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3D Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Zoox

Software Engineer - 3D Mapping

Foster City, CA · On-site

The 3D Mapping team is seeking a Software Engineer to help tackle all the challenging mapping scenarios our cities have to offer, including highway mapping and mapping under difficult environment ...

Alutiiq

Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

The Software Engineer will support the Reverse Engineering, Science, and Technology for ... Familiarity with LiDAR, photogrammetry, 3D scanning, or digital engineering applications.Bachelor ...

Zoox

Software Engineer - 3D Mapping

Foster City, CA

$189K - $227K/yr

The 3D Mapping team is seeking a Software Engineer to help tackle all the challenging mapping scenarios our cities have to offer, including highway mapping and mapping under difficult environment ...

Zoox

Software Engineer - 3D Mapping

Foster City, CA · On-site

$189K - $227K/yr

The 3D Mapping team is seeking a Software Engineer to help tackle all the challenging mapping scenarios our cities have to offer, including highway mapping and mapping under difficult environment ...

Alutiiq, LLC

Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

The Software Engineer will support the Reverse Engineering, Science, and Technology for ... Familiarity with LiDAR, photogrammetry, 3D scanning, or digital engineering applications. Afognak ...

Adobe

Sr. Software Engineer - 3D Workflows

San Jose, CA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

The Opportunity Adobe's 3D & Immersiveorganizationis looking for a Full Stack Software Engineerwith ... Experience programming in languageand frameworkssuitedforbrowser-baseddevelopment:TypeScript ...

Adobe

Sr. Software Engineer - 3D Workflows

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$144K - $190K/yr

The Opportunity Adobe's 3D & Immersiveorganizationis looking for a Full Stack Software Engineerwith ... Experience programming in languageand frameworkssuitedforbrowser-baseddevelopment:TypeScript ...

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All Jobs3D Software Engineer Jobs3D Software Engineer Jobs in California

3D Software Engineer information

See California salary details

$62.7K

$145.6K

$202.8K

How much do 3d software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for 3d software engineer in California is $145,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,400.00 and $170,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software, aerospace, or petroleum engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, possessing advanced certifications, or holding executive-level positions.

How much does a 3D programmer make?

The salary of a 3D software engineer typically ranges from $70,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled programmers with expertise in graphics, rendering, and game engines may earn higher salaries, especially in competitive markets or with specialized tools like Unity or Unreal Engine.

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

To thrive as a 3D Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills (often in C++ or Python), a solid understanding of computer graphics principles, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with 3D graphics APIs like OpenGL, DirectX, or Vulkan, as well as experience with game engines or modeling tools, is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and tackling complex visual challenges. These competencies are essential for building efficient, visually compelling 3D applications and ensuring seamless integration within project teams.

What does a 3D software engineer do?

A 3D software engineer develops, tests, and maintains software applications related to 3D graphics, modeling, rendering, and animation. They often work with tools like Unity, Unreal Engine, or Maya and require programming skills in languages such as C++ or Python. Their work supports industries like gaming, film, virtual reality, and simulation environments.

What is the difference between 3D Software Engineer vs 3D Artist?

Aspect3D Software Engineer3D Artist
Primary FocusDevelops software tools, algorithms, and applications for 3D graphics and modelingCreates visual 3D models, textures, and animations for projects
Required SkillsProgramming, software development, understanding of 3D graphics pipelinesArtistic skills, 3D modeling, texturing, and animation
Work EnvironmentTech companies, software firms, gaming studios, often involving coding and software developmentCreative studios, game development, film, and animation industries, focusing on visual content creation

The main difference between a 3D Software Engineer and a 3D Artist lies in their focus: the engineer develops the tools and software for 3D applications, while the artist creates the visual content. Both roles often collaborate in industries like gaming and film but require distinct skill sets and responsibilities.

What types of projects do 3D Software Engineers typically work on, and how do they collaborate with other teams?

3D Software Engineers often work on developing graphics engines, simulation tools, or interactive applications that rely on complex 3D visualizations. These projects may involve tasks such as optimizing rendering pipelines, implementing new graphical features, or integrating physics engines. Collaboration is a key aspect, as 3D Software Engineers frequently work with artists, designers, and product managers to ensure visual fidelity and performance align with project goals. Regular code reviews, cross-functional meetings, and iterative prototyping are common practices to maintain alignment and foster innovation.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced software engineers, especially those in specialized fields like machine learning, AI, or working at top tech companies, can earn $500,000 or more annually. Senior roles often include stock options, bonuses, and other compensation components that contribute to such high earnings.
What are popular job titles related to 3D Software Engineer jobs in California? For 3D Software Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching 3D Software Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for 3D Software Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for 3D Software Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most 3D Software Engineer job openings:
3D Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various 3D Software Engineer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $145,592 per year, or $70 per hour.
Sr. C++ Software Development Engineer - 3D Data and Editing

Sr. C++ Software Development Engineer - 3D Data and Editing

Esri

Redlands, CA

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Esri rating

9.5

Company rating: 9.5 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 202 rated software companies

Job description

Overview

Over the past decade, 3D computer graphics and web-based 3D technologies have advanced at an incredible pace, and our 3D software development team is at the forefront of this innovation. We are building the world's leading geospatial mapping and data analysis platform, serving millions of users across a wide range of industries. Our software is designed to be modular, reusable, and exceptionally well-crafted to meet the needs of a diverse global community We work in a fast-paced, iterative environment, continuously improving through user feedback, performance metrics, and evolving industry trends.

We are looking to bring a skilled developer onto the team to apply their expertise in industry-standard CAD and 3D formats, level of detail (LOD) generation, mesh simplification and compression techniques, real-time rendering, and spatial data structures for optimized 3D content in large-scale database systems. Strong software engineering and mathematical skills, along with a solid understanding of database technologies, are essential for success in this role.

Join us and help push the boundaries of 3D technology to deliver powerful, real-world solutions.

Responsibilities

  • Build C++ software components that follow industry-standard design patterns, development methodologies, and deployment models
  • Work closely with product engineers to implement requirements and create application architectures and API to meet product goals
  • Design and develop stable software that includes automated test validation
  • Develop reusable components and libraries for use internally and as open source
  • Work within agile processes for short cycle, fast-paced delivery
  • Take on complex goals that push the boundary of the possible
  • Solve and articulate complex problems through application design, development, and exemplary user experiences

Requirements

  • 5+ years of experience developing robust code and exceptional problem-solving skills using C++ (C++20, STL) 
  • Experience with industry standard 3D formats such as DWG, IFC, FBX, OBJ, glTF, USD, Collada, CityGML
  • Experience with database system such as Postgres, Oracle, or SQL Server
  • Understanding of algorithms, data structures, and design patterns
  • Knowledge of Agile development methodologies and test-driven development processes
  • Experience developing software that runs in a cloud
  • Experience with application scripting languages (such as Python, JavaScript) and web protocols and formats such as REST and JSON
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, GIS, or related field

Recommended Qualifications

  • Master's degree or Ph.D. in computer science, engineering, mathematics, GIS, or related field
  • Strong knowledge of C#
  • Experience with data visualization, mapping, projections, and GIS
  • Experience in 3D data processing
  • Familiarity with Esri ArcGIS Platform

#LI-RC2

#LI-Onsite

What Esri employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

ESRI logo

About ESRI

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our passion for improving quality of life through geography is at the heart of everything we do. Esri's geographic information system (GIS) technology inspires and enables governments, universities, and businesses worldwide to save money, lives, and our environment through a deeper understanding of the changing world around them.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Redlands, CA, US

Year founded

1969

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