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Clay Modeler Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

InnerPlant

Agronomic Modeler (Corn)

Davis, CA · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

We are seeking an Agronomic Modeler to refine and continuously improve the corn disease and pest models behind our commercial product, CropVoice. The CropVoice platform translates signals from our ...

InnerPlant

Agronomic Modeler (Corn)

Davis, CA · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

We are seeking an Agronomic Modeler to refine and continuously improve the corn disease and pest models behind our commercial product, CropVoice. The CropVoice platform translates signals from our ...

InnerPlant

Agronomic Modeler (Corn)

Davis, CA · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

We are seeking an Agronomic Modeler to refine and continuously improve the corn disease and pest models behind our commercial product, CropVoice. The CropVoice platform translates signals from our ...

Ford Motor Company

Physical Modeler

Long Beach, CA · Hybrid

$109K - $182K/yr

Physical / Clay Modeling Certificate Program. You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor ...

Ford Motor Company

Physical Modeler

Long Beach, CA · Hybrid

$109K - $182K/yr

Alias Experience in concept and production model builds Physical / Clay Modeling Certificate Program. You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've ...

Ford Motor Company

Physical Modeler

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$109K - $182K/yr

Physical / Clay Modeling Certificate Program. You may not check every box, or your experience may look a little different from what we've outlined, but if you think you can bring value to Ford Motor ...

Clay Labs

Data Scientist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$170K - $300K/yr

... models, and designing new metrics to guide out business. Data scientists at Clay are strategic leaders and trusted truth-tellers. Plus, we are among the fastest growing AI businesses, and our team is ...

Clay Labs

Machine Learning Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$170K - $300K/yr

... Clay to make their surfaces smarter. What You'll Bring 5+ years in machine learning engineering or ML-heavy software engineering, with models and ML-powered features shipped to production Strong ...

Green Valley Country Club

Be Seen First

Food Server

Fairfield, CA · On-site

$17/hr

He utilized plywood and clay models to sculpt green contours and bunker shapes. The Club has had further renovations completed by Architects Robert Muir Graves and Damian Pascuzzo.

Sierra

Partnerships Operations Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$250K - $290K/yr

Before that, Clay led the product and design teams for Google Workspace. The role This is a ... Develop partner economics and pricing models, including business cases, ROI analyses, revenue-share ...

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All JobsClay Modeler JobsClay Modeler Jobs in California

Clay Modeler information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$104.1K

How much do clay modeler jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for clay modeler in California is $95,894.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,800.00 and $103,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a clay modeler?

Clay modelers are skilled professionals who create full-scale or scaled physical models, usually out of clay, to help visualize the design of products such as cars, toys, or consumer goods. In the automotive industry, clay modelers play a crucial role by turning designers' sketches and digital renderings into tangible, three-dimensional prototypes. These models allow designers and engineers to assess the look, feel, and functionality of a design before it goes into production. Clay modeling is both an artistic and technical job, requiring a keen eye for detail and craftsmanship.

What does a clay modeler do?

The job duties of a clay modeler include creating a 3D model based on a design sketch or a 2D concept image. Clay modeling involves working to develop full-size models that have accurate measurements and details. Your responsibilities in this career depend on the type of industry for which you are making the models. You may work in auto design or create images for appliances, boats, or other large manufactured items. Your models focus on surface areas, though you may also need to provide models of interior spaces.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a clay modeler, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Clay Modeler, you need expertise in sculpting, a strong understanding of form and proportion, and experience with automotive or industrial design, often supported by a relevant degree or vocational training. Familiarity with specialized tools like modeling knives, wire loops, and sometimes digital sculpting software such as Autodesk Alias is common in the field. Attention to detail, creativity, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with designers and engineers. These skills ensure the creation of accurate, visually appealing prototypes that guide the product development process.

How do clay modelers typically collaborate with designers and engineers during the automotive design process?

Clay modelers work closely with both designers and engineers to bring vehicle concepts to life, translating 2D sketches and digital renderings into full-scale or scale models. They frequently participate in feedback sessions, where designers suggest aesthetic adjustments and engineers provide input on feasibility and manufacturing constraints. This collaborative environment requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and an ability to interpret and respond to a range of creative and technical inputs. Clay modelers are often integral members of multidisciplinary design teams and their input is valued throughout iterative design reviews.

What is the difference between Clay Modeler vs Sculptor?

AspectClay ModelerSculptor
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in art, sculpture, or related field; specialized training in clay modelingOften has formal art education; skills in various sculpting materials, including clay, stone, or metal
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, animation, film, or toy industries; working with clay and modeling toolsArt studios, galleries, public spaces; working with diverse sculpting materials
Industry UsageCommon in animation, character design, product prototypingFound in fine arts, public art, and sculpture commissions

While both roles involve sculpting skills, a Clay Modeler specializes in creating detailed models primarily for animation, design, or prototyping using clay. A Sculptor has a broader focus on creating artistic sculptures in various materials, often for fine art or public displays. The roles overlap in skills but differ in purpose and industry application.

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For Clay Modeler jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Clay Modeler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Clay Modeler job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 71% In-person, and 29% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $95,894 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Digital Automotive Design Modeler

Meyers Manx

Irvine, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled Digital Automotive Design Modeler to join our design studio. This role bridges creative design intent and engineering feasibility, translating sketches and design concepts into precise, production-viable 3D surface models. The ideal candidate combines strong artistic sensibility with technical discipline and is fluent across the modern automotive design toolchain — including class-A surfacing, real-time visualization, and AR/VR design review workflows.


Key Responsibilities

  • Develop exterior and/or interior class-A and class-B surface models from 2D sketches, clay models, or design briefs, ensuring accurate proportion, form language, and surface quality
  • Build and refine digital models through all stages of the design process — concept, exploration, refinement, and production handoff
  • Collaborate closely with designers, engineers, and studio engineers to balance creative vision with manufacturing and packaging constraints
  • Produce and manage real-time visualization scenes for design reviews, milestone presentations, and executive walkthroughs
  • Set up and present designs in AR/VR environments for immersive, full-scale design evaluation
  • Maintain surface continuity, tangency, and curvature standards across complex automotive forms
  • Support design sign-off processes by preparing models for CAS (Class-A Surfacing) handoff to engineering teams
  • Iterate quickly based on design and engineering feedback while maintaining data integrity
  • Contribute to the development and improvement of digital modeling workflows and studio best practices


Required Skills & Experience

  • 5–10 years of professional experience in automotive or transportation digital design modeling
  • Proficiency in Autodesk Alias (Class-A surfacing, sketching, and concept modeling)
  • Working knowledge of Blender for concept exploration, visualization, or asset preparation
  • Experience with Autodesk VRED for real-time rendering, lighting, and design review presentations
  • Experience with Unreal Engine for real-time visualization and interactive design reviews
  • Working knowledge of Gravity Sketch or similar AR/VR sketching and design tools
  • Strong understanding of surfacing principles: curvature continuity (G0/G1/G2/G3), reflection quality, and class-A standards
  • Solid grasp of automotive form, proportion, and design language
  • Engineering background or strong technical understanding (mechanical, industrial, or automotive engineering) preferred
  • Ability to interpret and work from 2D sketches, tape drawings, or physical/digital clay data

    • Preferred Qualifications

    • Bachelor's degree in Transportation Design, Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
    • Experience Level: 5–10 Years
    • Experience working with physical clay modeling teams and understanding the digital-clay feedback loop
    • Familiarity with CAD/CAS data exchange and downstream engineering handoff processes
    • Experience presenting in AR/VR/immersive design review environments
    • Understanding of manufacturing constraints (stamping, molding, tooling) as they relate to surface design
    • Portfolio demonstrating strong surfacing craftsmanship and automotive design sensibility


    What We're Looking For

    A hybrid creative-technical thinker who can move fluidly between artistic surface refinement and engineering-informed problem solving, while staying current with emerging real-time and immersive design tools. We welcome candidates across a range of experience levels — from strong mid-career modelers to seasoned senior specialists.

    Apply