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3D Modeling Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Senior Principal, ML/AI

North Bethesda, MD ยท On-site

$125K - $173K/yr

Define, and drive the 18-24-month ML/AI technical roadmap - balancing breakthrough innovation (e.g., generative 3D, foundation models, large-scale vision/3D pipelines) with reliable business value ...

Senior Principal, ML/AI

North Bethesda, MD ยท On-site

$125K - $173K/yr

Define, and drive the 18-24-month ML/AI technical roadmap - balancing breakthrough innovation (e.g., generative 3D, foundation models, large-scale vision/3D pipelines) with reliable business value ...

The ideal candidate will beresponsible for creating detailed 3D models and drawings using varioussoftware tools to support architectural and engineering projects. This is a full-time on-site job ...

Blender Tutor

College Park, MD ยท 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

Laurel, MD ยท 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

Washington, DC ยท 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

Alexandria, VA ยท 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

Leesburg, VA ยท 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

Bowie, MD ยท 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

Fairfax, VA ยท 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

Rockville, MD ยท 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.

Landscape Designer

Linthicum Heights, MD ยท On-site

$65K - $300K/yr

Experience with 3D modeling software Responsibilities: * Design and plan outdoor spaces, including gardens, parks, and public spaces * Collaborate with clients to understand their needs and ...

Showing results 21-40

3D Modeling information

See Washington salary details

$44.7K

$88.9K

$141K

How much do 3d modeling jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for 3d modeling in Washington is $88,877.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,300.00 and $111,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is 3D modeling?

3D modeling is the process of creating a digital representation of a physical object or surface in three dimensions using specialized computer software. These digital models can be used in various industries, including video games, movies, architecture, engineering, and product design. 3D models are constructed by manipulating points, lines, and polygons to form a mesh that represents the shape of the object. The resulting models can be rendered into images, animated, or even 3D printed.

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 solid understanding of visual design, spatial awareness, and proficiency in modeling techniques, usually supported by a degree in graphic design, animation, or a related field. Expertise in industry-standard software like Autodesk Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max, and familiarity with rendering engines or game engines, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams are essential soft skills. These abilities ensure high-quality, visually appealing models that meet technical and artistic requirements in fields like gaming, film, and product design.

What are some common challenges faced by 3D modelers and how can they be addressed?

3D modelers often encounter challenges such as meeting tight deadlines, managing complex project requirements, and ensuring compatibility with different rendering engines or software. Effective time management and clear communication with designers, animators, and other team members can help address these issues. Staying updated on industry-standard tools and techniques also enables modelers to work more efficiently and produce high-quality assets that fit seamlessly into larger projects.

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

Aspect3D Modeling3D Animation
Primary FocusCreating static 3D objects and modelsBringing 3D models to life through movement
Skills RequiredModeling techniques, software proficiency (e.g., Blender, Maya)Animation principles, rigging, timing
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, game development, film pre-productionFilm, gaming, advertising, interactive media
Common Certifications3D modeling courses, software certificationsAnimation courses, motion design certifications

While 3D Modeling involves creating detailed static objects, 3D Animation focuses on bringing those models to life through movement and storytelling. Both roles often overlap in industries like gaming and film, but they require distinct skill sets and tools.

How do I become a 3D modeler?

To become a 3D modeler, you should develop skills in 3D modeling software such as Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max, and build a strong portfolio showcasing your work. Formal education in art, design, or computer graphics can be helpful, and gaining experience through internships or freelance projects is common. Continuous learning of new tools and techniques is essential in this evolving field.

Is 3D modeling a good career?

3D modeling is a viable career that involves creating digital representations of objects and environments using software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max. It is in demand in industries such as gaming, film, architecture, and product design, often requiring strong artistic skills and technical knowledge. Success typically depends on building a portfolio, staying updated with industry tools, and developing specialized skills in areas like animation or rendering.

Is 3D modeling still in demand?

3D modeling remains in high demand across industries such as gaming, film, architecture, and product design. Skilled 3D modelers proficient in software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max are sought after for creating visual assets, animations, and prototypes, with job opportunities growing as technology advances. Staying updated with industry tools and techniques enhances employability in this field.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to 3D Modeling jobs in Washington?

For 3D Modeling jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for 3D Modeling jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most 3D Modeling job openings:

Infographic showing various 3D Modeling job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,877 per year, or $42.7 per hour.

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Description
Do you love creating accurate and compelling real-time 3D assets from reference?
Are you an artist who can generate and optimize 3D models for real-time engines, and use code to streamline or expand the asset pipeline?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking a Real-Time 3D Asset Engineer with technical art skills to help us create modern training systems, compelling visual tools, and real-time content pipelines for critical national security challenges. You'll join a multidisciplinary team that creates interactive training and visualization tools grounded in real-world form, function, and engineering detail. In this role, you'll pair production-art judgment with the technical curiosity to build tools, write shaders, and solve pipeline problems.
As a Real-Time 3D Asset Engineer...
  • Your primary responsibility will be to create, optimize, and integrate real-time 3D assets, materials, and scenes for training systems, engineering visualizations, interactive tools, and mission-focused applications.
  • You will build production-ready models, textures, and materials from reference photos, CAD, 3D scans, photogrammetry, engineering drawings, and other source material, with an emphasis on equipment, environments, facilities, and other hard-surface assets.
  • You will optimize 3D assets for real-time performance, including polycount, draw calls, texture memory, levels of detail, colliders, materials, and scene organization.
  • You will develop and maintain source-to-engine asset pipelines that help artists and engineers move content from reference material and 3D tools into Unity, Unreal, or other real-time engines.
  • You will create tools, scripts, shaders, import/export workflows, and asset-processing utilities that streamline real-time content production.
  • You will work with artists, engineers, and software developers to troubleshoot asset, rendering, shader, lighting, source control, and build issues across production pipelines.
  • You will help shape practical technical art standards for reference gathering, asset quality, visual accuracy, optimization, source control, and repeatable workflows.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a bachelor's degree in game art, technical art, digital art, computer graphics, game development, engineering, architecture, a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  • Have 3+ years of professional experience creating real-time 3D art for games, AR/VR, training systems, engineering visualization, simulation, or other interactive applications.
  • Have a portfolio, demo reel, or project examples that show finished 3D models, textures, materials, or scenes based on real-world source material.
  • Have experience with 3D content tools and real-time engine workflows, such as Blender, Maya, 3ds Max, Houdini, Substance tools, Unity, Unreal Engine, proprietary game engines, or similar tools.
  • Have used scripting, shader authoring, or programming to solve technical art problems, streamline workflows, improve materials, process assets, or support real-time content production.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have experience as a technical artist, environment artist, hard-surface artist, material artist, real-time 3D artist, or in a related capacity on shipped games, AAA productions, training systems, simulations, or real-time visualization products.
  • Have experience writing shaders, tools, plugins, asset processors, or pipeline automation with HLSL, Slang, C++, C#, Python, Java, or similar languages.
  • Have experience with or interest in, 3D reconstruction, scan cleanup, CAD conversion, computer vision, image processing, procedural workflows, or real-world asset capture.
  • Have experience optimizing meshes, textures, materials, shaders, lighting, memory use, draw calls, load times, or frame rate for real-time applications.
  • Have experience with Unity, Unreal Engine, Git, GitLab, PlasticSCM, or source-controlled art and build pipelines in a production environment.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at ;br>
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually