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Clay Modeler Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Green Valley Country Club

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 ...

Bobyard, Inc

GTM Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

You'll own the infrastructure that ties together Clay, Equals, HubSpot, Lemlist, and our broader ... Own and architect HubSpot - building workflows, automations, data models, and integrations that ...

Hightouch

Go-to-Market Engineer

San Francisco, CA

$160K - $220K/yr

Design and build agentic workflows using tools like Clay, Claude, and Hightouch that replace manual ... You stay on top of AI releases, you experiment constantly, and you get excited when a new model ...

Sierra

Vendor Security Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Before founding Sierra, Clay spent 18 years at Google, where he most recently led Google Labs ... When a model provider changes terms, updates a model, or discloses a security issue, you're the ...

Sierra

Sales Compensation Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Before that, Clay led the product and design teams for Google Workspace. Role Sierra is hiring a Sales Compensation expert to own the design, modeling, and administration of compensation programs ...

WorkWhile

GTM Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Planning & Modeling: Partner with leadership to drive annual/quarterly planning, capacity modeling ... Expert proficiency with Clay (waterfall enrichment, AI research agents, intent signaling), Nooks ...

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Clay Modeler information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$104.1K

How much do clay modeler jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 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 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 76% In-person, 12% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,894 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Kia Design - Senior Studio Engineer

Hyundai Motor Company

Irvine, CA • On-site

$130 - $170/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

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Kia Design Center is seeking a studio engineer to bridge design and engineering for innovative, feasible vehicle concepts.

WHAT YOU WILL DO
  • Design and engineer body structures and advanced packaging for concept programs.
  • Create compelling and innovative technical concept proposals to drive new design solutions.
  • Interpret engineering requirements and translate them into 3D design guides, demonstrating a strong understanding of how legal, feasibility, and cost requirements correlate with design proportions and execution.
  • Ensure engineering requirement proposals align with Kia’s brand identity, feasibility standards, and regulatory compliance.
  • Find innovative solutions to help designers meet production program engineering requirements.
  • Foster seamless communication between the Engineering Department in Korea and the US Design Team.
  • Create detailed studies and propose alternative technical solutions to support and enhance design concepts.
  • Create model check documents, generate design model and competitor comparisons, and effectively communicate results to design counterparts.
  • Organize and manage 2D and 3D production data.
  • Analyze concepts through both 3D digital simulations and physical prototypes.
  • Collaborate with design, digital modeling, clay modeling, visualization, and global engineering teams to support project development up to design freeze.
  • Handle multiple engineering design tasks independently, ensuring timely delivery while coordinating cross‑functional activities across departments.
  • Communicate technical information, project updates, and results clearly to project owners, leadership, and relevant stakeholders.
  • Coordinate show cars, special projects, and the organization of relevant project data on a technical level.
  • Support Kia’s long‑term strategic vision by contributing to innovation and advanced design studies, while fostering strong collaboration in a multicultural, cross‑functional environment.
  • Proactively study and monitor new technologies and structures that could be implemented into design proposals.
  • Research new developments in platforms, engineering, and emerging technologies that could influence the design of future vehicles.
WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ROLE
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of experience working in automotive engineering (studio experience preferred).
  • Deep understanding of vehicle architecture, engineering feasibility, and production constraints.
  • Excellent communication skills in both English and Korean.
  • Strong appreciation for design and creative processes.
  • Passion for vehicles and future mobility solutions.
  • Advanced proficiency in CATIA V5 and MS Office.
  • Proven ability to manage 2–3 concurrent design tasks or projects efficiently.
  • Proactive, independent, and collaborative working style.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to thrive in multicultural and cross‑functional environments.
WHAT HYUNDAI CAN OFFER YOU
  • Zero dollar employee premiums on Medical, Dental, and Vision for you and your family
  • 100% employer‑paid disability and life insurance
  • Generous paid time off including vacation, sick and abundant holidays
  • A global environment that fosters diversity
  • Retirement savings and planning benefits
  • Access to health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts
  • California Annual Compensation Range: $130,000-$170,000. (please note, compensation ranges may vary)
OTHER DETAILS

Candidates applying for positions with Hyundai KIA must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

HATCI is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled and Veteran.VEVRAAFederal contractor.

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