ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

3D Software Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ETAP Software

Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

The Software Engineer will develop and maintain electrical systems applications that deliver ... Responsibilities : • Design, develop, and maintain 3D visualization applications for electrical ...

Adobe

Sr. Software Engineer - 3D Workflows

San Jose, CA

$159K - $301K/yr

The Opportunity Adobe's 3D & Immersive organization is looking for a Full Stack Software Engineer with 3D pipeline experience to lead our 3D Workflows Team! You will help plan, invent, develop, and ...

Siegfried Engineering

Civil Project Engineer

Stockton, CA · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

Utilize AutoCAD and Civil 3D software for design and documentation * Collaborate with clients ... Professional Engineer (PE) license required * Proficiency in AutoCAD and Civil 3D software * Strong ...

Siegfried Engineering

Civil Project Engineer

Stockton, CA · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

Utilize AutoCAD and Civil 3D software for design and documentation * Collaborate with clients ... Professional Engineer (PE) license required * Proficiency in AutoCAD and Civil 3D software * Strong ...

ETAP

Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Job Title : Software Engineer -Power Systems Software Location: Irvine, CA Employment Type ... Design, develop, and maintain 3D visualization applications for electrical power systems * Extend ...

Freeform

Factory Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

As a Factory Software Engineer, you will develop and deploy software systems for autonomous metal 3D printing factories, impacting performance, reliability, and scalability of factory systems.

Aveva

Software Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

Job Title : Software Engineer -Power Systems Software Location: Irvine, CA Employment Type ... Design, develop, and maintain 3D visualization applications for electrical power systems * Extend ...

Freeform

Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$115K - $150K/yr

As a Software Engineer at Freeform, you will play a key role in developing and deploying the software systems that power our autonomous metal 3D printing factories. You'll work with a talented ...

Freeform

Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

As a Software Engineer at Freeform, you will play a key role in developing and deploying the software systems that power our autonomous metal 3D printing factories. You'll work with a talented ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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 24, 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 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, 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 11 days ago

Esri rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 217 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

View All ESRI Jobs

Apply