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for 3D Modeler jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for 3D Modeler jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most 3D Modeler job openings:
Infographic showing various 3D Modeler job openings in Rochester, NY as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Internship, and 93% Full Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $77,426 per year, or $37.2 per hour.
Tooling Design Engineer

Tooling Design Engineer

Gleason

Rochester, NY โ€ข On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

About Gleason
With more than 2,200 employees and 13 manufacturing facilities worldwide, Gleason Corporation is a leader in gear technology. Gleason's product and service offerings include gear and transmission design software, gear manufacturing machines and related accessories, gear metrology equipment and automation systems. Gleason products are used by customers in e-mobility, commercial vehicles, aerospace, agriculture, mining, sustainable energy, construction, power tools, marine and many other industries
Working for Gleason, you will be connected to work that matters, putting your expertise to its best use while developing skills for the future. The result is a career defined by you, supported by Gleason and built on tangible accomplishments. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are looking for the right people to join us on our mission. If you are interested in being part of our team, there are a few things you should know: We are energized by challenges and the effort needed to solve them. We like working with people who are positive, adaptable and growth-minded. We care how work gets accomplished and are deeply invested in the success of our customers and colleagues. If this sounds like you, we invite you to read on and learn more.
Why work at Gleason?
  • Excellent benefits package including a 6% Company 401(k) match
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Formal and informal Development opportunities.

3101 Tooling Products - Engr Tooling Design
Position Summary:
An engineer in Work Holding Engineering (WHE) Group at The Gleason Works will design the components and assemblies necessary to hold all matters of aerospace, automotive and marine gears during machining processes. Design tooling for all gear processing operations from cutting of blanks to final inspection for our Gear Solution machines as well as non-Gleason and non-traditional machines.
Job Responsibilities:
A new employee within our group will primarily be responsible for:
  • Understanding and using customer technical drawings, schematics and gear geometry reports to modify our existing line of work holding equipment for the customer's specific applications
  • Creating and modifying 3D models and the corresponding component and assembly drawings to meet customer needs and expectations
  • Work with Senior Engineers on the development and creation of non-standard tooling for specialized or uncommon applications
  • Correspond with customers on process specifications and customer specific requirements
  • Work with manufacturing personnel to discuss plant capabilities and alternative design options for ease of assembly and manufacturing, as well as cost reduction
  • Hold design reviews with Senior and Lead engineers as well as manufacturing personnel to finalize designs
  • Process changes to existing tooling to meet manufacturing and customer's changing needs
  • Perform general project management tasks such as logging hours, progress tracking and document retention

As an engineer progresses within our department, they may pursue the following career paths:
  • Quoting:
    • Determine pricing based upon design requirements, customer specific requirements, and lead times.
  • Senior Engineer:
    • Design more complex or non-standard tooling and the research and testing that entails
    • Become an expert in a particular piece of tooling or process including but not limited to: Hydraulic work holding, Cylindrical gear specific work holding, Bevel gear specific work holding
    • Mentor junior engineers on best practices for design and development
  • Customer Experience Manager
    • Work directly with customers and regional sales managers to determine customer needs
    • Resolve issues that arise between Gleason and the customer
  • Lead Engineer
    • Assign orders to design engineers and track their progress
    • Complete standard documentation for office and design processes
    • Calculate and compile metrics for office efficiency among other measures
    • Mentor junior engineers on best practices for design and development

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):
  • Proficient in the use of 3D modeling software including the creation of drawings (Pro-Engineer/Creo preferred)
  • Able to effectively use general mechanical/structural calculations (Stress, strain, fatigue)
  • Familiarity with Finite Element Analysis techniques (Ansys or PTC Mechanica/Simulate)
  • Able to effectively communicate ideas and concepts to coworkers of different job backgrounds
  • Familiar with ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004 Standards

Preferred Education/Training/Experience:
  • Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineer or Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • 5-10 years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

Computer Skills:
  • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
  • Internet
  • Project Management Software
  • SAP Modules: Sales & Distribution, Quality Management, Material Management, and Engineering Change Order Management

Travel Requirements:
  • Negligible

OFFICE ENVIRONMENT
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that would need to be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job in an office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job may include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job in an office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, experience and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed. Employees are required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by their manager or supervisor.
DISCLAIMER
The duties listed in this job description are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed and is not an all inclusive summary of job duties and responsibilities. The omission of specific statements or duties and responsibilities does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the Company as the needs of the Company and requirements of the job change.
Gleason is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to age, disability, genetic information and/or predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, national origin, race/color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, victim of domestic violence status, arrest or conviction record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.
The salary range in this posting depends on qualifications and experience. Actual compensation may vary, and this job posting is not necessarily reflective of actual compensation that may be earned, nor a promise of any specific pay for any specific employee, which is always dependent on relevant experience, qualifications/education, and other factors including work schedule, shift premiums, and overtime.
Gleason is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to age, disability, genetic information and/or predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, national origin, race/color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, victim of domestic violence status, arrest or conviction record, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.
OFFICE ENVIRONMENT
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that would need to be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job in an office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job may include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job in an office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, experience and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed. Employees are required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by their manager or supervisor.
DISCLAIMER
The duties listed in this job description are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed and is not an all inclusive summary of job duties and responsibilities. The omission of specific statements or duties and responsibilities does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the Company as the needs of the Company and requirements of the job change.