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3D Modeling Animation Internship Jobs in California

3D Artist

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

The 3D Artist is responsible for creating digital assets and animations for use in photoreaslistic ... The artist is expected to model, texture, animate, light, and render assets and animations as ...

3D Artist

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site +1

$110K - $140K/yr

The ideal portfolio should showcase all aspects of 3D generalist skills, including your ability in modeling, texturing, Unity scene layout and lighting, and motion graphic animation. * Ability to ...

Senior Software Engineer - Core UX Studio

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site

$139K - $183K/yr

Studio provides tools for 3D modeling, animation, complete SDLC and testing for teams and individual game developers. This role does not require experience in the aforementioned. Large scale desktop ...

Texturing Artist

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA ยท On-site

$85 - $120/hr

... 3D Painter, and Substance Designer * Integrate and optimise textures within Unreal Engine * Develop benchmark materials using Substance Designer * Collaborate with modelers, animators, and tech ...

Showing results 21-40

3D Modeling Animation Internship information

What is a 3d modeling animation internship?

A 3D Modeling Animation Internship is a temporary position designed for students or recent graduates to gain practical experience in creating three-dimensional models and animations. Interns typically work with specialized software to help design characters, environments, and visual effects for games, movies, or other multimedia projects. The internship provides hands-on learning under the guidance of experienced professionals, helping interns build their portfolios and develop key industry skills. Such positions are valuable stepping stones for those pursuing careers in animation, visual effects, or related fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3d modeling animation intern?

To thrive as a 3D Modeling Animation Intern, you need a solid understanding of 3D design principles, animation fundamentals, and often a background in digital arts or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max is typically required, and a portfolio demonstrating your work can be advantageous. Strong attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication skills help interns collaborate with teams and translate ideas into compelling animations. These skills are crucial for producing high-quality visual content and succeeding in a fast-paced, collaborative creative environment.

What types of projects can I expect to work on during a 3d modeling animation internship?

During a 3D Modeling Animation Internship, you are likely to work on a variety of projects such as creating character models, building environmental assets, and assisting with animation sequences for games, films, or marketing materials. Interns often collaborate closely with senior artists, animators, and developers, gaining hands-on experience in industry-standard software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max. This role offers exposure to the full production pipeline, from concept design to final rendering, and provides valuable feedback and mentorship to help you grow your technical and creative skills.

What is the difference between 3D Modeling Animation Internship vs 3D Animation Artist?

Aspect3D Modeling Animation Internship3D Animation Artist
CredentialsTypically students or entry-level with basic knowledgeProfessional degree or extensive experience in 3D animation
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, supervised, learning-focusedFull-time, creative studio or freelance projects
Industry UsageTraining phase, often part of educational programsProduction and client projects, industry-standard work

In summary, a 3D Modeling Animation Internship is an entry-level position focused on learning and skill development, while a 3D Animation Artist is a professional responsible for creating high-quality 3D animations in a production setting.

How to get a job in 3D modeling animation internship?

To secure a 3D modeling animation internship, develop a strong portfolio showcasing your skills in software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max, and gain proficiency in modeling, rigging, and animation. Relevant education, such as a degree or courses in animation or digital art, along with networking and applying to internships through industry platforms, can improve your chances.

Is 3D modeling still in demand?

3D modeling remains in high demand across industries such as gaming, film, architecture, and product design. Skills in software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max, along with a strong portfolio, can enhance job prospects for 3D modeling and animation internships.

What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Modeling Animation jobs in California?

The most popular types of 3D Modeling Animation jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to 3D Modeling Animation Internship jobs in California?

For 3D Modeling Animation Internship jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching 3D Modeling Animation Internship jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for 3D Modeling Animation Internship jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for 3D Modeling Animation Internship jobs?

Cities in California with the most 3D Modeling Animation Internship job openings:

Infographic showing various 3D Modeling Animation Internship job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

3D Artist

Intuitive

Sunnyvale, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Convert CAD models into high resolution polygon models, including retopologization, texturing, and surfacing

  • Build real-time-ready 3D models based on assets and animate, light, and render scenes for various projects

  • Model, texture, animate, light, and render assets and animations as required by internal business partners and the User Experience team


Job description

Company Description

It started with a simple idea: what if surgery could be less invasive and recovery less painful? Nearly 30 years later, that question still fuels everything we do at Intuitive. As a global leader in robotic-assisted surgery and minimally invasive care, our technologies-like the da Vinci surgical system and Ion-have transformed how care is delivered for millions of patients worldwide.

We're a team of engineers, clinicians, and innovators united by one purpose: to make surgery smarter, safer, and more human. Every day, our work helps care teams perform with greater precision and patients recover faster, improving outcomes around the world.

The problems we solve demand creativity, rigor, and collaboration. The work is challenging, but deeply meaningful-because every improvement we make has the potential to change a life.

If you're ready to contribute to something bigger than yourself and help transform the future of healthcare, you'll find your purpose here.

Job Description

Primary Function of Position:
The 3D Artist is responsible for creating digital assets and animations for use in photoreaslistic renders and animations, and for use in real-time engines. The artist is expected to model, texture, animate, light, and render assets and animations as required by internal business partners and the User Experience team. Candidates should have a very strong background in visual art and have at least 8 years' experience in one or more 3D DCCs such as Maya, Houdini, or Blender.

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Convert CAD models into high resolution polygon models, including retopologization, texturing, and surfacing
  • Build other models as needed-such as props, anatomical models or characters
  • Build real-time-ready 3D models based on the above assets
  • Animate, light and render scenes for various projects
  • Design and conceptualize visualizations of products or data for brand, training, or other purposes
Qualifications

Skills/Job Requirements:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Animation, Digital Art, Computer Graphics, or other similar field of study or 4-5 years working experience as a 3D artist
  • Minimum 3 years experience working as a 3D artist or related role
  • Experience with Autodesk Maya and Adobe Substance suite is preferred
  • Experience with SideFX Houdini is a plus
  • Candidates should be at least familiar enough with Unity Engine to import a model and assign textures and materials for validation purposes
  • Additional experience with Unity Engine is a plus
    ย 

We are an AA/EEO/Veterans/Disabled employer.

Additional Information

Due to the nature of our business and the role, please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19.ย  Details can vary by role.

Intuitive is an Equal Opportunity Employer.ย We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws.

Mandatory Notices

U.S. Export Controls Disclaimer:ย ย In accordance with the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR 743.13(b)), some roles at Intuitive Surgical may be subject to U.S. export controls for prospective employeeswho are nationals from countries currently on embargo or sanctions status.

Certain information you provide as part of the application will be used for purposes of determining whether Intuitive Surgical will need to (i) obtain an export license from the U.S. Government on your behalf (note: the government's licensing process can take 3 to 6+ months) or (ii) implement a Technology Control Plan ("TCP") (note: typically adds 2 weeks to the hiring process).ย ย 

For any Intuitive role subject to export controls, final offers are contingent upon obtaining an approved export license and/or an executed TCP prior to the prospective employee'sstart date, which may or may not be flexible, and within a timeframe that does not unreasonably impede the hiring need. If applicable, candidates will be notified and instructed on any requirements for these purposes.ย 

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.

Preference will be given to qualified candidates who do not reside, or plan to reside, in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, or Tennessee.

This position may be filled at a different job level than listed here depending on
business need and/or on the selected candidate's experience, knowledge and skills.
Compensation will be based primarily on the job level at which the role is filled and the
candidate's qualifications, consistent with applicable law.

We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, incentives, benefits, and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role, as actual pay will be determined based on several factors, including experience, skills, and qualifications. The target compensation ranges are listed.