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Clay Modeler Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 · On-site

$109K - $182K/yr

Alias. • Experience in concept and production model builds. • College Degree in related field. • Physical / Clay Modeling Certificate Program. You may not check every box, or your experience ...

Actalent

Mill Operator - Powermill

La Canada Flintridge, CA · On-site

$24.25 - $32.25/hr

Collaborate closely with designers, digital sculptors, clay modelers, and engineering personnel to support vehicle development programs and design iterations. * Inspect completed parts for ...

Aptera Motors

Aerodynamicist

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$104K - $141K/yr

Comfort with clay modeling and surface modification for rapid shape iteration. * Valid driver's license and genuine comfort behind the wheel of a test vehicle. Team Structure * Individual contributor ...

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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 Aug 7, 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 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 much does a car clay modeler make?

A car clay modeler typically earns between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Skilled modelers with advanced tools and certifications may earn higher salaries, especially in automotive design studios or manufacturing companies.

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.

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.

More about Clay Modeler jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Clay Modeler jobs in California? The most popular types of Clay Modeler jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Clay Modeler jobs in California? For Clay Modeler jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Clay Modeler jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Clay Modeler jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Clay Modeler jobs? Cities in California with the most Clay Modeler job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Clay Modeler jobs in CA? For Clay Modeler jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Clay Modeler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Clay Modeler job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,894 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Groundwater Modeler

Larry Walker Associates Incorporated

La Jolla, CA • On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Larry Walker Associates is seeking a Groundwater Modeler to support numerical modeling and technical analysis on groundwater projects throughout California. This role is suited to candidates with more than 4 years of professional experience who are passionate about groundwater modeling and want to apply their expertise across a range of complex projects. The successful candidate will work with teams to develop and apply groundwater models in support of SGMA compliance, basin characterization, water resources planning, and regulatory reporting.

Key Responsibilities
  • Develop, calibrate, and apply numerical groundwater flow and transport models using MODFLOW (e.g., MODFLOW-6, MODFLOW-OWHM, MODFLOW-USG) and/or DWR integrated hydrologic models (IWFM, C2VSim)
  • Perform model parameter estimation and uncertainty analysis
  • Develop and evaluate model input datasets including hydrostratigraphy, recharge, pumping, and water quality using R or Python, specialized software, and GIS
  • Conduct scenario analyses to evaluate groundwater management strategies, pumping impacts, and recharge effectiveness
  • Use model outputs to support basin management, facilitate stakeholder engagement, and meet regulatory requirements
  • Prepare clear and well-documented technical reports, model documentation, and presentations
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in Geology, Hydrologic Sciences, Civil/Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience with MODFLOW-based numerical groundwater modeling (e.g., MODFLOW-6, MODFLOW-OWHM, MODFLOW-USG, MODFLOW-NWT) or equivalent
  • 4 years of professional experience in hydrogeology, or water resources engineering
  • Proficiency in Python or R for scripting, data processing, and model pre/post-processing
  • Strong technical writing skills with the ability to document model construction, calibration, and results clearly for both technical and regulatory audiences
  • Willingness to travel as needed
Highly Desirable Skills and Qualifications
  • Experience with IWFM, C2VSim, or other integrated surface water–groundwater modeling frameworks used by DWR
  • Familiarity with California water data systems (DWR, GAMA, CIMIS, OpenET, DDW, CEDEN) for model input development and data validation
  • Professional registration (e.g., PG, CHG, PE) in California is highly desired
  • Excellent work ethic, self-directed, and highly motivated
  • Valid driver's license
What We Offer
  • LWA’s total compensation package includes a competitive salary, an annual bonus program, a fully funded profit-sharing retirement program, a full range of health benefit offerings (including medical, dental, vision, life, and long-time disability insurance), flexible paid vacation time, paid sick leave, 10 paid holidays a year, and an annual training budget which includes conference attendance and support to obtain professional licensure.
  • Our company is organized into self-directed teams that provide opportunities for employees to take responsibility for their own career path, work on diverse and interesting projects, and assume leadership roles from day one. Technical staff are directly involved in project leadership, client engagement, and strategic decision-making.
  • LWA is committed to our values of passion for excellence, caring, building meaningful relationships, forward thinking, and serving the public good, and our successful employees embody the behaviors that support those values. We are known for taking great care of our clients and employees alike.
About Larry Walker Associates

Larry Walker Associates (LWA) is a small, family-owned environmental engineering and consulting firm based in Davis, California with regional offices in Berkeley, San Diego, Santa Monica, Ventura, Yreka, and Seattle. Our Groundwater team currently supports GSP implementation in 15 basins across California and has led the development of 5 GSPs, with expertise ranging from numerical modeling and groundwater recharge to basin-scale water quality planning under CV-SALTS. LWA is a Certified Evergreen® company and was recognized by the Tugboat Institute as one of the 2025 Best Evergreen Companies for our commitment to long-term purpose, a people-first culture, and sustainable growth. LWA is privately held, built to last, and focused on serving the public good, including its employees, clients, and communities. As an Evergreen® business, LWA is committed to upholding the Evergreen 7Ps® principles: Purpose, Perseverance, People First, Private, Profit, Paced Growth, and Pragmatic Innovation.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Larry Walker Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered for all positions based on experience and education, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, medical condition, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, reproductive health decision-making, genetic information/characteristics, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy governs all aspects of employment including recruiting, hiring, job assignment, promotion, compensation, training, access to benefits, discipline, and termination.