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3D Vehicle Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ORA_ON_SITE Description The 3D Environmental Artist is an entry-to-mid-level technical artist ... vehicles, and surrounding infrastructure. * Produce optimized assets suitable for real-time ...

New

Job Title 3D Visualization Artist About Canoo Canoo's mission is to bring EVs to Everyone and build ... We have developed breakthrough electric vehicles that are reinventing the automotive landscape with ...

Senior Concept Artist

Cary, NC · On-site

$117K - $140K/yr

Produce clean, buildable production concepts that give 3D Artists, Environment Artists, and ... vehicles, organic environments, and stylized design * Proficiency in Photoshop, Procreate, or ...

This individual will need an eye for detail, artistic ability, and technical capacity to learn advanced software programs and vehicle configuration data and systems. This includes taking 3D data ...

This individual will need an eye for detail, artistic ability, and technical capacity to learn advanced software programs and vehicle configuration data and systems. This includes taking 3D data ...

The ideal candidate is a well-rounded 3D artist with strong skills in modeling, surfacing, layout ... Create high-quality real-time assets including characters, environments, vehicles, weapons, and ...

The ideal candidate is a well-rounded 3D artist with strong skills in modeling, surfacing, layout ... Create high-quality real-time assets including characters, environments, vehicles, weapons, and ...

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3D Vehicle Artist information

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How much do 3d vehicle artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3d vehicle artist in the United States is $39.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.16 and $48.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the 3D Vehicle Artist position, and why are they important?

A 3D Vehicle Artist requires expertise in 3D modeling, texturing, and rendering, underpinned by a solid understanding of form, scale, and mechanical detail. Mastery of software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, 3ds Max, Substance Painter, and Photoshop is typically expected, and experience with game engines like Unreal or Unity is highly valued. Creativity, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for excelling in this field. These qualifications ensure artists can produce visually compelling, technically accurate vehicle assets that meet project requirements and integrate smoothly with multidisciplinary teams.

What is a 3D Vehicle Artist job?

A 3D Vehicle Artist is responsible for designing, modeling, and texturing vehicles for video games, films, simulations, or other digital media. They create high-quality, detailed vehicle assets that match the project’s artistic style and technical requirements. Their work involves using 3D software like Blender, Maya, or 3ds Max, along with texturing tools like Substance Painter. Understanding real-world vehicle mechanics and proportions is essential to ensuring accuracy. They often collaborate with concept artists, animators, and technical artists to bring visually compelling and functional vehicles to life.

What types of teams and departments does a 3D Vehicle Artist typically collaborate with?

3D Vehicle Artists frequently work alongside concept artists, environment artists, animators, and technical artists to ensure assets fit seamlessly into the visual and functional requirements of a game or simulation. Collaboration with design and engineering teams is also common to maintain accuracy and achieve optimal performance in digital environments. Daily interactions may include feedback sessions, asset reviews, and troubleshooting meetings to address any technical or artistic challenges. Working well within these interdisciplinary teams not only speeds up production but also allows for the sharing of ideas to enhance the final product.

What cities are hiring for 3D Vehicle Artist jobs? Cities with the most 3D Vehicle Artist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of 3D Vehicle Artist jobs? The most popular types of 3D Vehicle Artist jobs are:
What states have the most 3D Vehicle Artist jobs? States with the most job openings for 3D Vehicle Artist jobs include:
Infographic showing various 3D Vehicle Artist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,070 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

3D Environmental Artist

SAIC

Orlando, FL

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

74th of 220 rated it services


Job description

Job ID: 2615075

Location: Orlando, FL, US

Date Posted: 2026-07-29

Category: Administration

Subcategory:

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: No

Minimum Clearance Required: None

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Public Trust

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

The 3D Environmental Artist is an entry-to-mid-level technical artist responsible for supporting the development, modification, and maintenance of airport Visual Databases (VDBs). Working under the direction of a senior VDB Developer, this individual creates and refines 3D assets, terrain features, airport infrastructure, environmental elements, and supporting visual content that contribute to realistic, operationally accurate airport environments.

This position focuses on implementing the senior VDB Developer's vision by constructing detailed airport environments, creating high-quality 3D assets, and ensuring visual fidelity while meeting real-time simulation performance requirements.

Key Responsibilities

3D Asset Development:

  • Create and modify 3D models for airport terminals, control towers, hangars, buildings, signage, lighting, fencing, vehicles, and surrounding infrastructure.
  • Produce optimized assets suitable for real-time simulation while maintaining high visual quality.
  • Create and apply textures, materials, and lighting using modern PBR workflows.
  • Develop reusable asset libraries for common airport structures and environmental objects.

Airport Environment Construction:

  • Assemble airport environments from source imagery, engineering drawings, GIS data, and reference photography.
  • Place and align airport objects according to the design guidance provided by senior VDB Developers.
  • Build terrain features, roadways, parking areas, vegetation, and surrounding landmarks.
  • Implement runway markings, taxiway signage, lighting systems, and airport infrastructure.
  • Support development of airport environments for all designated FAA Air Traffic Control Towers (ATCTs).

Visual Refinement & Optimization:

  • Improve visual quality through texture refinement, lighting adjustments, and asset optimization.
  • Support development of environmental effects including day/night operations, seasonal conditions, and weather visualization.
  • Assist with animation of environmental objects and airport assets where required.
  • Optimize models to maintain required simulation performance.

Quality Assurance Support:

  • Verify models for proper scale, placement, texture mapping, and rendering performance.
  • Correct visual defects identified during QA reviews.
  • Participate in iterative design reviews with senior developers and subject matter experts.
  • Ensure all assets comply with established modeling, naming, and performance standards.

Repository & Configuration Support:

  • Maintain models, textures, and supporting files within the program configuration management system.
  • Follow version control procedures for all visual assets.
  • Package assets for integration into the Visual Database.
  • Maintain organized project documentation and asset libraries.

Collaboration:

  • Work closely with senior VDB Developers, Scenario Developers, Systems Engineers, and software developers.
  • Participate in Agile sprint planning, backlog refinement, and design reviews.
  • Support rapid implementation of airport modifications and visual updates.

Qualifications

Required Education:

  • Currently pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor's degree in one of the following fields:
    • Computer Graphics
    • Game Art
    • Digital Media
    • Animation
    • Visual Effects (VFX)
    • Environmental Design
    • Architecture
    • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
    • A related technical or artistic discipline
  • An Associate's degree, technical certification, portfolio, or equivalent practical experience may be considered in lieu of a Bachelor's degree.

Required Experience:

  • Professional experience is preferred but not required. Ideal candidates will demonstrate knowledge, coursework, internships, or personal project work in one or more of the following areas:
    • 3D modeling, rendering, or environment creation for games, simulation, visualization, or digital media.
    • Modern 3D modeling software such as Blender, Autodesk 3ds Max, Maya, or equivalent
    • Creation of optimized assets for real-time rendering
    • Physically Based Rendering (PBR) materials and texturing workflows
    • Interpretation of aerial imagery, engineering drawings, or reference photography
    • Basic understanding of version control systems
  • A strong portfolio demonstrating technical ability and artistic quality may be considered in lieu of professional experience.

Required Clearance:

  • Must be a U.S. citizen and be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.

Preferred Experience:

  • Flight simulation scenery development (Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane, Prepar3D, DCS, etc.)
  • Airport scenery creation or aviation-related environments
  • Unreal Engine or Unity
  • GIS data processing and terrain development
  • OpenFlight or Common Database (CDB/OpenCDB)
  • Familiarity with FAA airport diagrams and aviation charting
  • Experience working in Agile software development environments

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Proficiency with 3D modeling and texturing tools such as Blender, Autodesk 3ds Max, Maya, or equivalent
  • Understanding of real-time rendering and performance optimization techniques
  • Ability to accurately implement designs and direction provided by senior VDB Developers
  • Strong artistic eye for detail, scale, lighting, and environmental realism
  • Ability to rapidly incorporate review feedback and iterate on designs
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Collaborative team player capable of working across multidisciplinary teams including VDB Developers, Scenario Developers, Systems Engineers, and software developers


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